The AMG main menu also provides the driver with information about the temperature of the engine oil and coolant. With the RACETIMER, the driver can calculate lap times - when on a private racing circuit, for instance. The RACETIMER records the time for the fastest lap, the average and maximum speeds and the lap distance. One of the most eye-catching features in the interior is the exclusive analogue clock with its "IWC Ingenieur" design in the center console.

Standard equipment includes 12-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with Memory package, Seat Comfort package with front active multicontour seats including massage and dynamic handling function, with seat heating and ventilation, PRE-SAFE positioning function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints.

All-New V8 Biturbo Engine

The new AMG 5.5-liter biturbo engine combines performance, innovation and efficiency to a previously unknown extent. This is made possible by a unique combination of innovative high-tech systems such as direct gasoline injection, twin turbochargers, air/water intercooling and the Controlled Efficiency stop/start function. The result: a maximum output (with the optional AMG Performance Package) of up to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes-AMG is systematically following the trend towards increasing efficiency: with a displacement of 5461 cc it is precisely 747 cc below the 6208 cc of the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. Nevertheless, it develops more output and torque. The 2011 CL63 AMG develops a peak output of 536 hp and maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance Package these figures increase to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft.

Despite an increase in horsepower and torque as compared to the naturally aspirated V8, AMG engineers have been able to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions considerably. With an estimated fuel savings of 27 percent, engine specialists consider this to be nothing less than a quantum leap. CO2 emissions have likewise been significantly reduced by approximately 30.

These improvements in efficiency and environmental protection have no negative effects on the car's performance. On the contrary, as the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo fully lives-up to AMG's brand commitment to "performance": the CL63 AMG accelerates from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). With the AMG Performance package, the highperformance Coupé reaches the 60 mph mark in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited).

Characteristic Sound Signature

The twin-pipe AMG sports exhaust system has a pipe cross-section of 2.76 inches from the manifolds to the rear silencers. When designing the sound, the aim was to create a perfect synthesis of aggressiveness and the comfort on long journeys that is the hallmark of a Mercedes. The goal of the developers was to achieve an emotional experience when accelerating and rev-matching, but unobtrusiveness at constant speeds. Unpleasant frequencies or droning noises were effectively eliminated during a series of painstaking tests. The sports exhaust system emits a sonorous eight-cylinder sound that is typical of AMG, while the striking chrome twin tailpipes feature a new design.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sports Transmission

Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission used exclusively by AMG. It combines high emotional appeal with outstanding driving dynamics and a high level of efficiency. A wet start-up clutch replaces a conventional torque converter, and helps to save fuel. The exemplary fuel economy is also in large measure due to the standard stop/start function. This system is active in the transmission's Controlled Efficiency ("C") mode, and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. In "C" mode the Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG always starts off in second gear, and the transmission shifts to the next, higher gears at a decidedly early stage. With its high torque at low engine speeds, the V8 engine encourages a smooth, effortless driving style.

The eight-cylinder biturbo engine also features a generator management system: whenever the engine is on the overrun or when braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted as heat in the usual way. In all other operating modes a combination of onboard network and generator management enables the generator to be kept at a low voltage. This reduces the load on the engine and saves fuel.

New AMG Triple-Spoke Light-Alloy Wheels

In visual terms, the 2011 CL 63 AMG has an even more athletic, confident appearance. The bonnet, headlamps, radiator grille, bicolour tail lamps and the newly designed AMG bodystyling all add more dynamism. The "V8 Biturbo" lettering on the mudguards points to the new powertrain. Also featuring a new look are theAMG triple-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, and fitted with 255/40 and 275/40 R19 tires. New in the interior are the AMG sports steering wheel with silver-colored aluminum shift paddles and specially shaped grip area covered with perforated nappa leather, as well as the "AMG V8 Biturbo" start screen in the AMG instrument cluster. As a new optional extra, SPLITVIEW is also available for the COMAND multimedia system.

A Unique Combination of Driver-Assistance Systems

The unique combination of innovative camera and radar-based driver-assistance systems has been enhanced even further with immediate effect with a view to perfecting the vehicle's active and passive safety. New optional extras now available for the 2011 CL 63 AMG include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind-Spot Assist. Active Lane Keeping Assist comes into play when the 2011 CL63 AMG unintentionally strays over a solid line on the right or left of a lane or on the outside of a bend. In such cases the Electronic Stability Program ESP applies the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle to prevent it from unintentionally straying from its lane.

Also new is the Active Blind Spot Assist, which warns the driver by displaying a red warning in the glass of the relevant exterior mirror when it detects that changing lanes would be too dangerous. If the driver ignores the warning signal and a vehicle in an adjacent lane comes too close, the ESP takes corrective action by applying the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle.

The 2011 CL63 AMG models will be in U.S. showrooms this November.

Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications