2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Pictures, Specifications, Information

The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is powered by one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, also the first engine developed entirely by AMG. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms), an 11.3-to 1 compression ratio and a variable intake manifold.

AMG engineers designed the 6.3-liter engine block with an especially rigid bedplate with cast-in steel reinforcements at the main bearing, and a sturdy closed-deck layout beside the cylinder heads. A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. Sharing no parts with Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, the 6.3 AMG engine revs freely to over 7,000 rpm, yet already produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at only 2,000 rpm.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels of the CLS63 AMG via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission that can be shifted manually by either a conventional lever or Formula-1 style shift paddles on the AMG sport steering wheel. To give performance-minded drivers total control of shifting, the manual mode of AMG Speedshift doesn’t make any automatic upshifts – even at max engine speed – or automatic downshifts, even under full load. AMG Speedshift electronic control provides 35% faster gear shifts and torque converter lockup from 1st gear.

The Super Model Gets a Hot Chassis

AMG engineers developed a sports suspension for the CLS63 AMG that’s based on the Mercedes-Benz semi-active air suspension. The CLS63 AMG air suspension includes automatic level control that maintains ride height even when the car is loaded with passengers and cargo, and the driver can choose from three sport-comfort settings as well. For flatter cornering, the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars are stiffer than on the CLS550.

Speed-sensitive power steering ensures low steering effort for low speed maneuvers such as parallel parking but automatically reduces the steering assist above 60 mph to provide good road feel.

To help handle all the power, the ESP system can apply the brakes on just one wheel to transfer torque to the wheels with better traction, achieving much the same effect as a limited-slip differential. Beefier driveshafts, heavy-duty rear suspension parts and a stronger differential housing with cooling fins complete the package.

To make sure the CLS63 AMG stops as fast as it goes, giant vented and perforated disc brakes all around feature 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers up front and 13-inch discs with four-piston calipers at the rear. Staggered 19-inch wheels with 8 ½ and 9 ½ inch widths carry 255 / 35 tires in front and 285 / 30 at the rear.

A 186-MPH Option

The CLS63 AMG can be ordered with the optional performance package that allows a 186-mph top speed instead of the usual 155-mph speed limiter. Other features in the package include AMG Airmatic sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, larger front discs (15.4- inch diameter), a limited-slip differential and a leather and Alcantara-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel.