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mr funny
25-01-11, 19:06
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/motor/story/0,4574,422944-1295726340,00.html?

Published January 22, 2011

Comfort zone

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is one spacious high-speed cruiser. By Samuel Ee

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2011-01-22/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SECLS22B.jpghttp://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2011-01-22/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SECLS22.jpg

WHENEVER the term 'high-performance' is mentioned in the automotive context, it is invariably associated with words such as 'rough' or 'raw', or worse, 'uncomfortable'. While some high-end customers may not mind the latter adjectives, most react like they would to stinky uni. Interestingly, this is AMG's niche. Not that the tuning arm of Mercedes-Benz knows anything about fresh sea urchin, but it has a certain cachet when it comes to delivering performance with comfort - thanks to the brand with the three-pointed star's trademark ride comfort.

AMG has been officially producing high-powered versions of Merc models since 1994 and the latest to get the re-engineered treatment is the CLS-Class 'four-door coupe'. The new CLS premiered at last September's Paris motor show and like the first-generation car, it uses the same basic platform as the new E-Class. But, on the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, several important modifications have been made. For a start, the AMG version has a wider front track because of its newly developed three-link front suspension. This steel suspension in front is paired with an air suspension system at the rear in order to keep the CLS 63 at a constant height irrespective of the load.

The system is part of the AMG Ride Control sports suspension, which includes electronically controlled damping to react continuously to the driving situation, speed and load.

Three damping modes are available - C for comfort, S for sport and S+ for sport plus. In C, the new electromechanical steering has a comfortable feel and provides greater steering assistance. In S and S+, assistance is reduced for better steering feedback and precision.

Another new AMG feature is the so-called AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sport transmission. MCT stands for multi-clutch technology and here, a compact wet start-up clutch replaces the usual torque converter to make gearshifts more direct and fuel-efficient. Also an advantage is its lower weight compared with a conventional automatic transmission.

A rotary knob on the centre console offers four transmission modes, each of which also impacts on engine response - C, S, S+ and RS. The last stands for Race Start, the launch control function which allows for optimum acceleration from a standing start.

But, if wheelspin and other boyracer behaviour is not your thing, try the C or Controlled Efficiency mode.

When chosen, C not only provides softer accelerator response and gear changes, but it also engages the stop/start function that turns off the engine when the CLS 63 comes to a stop. This is the Eco mode, the one that enables the car's 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 to achieve an eye-popping 9.9 litres per 100 km under the combined cycle.

And this brings us to the best part of the AMG brand - its refinement. While the CLS 63 may have a re-worked chassis and superfast paddle shifts to make it virtually track-ready, it is still comfortable enough when the appropriate options are selected.

In extreme mode, this top-of-the-line CLS-Class will hustle with the gearbox shifting swiftly, but smoothly as the exhaust roars in a mildly menacing manner. But in comfort mode, it is a spacious high-speed cruiser with excellent rear head and leg room and a pliant ride that no back seat passenger will likely complain about. This has to be the AMG brand's best attribute.

SPECS

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

Engine 5,461cc V8 turbocharged
Transmission 7-speed multi-clutch auto
Max power 525 hp @ 5,250-5,750 rpm
Max torque 700 Nm @ 1,700-5,000 rpm
0-100 kmh 4.4 secs
Top speed 250 kmh (limited)
Distributor Cycle & Carriage
Tel: 6866-1888

mr funny
25-01-11, 19:07
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/motor/story/0,4574,422943-1295726340,00.html?

Published January 22, 2011

Spirited performance

By SAMUEL EE


THE Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is a modified CLS-Class with a brand new 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine pumping out 525 horses and 700 Newton-metres of torque. But, if that is still not enough, it can be further souped-up with a 'Performance package'.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2011-01-22/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SEAMG22C.jpg
STERLING CHARACTER
From the outside, it is possible to immediately recognise a CLS 63 with the Performance package by its red brake callipers; inside, the steering wheel's grip areas are alcantara-lined

Called - not surprisingly - the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG with Performance package, it comes with an extra 32 hp and 100 Nm. To achieve the higher power and torque figures of 557 hp and 800 Nm, AMG engineers have increased the maximum charge-air pressure from 1.0 bar to 1.3.

As a result, the big Merc almost feels feral. The standard CLS 63 already has muscular performance, but the Performance package expands its big lungs further. For instance, when exiting a corner, the car pulls out with a bit more urgency.

At the top end, it also feels even more spirited at high speed with the gas pedal revealing enhanced elasticity.

From the outside, it is possible to immediately recognise a CLS 63 with the Performance package by its red brake callipers. There is also a carbon fibre lip spoiler on the boot lid and a carbon fibre engine cover under the hood.

Inside, the steering wheel's grip areas are alcantara-lined.

But in either form, the CLS 63 is never wild. It may sound more menacing depending on how heavy your right foot is, but its deep reserves of power are always delivered with a velvet glove.

Passenger comfort is very good for a high-performance model such as this, and the ride is never harsh - even in S+.

But, what is unusual is that the handling can get a little ragged when going fast on poorly paved roads, with the steering losing some of its normally excellent accuracy and feedback.

This is a rare instance, however, and not in keeping with the CLS 63's overall sterling character.

The CLS 63 AMG is due here in the third quarter of 2011, even before the arrival of the new CLS-Class.

[email protected]

SPECS

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG withPerformance package
Engine 5,461cc V8 turbocharged
Transmission 7-speed multi-clutch auto
Max power 557 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Max torque 800 Nm @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
0-100 kmh 4.3 secs
Top speed 250 kmh (limited)

orange
27-01-11, 02:06
So gfoo placed an order for this car yet?

I'm thinking of a C63 AMG (6.2L NA version). If i get it and if gfoo gets his CLS63 AMG, i will kick his butt every day on marina blvd.:D