Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Cannes, France, Sep 07, 2010

New powertrain with the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine: Higher performance, lower consumption – the new S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG with an output of up to 420 kW (571 hp)

Exciting cutting-edge technology from Affalterbach: the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and the CL 63 AMG are to benefit from a completely newly developed powertrain. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a peak output of up to 420 kW (571 hp) and a torque of up to 900 Nm, in combination with the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, contributes towards a considerable reduction in consumption and emissions, while at the same time increasing maximum power and torque. With a fuel consumption of 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), the new high-performance cars not only undercut their direct competitors – they are also more than 25 percent more economical in terms of their fuel consumption than the previous models with naturally aspirated V8 engine.


The Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG also features a new cutting-edge look: thanks to a new design the Coupé has an even more athletic and confident appearance. The inclusion of the Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brake and crosswind stabilisation as standard has resulted in another leap forward in terms of agility and active handling safety. New optional extras now available include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind-Spot Assist. The exclusive V12 models - the S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG - now produce 463 kW (630 hp) instead of the previous 450 kW (612 hp).
The S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG mark the start of a new chapter in the "AMG Performance 2015" drive strategy: Mercedes-AMG is continuing this impressive story and is meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models with the new engine/transmission combination – while also reaching new heights with the central AMG brand value of "performance".

According to Ola Källenius, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We are heading into a new era with the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG: for the first time we have combined spray-guided direct petrol injection with biturbocharging and the start/stop system. Together with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, we have reduced both fuel consumption and emissions significantly – while at the same time increasing output and torque."

Together with the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine will play a significant role in the Mercedes-AMG model strategy over the coming year. The new engine / transmission combination marks a further milestone in the successful history of Mercedes-AMG, which began back in 1967.

Direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and biturbocharging

Designated internally as the M 157, the new V8 engine is a prime example of efficiency and features a whole host of impressive technological highlights: for the first time AMG is taking advantage of direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors. This technology enables improved fuel economy thanks to higher thermodynamic efficiency, which in turns leads to lower exhaust emissions. AMG has combined the spray-guided combustion with biturbocharging. Other highlights of the innovative, original eight-cylinder engine from Affalterbach include full aluminium crankcase, four-valve technology with variable intake valve timing, air/water charge air cooling, generator management and also standard Controlled Efficiency start/stop function. Compared with the AMG 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with a displacement of 6208 cc, the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine achieves all this with a displacement of 5461 cc.

This high-tech package leads to a high output and torque yield, together with fuel consumption figures that are unrivalled in the competitive line-up. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 400 kW (544 hp) and maximum torque of 800 Nm. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 420 kW (571 hp) and 900 Nm. A look at the performance diagrams shows that no other engine in this output class achieves the figures delivered by the new AMG biturbo. The major difference between the two performance classes is an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. In addition, the engine cover of models with the AMG Performance package comes in high-quality carbon fibre.

Quantum leap: fuel consumption reduced by more than 25 percent

With an NEDC fuel consumption of only 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres, the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG are 3.9 litres more economical than the preceding models powered by the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8 – despite an increase in output of 14 kW (19 hp) resp. 34 kW (46 hp) and in torque of 170 and 270 Nm. Engine specialists consider this achieved fuel saving of more than 25 percent to be nothing less than a quantum leap. CO2 emissions have likewise been significantly reduced: at 244 grams per kilometre, the figure is almost 30 percent lower than for the previous model. Both performance variants have identical fuel consumption and CO2 figures. As such, the new AMG models are not only considerably better than all their competitors, but also more fuel-efficient than much less powerful cars in this segment.

Sports car-level performance

At the same time the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG deliver superior performance at sports car level: both V8 models accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The 100 km/h mark is reached in just
4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 300 km/h.

It is not only the unrivalled torque delivery of this turbocharged eight-cylinder that makes the heart beat faster, as the agile responsiveness with no irritating charger delay leads to an effortlessness and dynamism previously unknown in this output class. All perfectly matched by the powerful, sonorous engine note. Moreover, this AMG high-performance engine naturally meets all the requirements with respect to smooth, quiet running and the comfort on long journeys that is to be expected of a Mercedes.

Key data at a glance:

S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG
Displacement - 5461 cc
Bore x stroke - 98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio - 10.0:1
Output - 400 kW (544 hp) at 5500 rpm / 420 kW (571 hp) at 5500 rpm*
Max. torque - 800 Nm at 2000 - 4500 rpm / 900 Nm at 2250 - 3750 rpm* / at 2500 - 3750 rpm*
Engine weight (dry) - 204 kg
Power/weight ratio - 0.41 kg/hp 0.39 kg/hp*
Fuel consumption NEDC combined - 10.5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions - 244 g/km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h - 4.5 s 4.4 s*
Top speed** - 250 km/h / 300 km/h*

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission used exclusively by AMG, which is already familiar from the SL 63 AMG and E 63 AMG and combines high emotional appeal with outstanding driving dynamics, impressive comfort and a high level of efficiency. The wet start-up clutch replaces a conventional torque converter, and helps to save fuel. The exemplary fuel economy is also in large measure due to the standard start/stop function. This system is active in the transmission's Controlled Efficiency ("C") mode, and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. In "C" mode the sports saloon and coupé always start off in second gear, and the transmission shifts to the next, higher gears at a decidedly early stage. With its high torque at low engine speeds, the V8 engine encourages a smooth, effortless driving style.

The eight-cylinder biturbo engine also features the generator management system familiar from the E 63 AMG: whenever the engine is on the overrun or when braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted as heat in the usual way. In all other operating modes a combination of onboard network and generator management enables the generator to be kept at a low voltage. This reduces the load on the engine and makes for fuel savings of around 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres according to the NEDC standard, and up to 0.2 l/100 km in city traffic with its frequent overrun and braking phases.

Engine production – tradition of hand-built excellence

Like all other AMG engines, the new eight-cylinder biturbo unit is assembled by hand in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. Highly-qualified technicians assemble the M 157 according to the "one man, one engine" philosophy, maintaining the very strictest quality standards. This painstaking care is attested to by the signature on the characteristic AMG engine plate.

Long tradition of powerful AMG V8 engines

Powerful eight-cylinder engines are an inseparable part of AMG's corporate history. Established in 1967, the company immediately caused a stir with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG which succeeded in taking second place at the 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). The AMG racing saloon was technically based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. With an engine output of 184 kW (250 hp) at 4000 rpm and a top speed of 220 km/h, this luxury V8 saloon was Germany's fastest regular production car at the time. Classic tuning as well as an enlarged displacement from 6330 to 6835 cc resulted in an increase in output to 315 kW (428 hp) at 5500 rpm and in torque from 500 to 608 Nm.

A further milestone in the AMG engine story was the M 117, the first eight-cylinder unit with four-valve technology. With a displacement of 5.6 litres, 265 kW (360 hp) and 510 Nm of torque, this V8 accelerated the Mercedes-Benz 300 CE 5.6 AMG to a top speed of 303 km/h in 1987. This made the coupé the fastest German car in series production, and American fans reverently christened it "The Hammer".

Another important engine in the history of AMG was the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 introduced in 2001: the M 113 K developed an output of up to 428 kW (582 hp) and torque of 800 Nm. The supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 in the SLR McLaren of 2003 was even more powerful – the M 155 developed up to 478 kW (650 hp) and 820 Nm. 2005 saw the debut of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine; depending on the model, the naturally aspirated, high-revving M 156 developed up to 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 Nm. Exclusively reserved for the new SLS AMG, the likewise 6.3-litre M 159 has a maximum output of 420 kW (571 hp) and maximum torque of 650 Nm.

Numerous victories in the "International Engine of the Year Awards"

The supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 and the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo were all able to win the Best Performance Engine category in the International Engine of the Year Awards. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 also won in 2009 and 2010 in the "Above 4 litres" class.

CL 63 AMG with new look and attractive standard equipment

The new CL 63 AMG now has an even more athletic and confident appearance. The bonnet, headlamps, radiator grille, bicolour tail lamps and the newly designed AMG bodystyling all add more dynamism. The "V8 BITURBO" lettering on the front mudguards also makes for an eye-catching touch. Also featuring a new look are the AMG triple-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, and fitted with 255/40 and 275/40 R 19 tyres. New in the interior are the AMG sports steering wheel with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles and specially shaped grip area covered with perforated nappa leather, as well as the "AMG V8 BITURBO" start screen in the AMG instrument cluster. As a new optional extra, SPLITVIEW is also available for the COMAND multimedia system.

With immediate effect, standard equipment on the CL 63 AMG now includes the Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brake and crosswind stabilisation. With its variable ratio depending on steering angle, the Direct-Steer system helps to ensure a more direct response when cornering, and therefore more responsive handling – in brief: enhanced driving pleasure at the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG CL-Class. Thanks to brief direct application of the brakes on the vehicle's inner rear wheel when cornering, the Torque Vectoring Brake, meanwhile, helps to ensure that the V8 coupé corners precisely and under control at all times. The Torque Vectoring Brake is an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and not only noticeably improves responsiveness but also active handling safety in critical conditions.

The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) now also provides crosswind stabilisation as an additional function: thanks to this feature, influences caused by crosswinds are compensated for, or – in the case of strong gusts – reduced to a minimum. ABC compensates against the effect of crosswinds by adjusting the wheel load distribution within milliseconds, using the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors of the ESP®.

New AMG triple-spoke light-alloy wheels for the S 63 AMG

In visual terms, the new S 63 AMG is distinguished by a number of subtle touches: "V8 Biturbo" lettering on the mudguards points to the new powertrain. Also new are the AMG triple-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, and fitted with 255/40 or 275/40 R 19 tyres. In the interior, the S 63 AMG boasts a newly designed AMG instrument cluster with "AMG V8 Biturbo" start screen. The standard PASSION leather upholstery has been enhanced with new, contrasting colour stitching.

A new range of attractive optional appointments is now also available for the S 63 AMG: the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system, developed especially for the S-Class, ensures an exceptional listening experience. With a total output of 1200 watts, 15 loudspeakers, acoustic lens tweeters in the A and B-pillars as well as a digital sound processor (DSP), it transforms the saloon into a full-blown concert hall with perfect acoustics.

Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist

What is a unique combination of innovative camera and radar-based driver-assistance systems in this vehicle class has been enhanced even further with a view to perfecting the vehicle's active and passive safety. New optional extras available for the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind-Spot Assist. The new Active Lane Keeping Assist comes into play when the vehicle unintentionally strays over a solid line on the right or left of a lane or on the outside of a bend. In such cases the Electronic Stability Program ESP® applies the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle to prevent it from unintentionally straying from its lane.

Also new is the Active Blind Spot Assist, which warns the driver by displaying a red warning in the glass of the relevant exterior mirror when it detects that changing lanes would be too dangerous. If the driver ignores the warning signal and a vehicle in an adjacent lane comes too close, the ESP® takes corrective action by applying the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle.

AMG high-performance braking system with double floating brake caliper

Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the AMG high-performance braking system continues to provide optimum fade resistance, deceleration and sensitivity. The front axle features a double floating brake caliper. This exclusive technology combines the advantages of a sliding-caliper disc brake – reduced heat transfer to the brake fluid and clear advantages in terms of comfort thanks to the brake lining guide mechanism – with the efficiency of an extra large fixed caliper brake.
Prices at a glance:

- S 63 AMG (short wheelbase): 128,800 euros (excl. VAT) / 143,752 euros (incl. 19% VAT).
- S 63 AMG (long wheelbase): 127,200 euros (excl. VAT) / 151,368 euros (incl. 19% VAT).
- CL 63 AMG: 135,100 euros (excl. VAT) / 160,769 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

The AMG Performance package costs 7900 euros (excl. VAT) / 9401 euros (including 19% VAT). The S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG will celebrate their market launch at the end of September 2010.

Top-of-the-range models from Mercedes-AMG appeal to customers worldwide

Exclusivity and dynamism, effortless superiority and high tech: these are the characteristics embodied by the four models of the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, and also the CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. Since their market launch in 2006 (S-Class AMG) and 2007 (CL AMG), the top-of-the-range AMG models have won the hearts of more than 16,000 customers around the world - thus highlighting the clear leading position occupied by these vehicles in the small but refined luxury high-performance car segment.The twelve-cylinder S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG models, whose AMG V12 engine now achieves 463 kW (630 hp), will also celebrate their market launch in
September.

Prices at a glance:

- S 65 AMG: 192,500 euros (excl. VAT)/229,075 euros (incl. 19% VAT).
- CL 65 AMG: 191,450 euros (excl. VAT)/227,825,50 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

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