(continued from the previous page)

On-Board Infotainment

The standard COMAND control and display system with Bluetooth, USB and SD card interfaces offers customers the possibility of exporting their stored data to other vehicles and multimedia devices. Mercedes-Benz integrates the Media Interface - an interface for mobile audio and video devices - via an auxiliary cable located in the glovebox. Standard audio equipment also includes radio, a 6-disc CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the 7.2 GB MUSIC REGISTER which stores around 2,500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or WMA format. The system recognizes music files played on CD, DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote database, and shows the title, album and performer in the color display. The new Music Search function enables passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers.

The standard Navigation system features a nationwide map system stored on a 40-Gigabyte hard disk, enabling extremely rapid route calculation. A detailed 3-D map display with SIRIUS real-time traffic information makes travel even easier. The standard Voice Control system allows the driver to operate the navigation, telephone and audio devices via whole-word input when entering the destination, choosing a radio station or a music title from the Music Register, or when calling up a name from the phone book.

A Showcase of Safety and Convenience Features

All CL coupes are available with the innovative Splitview dual-content viewscreen, which allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie. CL coupes equipped with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS system also come with Active Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.

The optional Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.

Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

6.0-Liter V12 AMG Engine Redefines Performance

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG features a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 621 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.

Torque-Vectoring Brake

Standard on all CL coupes, a Torque Vectoring feature within the ESP stability control system is specifically designed to sharpen steering response during spirited driving. When sharp, aggressive steering inputs from the driver are sensed, brief braking pulses at the inside rear wheel help pivot the vehicle and improve active handling response.

Active Suspension and Powerful Brakes

The Mercedes-Benz CL65 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 help ensure short stopping distances even during high-speed driving.

The CL65 AMG sedan comes with 20-inch staggered 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.

ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions "Time For A Rest?"

Standard equipment on all CL coupes is ATTENTION ASSIST, which can alert drivers to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a rest?" message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.

Among other available options, Night View Assist PLUS allows a driver to see pedestrians up to 300 feet earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person.

In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver's ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLUS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses the same camera to detect both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be infinitely varied from 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.

PRE-SAFE Brake Can Automatically Apply Full Braking in Emergencies

Standard on all CL coupe models, the "basic" PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts during those valuable seconds just before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat 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 protection.

The launch of the current-generation CL coupe marked the debut of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature - PRE-SAFE brake, which automatically applies 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. The latest system sounds three warning tones when it senses an impending collision. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and the PRE-SAFE occupant protection system is activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and acting as an "electronic crumple zone."

DISTRONIC PLUS Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic

The optional 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-and­go 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 1 1/2 football fields. During approval of the new radar frequency, government agencies cited its potential to improve traffic safety, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives.

DISTRONIC PLUS also incorporates Parking Guidance, which utilizes ultrasonic sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers - eliminating the need for the visible "portholes" of the previous 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.

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 responsiveness beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. In contrast to the electronics of ATTENTION ASSIST, Direct Steer is purely mechanical, minimizing steering effort during cornering and in low-speed maneuvers such as parking.

Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications