Low-flying private jets, tire-liquefying gentlemen’s expresses—whatever you call Mercedes’ CL63 and CL65 AMG models, they’re going to take more names and kick more assumptions to the curb after a 2011 refresh. There are the expected visual tweaks, but the real action is under the surface, where new electronic gadgets join a revised engine lineup.
For 2011, the CL63 drops its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 in favor of the new twin-turbo, 5.5-liter direct-injected V-8 engine also found in the four-door S63 AMG. The new powerplant makes 536 hp at 5500 rpm—that’s a full 100 hp more than a base Corvette—and a generous 590 lb-ft of torque from as low as 2000 rpm, and is coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes says 0–60 mph can be accomplished in as little as 4.4 seconds; top speed is governed to a mere 155 mph. We hit 60 in 4.3 seconds with the comparatively wimpy 518-hp 2008 CL63, so either Mercedes is being its usual conservative self or the 2011 CL63’s additional 125 lb-ft of torque is further souring the tractional relationship between the rear tires and the pavement.
But when you’re spending serious six-digit money on a Mercedes, why would you settle for the base version? The optional AMG Performance package uncorks another 27 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque—resulting in very impressive totals of 563 hp and 664 lb-ft—and increases the top-speed limiter to 186 mph.
For what it’s worth, Mercedes claims the new engine will be 27 percent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing 6.2-liter mill; the car even includes a gas-saving engine stop/start feature when in Comfort mode. So that will surely help sales.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
