Taking center stage at Mercedes-Benz's LA Auto Show booth is the range-topper of the new 2012 CLS series, the CLS 63 AMG sports sedan. Like the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG, the CLS 63 AMG benefits from a new 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with direct-injection technology producing 525 hp and torque of 700 Nm. Mercedes also offers an optional AMG Performance package, which increases these figures to an even more manly 557 hp and 800 Nm.
Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a brand new AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which does away with the torque converter using a compact, wet start-up clutch instead.
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds for the 525HP and 557HP variants respectively, with a top speed of 155 mph [250 km/h] in the standard version and 186 mph [302 km/h] with the Performance Package, in both cases, electronically limited.
Despite the improvements in performance, Mercedes says the new CLS 63 AMG is far more fuel efficient than its predecessor, which was powered by a 507HP 6.3-liter V8. The new CLS63 AMG that also gets start/stop tech, goes 4 miles further in the city on one gallon of fuel, making it 33 percent more fuel-efficient. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg US city and 21 mpg US highway.
The upgraded AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension that allows the driver to switch between three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus", steering and braking systems along with the 19-inch wheels in fitted with 255/35 R 19 tires on the front and 285/30 R 19 tires on the rear, round off the performance changes. Mercedes-Benz also offers a set of ceramic brakes on the option list.
Completing the AMG package are the interior appointments and a new bodykit that includes boot lid spoiler, side skirts, and different designs for the front and rear bumpers.
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