Mercedes is preparing a full model change of its CLS sport sedan-coupe. It will probably be shown at the finish of 2010, and likely go in U.S. sale as a 2012 model.
The auto shares its platform with the recently renewed E-Class, but the style and design is far additional expressive. Although its silhouette is an evolution from the present car, you will find substantial adjustments towards the nose, which is far more upright and forceful.
We spoke to Mercedes' head of passenger vehicle style Karl-Heinz Bauer. He explained that he believes the mainstream Benzes can have to get additional subtle in their layout in coming years as owners want to be much less flashy about their spending and driving habits. But he says the niche models for example the CLS and other coupes and sports cars will compensate by going the other way, obtaining additional expressive.
What this implies for the CLS is the fact that the flanks will have an exaggerated model in the crease that runs upward ahead with the rear wheel and then flicks backward. It will also have a strong curved beltline, and wraparound rear lamp clusters. These pictures show the AMG 63 model, wearing plastic panel disguise. Despite the fact that the hood has apparent vents, these are dummies that will not seem in production.
Other big news for the CLS is that it can introduce a new family of downsized turbocharged direct fuel injection engines. The technological innovation has just been introduced on a European four-cylinder engine while in the E-Class, the E250CGI. This is just a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, yet it makes 204 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm.
Benz engineers have confirmed to MT that inside the next CLS, a V-6 will use the same DI turbo technologies. We expect a 3.0-liter, with two outputs either side of 300 hp. A turbo V-8 will run to about 400 hp. All use the automaker's seven-speed autobox.
Above those comes the mighty 525 hp six.3-liter AMG model seen in these shots. Its transmission is the AMG Speedshift MCT, a seven-speed auto trans with a robotically controlled clutch pack in place in the torque converter, for smooth starts and whip-fast on-the-gas shifts. It has widened tracks, and a hybrid suspension system of coils on the front and air springs behind, with adaptive dampers. Carbon-ceramic brake rotors will likely be readily available.
It really is also doable that the four-cylinder edition of the CLS, too as a CLS350 BlueTec diesel, will make it to the U.S., depending on demand (each customer and legislative) for a lot more economical vehicles.
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