Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe Offers a Choice of V8 or V12 Power
07/01/2009
Mercedes-Benz
The flagship Mercedes-Benz CL coupe line for 2010 features four distinct models - the all-wheel-drive V8-powered CL550 4MATIC (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque) and three rear-wheel-drive models - the CL63 AMG (518 hp, 465 lb.-ft.) and the 12-cylinder CL600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) and CL65 AMG (604 hp, 738 lb.-ft.). All 2010 CL coupes come with a new audio system with integrated Bluetooth, HD radio, a four-gigabyte music register, whole-word voice recognition, USB and SD card sockets, and Zagat hotel, golf and restaurant rating information. 2010 CL coupes are also fitted with a wood / premium leather steering wheel, modified switches, larger outside mirrors and multi-color ambient lighting (which can be selected in three hues - amber, white or ice-blue).
PRE-SAFE(R) Brake Can Automatically Apply Partial Braking in Emergencies
The launch of the current-generation CL coupe marked the debut of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature - PRE-SAFE(R) brake, which applies partial braking in certain types of emergencies. Any CL coupe fitted with the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system can reap the benefits of PRE-SAFE Brake.
Standard on all CL coupe models, the "basic" PRE-SAFE(R) system automatically tightens the front seat belts during those valuable seconds just before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat (and optional power rear seats) move to positions that can provide better protection. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof closes as well. Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags, and special seat cushions can inflate to provide greater lateral support for occupants and to help the side air bags provide even better collision protection.
For 2010, non-AMG CL models come with Direct Steer, which uses variable-ratio gearing in the steering rack to provide impressive on-center steering feel, with even higher responsive-ness beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. In contrast to the electronics of ATTENTION ASSIST, Direct Steer is purely a mechanical system that minimizes steering effort during cornering and in low-speed maneuvers such as parking.
Radar-Based Blind Spot Assist and Park Assist
The DISTRONIC PLUS system includes Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots and warns the driver whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot. DISTRONIC PLUS also incorporates Park Assist, which utilizes six radar sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers - eliminating the need for the visible "portholes" of the previous ultrasonic-based system. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a "P" in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When reverse gear is engaged, the parking system superimposes guidance lines on the rear-view camera display, and the guidance lines actually change with steering input to make parking easier.
DISTRONIC PLUS Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system uses radar sensors to help maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead. The latest system can actually brake the car to a full stop and accelerate it again. DISTRONIC PLUS works at speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic.
Short-range 24-gigahertz radar sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan-shaped 80-degree pattern, working in tandem with a narrower nine-degree beam of longer-range radar. The two radar frequencies complement each other to cover a full range of more than 160 yards - more than 1½ football fields. During approval of the new radar frequency, government agencies cited its potential to improve traffic safety, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend
The CL550 comes with standard-equipment 4MATIC all-wheel drive. As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.
The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is cleanly integrated into the automatic transmission so it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. Fuel efficiency has been improved, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.
AMG Racing Success Spawns High-Power V8 Engine
While the CL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque; the CL63 AMG features a 6.3-liter V8 that produces 518 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the high-rpm engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG's highly successful racing efforts.
Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the AMG engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold. The cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, an innovative process that results in impressively low friction with running surfaces twice as hard as conventional cylinders.
Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out
The CL63 AMG can be identified by unique body styling, alloy wheels, sports suspension and high-performance brake system - all designed by AMG specifically for this new model. When equipped with the AMG Performance Package, the CL63 can achieve an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph on 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels. A muscular front bumper with large air intakes houses round fog lights ringed in chrome, and a "6.3 AMG" badge marks each front fender. Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front bumper to the rear, where an AMG rear apron emphasizes the width of the vehicle. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the new models.
Inside the CL63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport steering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour leather sport seats finished in special piping. Finishing the interior is an exclusive analog clock based on the design of the "IWC-Ingenieur" series in the center of the dashboard.
A Sport-Comfort-Manual button on the center console allows the driver to choose between the three different transmission shift programs that also fine-tune accelerator pedal response and sport-suspension spring and shock absorber settings.
Active Suspension and Powerful Brakes
The CL63 AMG suspension and brake systems are designed for high-performance driving. AMG makes good use of the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension, tuning it for even flatter cornering and less body movement when accelerating and braking.
The AMG twin sliding calipers on the front brakes combine the performance of a large fixed caliper with the distinct advantages of a floating caliper - primarily lower heat transfer to the brake fluid. Large compound brake discs -- 15.4 inches in diameter up front and 14.4 inches in the rear - help ensure short stopping distances even during high-speed driving. The CL63 AMG sedan comes with 20-inch staggered-width AMG light alloy wheels, 8.5 inches wide in front and 9.5 inches at the rear, wearing low-profile 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tires.
V12 Power for the CL Coupe
Turning to the V12 side of the CL family, the CL600 is equipped in the spirit of the legendary 600-Class "Grand Mercedes." Fitted with greater levels of wood and leather trim, the V12-powered flagship comes with virtually all options as standard equipment, including DISTRONIC PLUS with Park Assist, infrared Nightview Assist, Keyless-Go, rear view camera, ABC active suspension, three-zone climate control, and an integrated hands-free communication system with voice control.
Twin-Turbo V12 Engine
Powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine that generates 510 horsepower and an astonishing 612 lb.-ft. of torque, the CL600 model blends the whisper-smooth performance of the flagship Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan with the astonishing power of a twin-turbo V12 engine. At the same time, the bi-turbo V12 comes clothed in luxury, convenience and refinement that define its rarified market. The 60-degree V12 engine provides effortless thrust with turbine-like smoothness and a vast power band that reaches peak torque as low as 1,800 rpm.
With the high-tech engine, Direct-Select five-speed transmission and state-of-the art aerodynamics, the new S600 can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 4.5 seconds, quicker than many sports cars.
6.0-Liter V12 AMG Engine Redefines Performance
The CL65 AMG features a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 604 horsepower and an astounding 738 lb-ft of torque. While the formidable engine can accelerate the car from zero to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, the super-smooth twelve-cylinder powerplant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising.
The CL65 AMG engine features a number of high-tech modifications, including a precision-balanced longer-stroke crankshaft, larger-bore forged pistons and beefier bearings and oil-spray cooling system. The twelve-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility in Affalterbach, Germany. The "one-man, one-engine" philosophy at AMG is symbolized by a signature plate on the engine that bears the name of the master technician who assembled the engine.
Stopping Power to Match Performance
To handle the high power output of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the front brakes of the CL65 AMG are equipped with high-performance twin sliding calipers. The CL65's compound brake discs measure 15.4 inches in diameter up front and 14.4 inches in the rear.
These immense brakes are also vented and cross-drilled for effective cooling and short stopping distances, even from high speeds. At the rear, frame-type sliding calipers do the work. High-performance tires (255 / 35 ZR 20 in front and 275 / 35 ZR 20 at the rear) are mounted on forged 20-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels (8.5 inches up front and 9.5 in the rear).
While all CL-Class models are equipped with ABC active suspension that offers an unparalleled combination of ride quality and handling agility, the CL65 AMG is equipped with special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. Reworked dynamic systems such as ESC stability control and ASR traction control complement the enhanced chassis setup.
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