The performance benchmark of Shooting Brakes.
We all knew that it was coming after the CLS Shooting Brake was introduced with a pair of diesel engines. It was only a matter of time before the new CLS Shooting Brake was given that oh-so-special AMG touch. The revolutionary design of the five-door coupe is now matched with incredible performance thanks to the new CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake.
While neither engine initially offered in the Shooting Brake was overly bland, they didn’t provide an incredible dose of performance that we were hoping for; they were the “pedestrian,” every-day variants that could get the job done well. The new CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake changes that completely with the addition of the new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter AMG V-8.
The new AMG variant produces 525 horsepower at 5,250 to 5,750 RPM and 516 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 5,250 RPM standard. Customers can also upgrade to a more potent Edition 1 package that increases power to 557 horsepower at 5,250 to 5,750 RPM and 590 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,500 RPM. The engine weighs in at a mere 449 lbs. and achieves 235 g/km of emissions. The standard engine is capable of accelerating to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the more powerful Edition 1 variant can do the same sprint in 4.3 seconds. Both models are electronically limited to a 155 mph top speed.
All of this power is sent through the high-tech AMG Speed Shift MCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission providing lightning-fast and smooth gearshifts. Four different modes are programmed into the gearbox in the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake that range from a smooth “Comfort” mode to the performance-oriented “S +” (Sport Plus) mode.
Although the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake may not look like a dynamic handler, the new AMG suspension, brakes, and wheel and tire setup assures that it precise through the corners. The front axle features steel struts and has a 56 mm wider track while the rear utilizes air struts that are automatically controlled by the AMG Ride Control suspension system to provide optimal traction and feedback. Bringing the five-door coupe to a halt are 360 mm ventilated and perforated discs at all four hubs, while optional carbon ceramic units are available with larger diameters, lower weight, and “AMG Carbon Ceramic” lettering on the calipers. Triple-spoke, 19-inch AMG wheels in a titanium grey-painted finish comes standard with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 performance tires on the front and rear axles.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is a style trendsetter with its sleek, five-door coupe design. The AMG variant is bolder, more powerful than its diesel-engined siblings. The front sports a more aggressive fascia with single-slat radiator grille and gloss black cross-strut. Each of the front fenders has been extended to fit the widened front track and now sport new “V8 BITURBO” badges. The rear sets itself apart with an AMG bumper with diffuser look and two sets of dual tailpipes protrude from the apron.
Much of the interior also benefits from the AMG transformation by providing the driver and passengers with a sportier atmosphere. New AMG gauges and a nappa leather three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened top and bottom faces the driver. A chrome-look electronic key comes standard as part of the AMG model as does a new IWC design AMG analog clock at the center of the interior. The entire cabin including the front AMG sport seats is also dressed in soft nappa leather.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake will go on sale in October of 2012. The Edition 1 will also be available with a number of performance and styling options for the exterior and interior along with other AMG upgrades. Pricing has not been released.
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Video
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg6Ya1J0X00
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 5.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 525 hp (386 kW) at 5250-5750 RPM
Maximum Torque: 516 lb-ft. (700 Nm) at 1750-5250 RPM
Maximum Horsepower (Edition 1): 557 hp (410 kW) at 5250-5750 RPM
Maximum Torque (Edition 1): 590 lb-ft. (800 Nm) 2000-4500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed AMG Speed Shift MCT
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.4 seconds
Acceleration 0-62 mph (Edition 1): 4.3 seconds
Top Speed (Both Variants): 155 mph electronically limited
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Gallery
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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