Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG 557 hp and 33 mpg

[Sax1031]

The go-fast wizards at AMG worked some serious magic building the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG. This autobahn-devouring chunk of awesome puts down 557 horsepower, does zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds and gets fuel economy like a Honda Civic.

Mercedes-Benz pulled the sheet off the newest object of our lust today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Company brass proudly proclaimed the CLS 63 AMG “a unique high-performance car” that “sets new standards in design, performance and efficiency.”

For once, that may be more than auto-show hyperbole. This sexy beast sports a slew of tech aimed at optimizing the performance and efficiency of the 5.5-liter V-8 under its carbon-fiber hood.

Twin turbochargers boost power, while direct injection, adjustable cam timing, stop-start technology and a seven-speed gearbox boost fuel economy. The base model is good for 525 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the AMG Performance package and you’ll have 557 horsepower and 590 pound-feet under your right foot.

Either way, you’re looking at 24 mpg combined. AMG boss Ola Källenius says the car will do 33 mpg on the highway. That’s a 32 percent improvement over the previous model. Those are amazing numbers for a car of this caliber — a 2011 Honda Civic with a 2.0-liter fourbanger and a six-speed gets 24 combined, 29 highway.

That glorious V-8 is mated to an AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox with four modes. “Controlled efficiency” activates the stop-start mode, which shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop. It also eases up accelerator response and shifts gears sooner. Sport, sport-plus and manual modes offer varying levels of performance. The manual mode is said to be a dead-ringer for a conventional manual gearbox.

It’s all wrapped in seductive, muscular bodywork. The doors, hood, front quarters, trunk lid and other assorted bits are aluminum to shave weight. Opt for the AMG Performance package and you get a carbon-fiber hood and rear spoiler along with suspension upgrades and nicer trim.

The price is TBA, but the previous model topped six figures. We suspect none of the 3,000 to 4,000 people lucky enough to buy one will have any trouble raising the cash.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/11...hp-and-33-mpg/

Seriously this is very impressive.

[TaylorRyanSS]

I was wondering when the new CLS was coming out... it looks great!

[a_Username]

That is really impressive and not that impressive at the same time. Not to rain on Mercedes's parade, but it's not uncommon for the C6 Vettes to hit 30 MPG on the HWY.

[LostInMoscow]

They are going to have to change the name from AMG to OMG!

[BigHemiSrt]

Originally Posted by a_Username

That is really impressive and not that impressive at the same time. Not to rain on Mercedes's parade, but it's not uncommon for the C6 Vettes to hit 30 MPG on the HWY.

I think its a little easier to propel a 3200lb vehicle than a 4200+lb vehicle...

[rayhawk]

Does he mean, it can hit 33mpg on the highway, or that it will be EPA rated at 33 mpg highway. Either way it is impressive but that sounds kind of high for that size car.

[Nine Ball]

Originally Posted by a_Username

That is really impressive and not that impressive at the same time. Not to rain on Mercedes's parade, but it's not uncommon for the C6 Vettes to hit 30 MPG on the HWY.

True, even my supercharged C6 Z06 can get 30 mpg on the highway. But, it is not even remotely close to being in the same league as an AMG Benz. Apples and Avocado comparison here. My '09 CTS-V with similar power only averages about 20 mpg on the highway, 16.6 mpg overall. That is a better comparison with the AMG.

[Sax1031]

Ok so I think Wired screwed the pouch on this article.

Apparently the 33 mpg rating is for a turbo diesel 4 cylinder Mercedes will offer for the car, not the v8.

[chain777]

I saw the same thing on Jalopnik. http://jalopnik.com/5692547/amg-stur...0+hp-cls63-amg

Where did you see the correction?

[Sax1031]

Originally Posted by chain777

I saw the same thing on Jalopnik. http://jalopnik.com/5692547/amg-stur...0+hp-cls63-amg

Where did you see the correction?

http://www.mbworld.org/mercedes_benz...onomy.php#more

[syr74]

I love how some folks were saying that it wasn't that impressive prior to the error being outed. A rated 33mpg highway with 500+hp and 500+lb-ft of torque in a 4000+lb sedan? Nah, that wouldn't have been impressive. World changing and genuinely revolutionary maybe...but not world changing.

[a_Username]

to me... I totally forgot about the weight difference lol.