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Executive Drive: The All-New 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

Celebrating 40 Years of AMG Performance

By Neil Frandsen and David Glass
Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

In a continuation of proving excellence as the norm, Mercedes Benz has again improved on itself and launched a new CL-Class AMG Model. Unveiled earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show, the 40th anniversary edition of the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG was showcased for the public.

Aficionados of the S65AMG and SL65 AMG models will find comfort in the familiar feeling of this powerful AMG 6.0 liter V12 biturbo engine that has found its way into the new CL Class. This super-smooth twelve-cylinder powerplant is ideally suited for relaxed cruising. The V12 has a displacement of 5980 cc with a maximum output of 612 horsepower maintained between 4800 and 5100 rpms along with an astounding 738lb-ft of torque. The CL65 AMG's twin-turbocharged engine features a number of high tech modifications. A precision-balanced longer-stroke crankshaft, larger-bore forged pistons and beefier bearings and oil-spray cooling system are but a few of the highlights. This twelve-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility in Affalterbach, Germany. This "one-man, one-engine" philosophy at AMG is symbolized by a signature plate on the engine that bears the name of the master technician who assembled the engine.

The power of this new line is transferred to the wheels by the AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift controls and Direct Select gearshift. The drive can choose between the "Sport, "Comfort" and "Manual" driving programs by one touch of the "S/C/M" button in the center console. To handle the high power output of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the front brakes of the AMG V12 model are equipped with high-performance twin sliding calipers, A world first, this new technology combines the advantages of a floating caliper-lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and enhanced comfort with the performance of a large fixed caliper. The CL64's composite brake discs measure 15.4 inches in diameter up front and 14.8 inches in the rear. These immense brakes are also vented and cross-drilled for effective cooling and short stopping distances, even from high speeds. At the rear, frame-type sliding calipers do the work. High performance tires (255/35ZR20 in front and 275/35 ZR 20 at the rear) are mounted on forged 20-inch AMG twin spoke wheels, 8.5 inches up front and 9/5 in the rear. Under emergency braking conditions at 100 km/h, the CL65 AMG comes to a standing stop in 35.6 meters representing a maximum deceleration of 11.1 meters/second.

While all CL-Class models are equipped with ABC active suspension that offers an unparalleled combination of ride quality and handling agility, the CL64 AMG is equipped with special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. Reworked dynamic systems such as ESP stability control and ASR traction control complement the enhanced chassis setup.

Along with the impressive mechanical details of this superb automobile, Mercedes-Benz has also kept in mind that styling and comfort are just as important. The 40th Anniversary CL65 AMG is the first-ever production car finished in exclusive AMG Alubeam (Liquid Metal) paint. Stretched over the body like a metallic skin, AMG Alubeam paint shows off the compelling lines of the large coupe better than any conventional paint finish. Made possible by pigment particles that measure only 30 to 50 nanometers (conventional pigments are between 100 and 300 nanometers), AMG Alubeam reflects light more evenly and more intensely and is protected by a clear coating with enhanced scratch resistance.

An AMG two -bar front grille, large under-bumper air intakes, air outlets on the front fenders and round fog lights dominate the front of the car. Distinctive skirts under the doors and "V12 BITURBO" lettering enhance the front fenders while a muscular rear apron with a black air diffuser insert and twin V12-design tailpipes complete the eye-catching look of the limited-edition CL65 AMG.

Inside, the 40th Anniversary CL65 AMG comes with two-tone Nappa leather seats finished in diamond pattern stretching with embossed V12 logos in the front head restraints as well as a color-coordinated Alcantara headliner, complemented by genuine carbon fiber interior trim. Other eye-catching details in the passenger compartment include an ergonomic steering wheel with the AMG-combi-instrument cluster with "Racetimer" function. The analogue clock has an exclusive IWC design and the rest of the compartment is rounded out with sport pedals and a wood finish.

Underscoring the exclusivity of this new vehicle, "40th Anniversary" lettering appears on the center console, and a "One Out of 40" badge is mounted on the handrest of the COMAND controller for the 40 CL65 AMG coupes designated as special edition anniversary models.

What is "AMG" ?

The abbreviation AMG stands for Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M) who founded AMG in 1967. Both had been employees of Mercedes-Benz and officially described themselves as "engineering, design and testing specialists in the development of racing engines". AMG concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan and achieved their first racing success in 1971. This success proved to be the springboard for an enviable record on the track that formed a cornerstone of the AMG philosophy and continues to this day. Along with that success, AMG started to offer high performance tuning and individualization for Mercedes customers in Europe and other markets. Throughout this time and into the late 1990's AMG develop a number of special high-performance models based on production Mercedes sedans and coupes. As an industry pioneer and trendsetter, AMG became committed to achieving and retaining a position as a world leader in terms of technology, design and sales. In 1999, H.W. Aufrecht sold a majority shareholding in AMG and the company was incorporated into DaimlerChrysler AG, allowing the newly founded Mercedes-AMG to benefit even more from DCAG's global resources. Even with these resources, Mercedes-AMG follows a philosophy of "one man, one engine". This means that a single technician, identified by the signature plate affixed to the engine, is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine from start to finish.

Vehicle Specs:

Engine: Biturbo V12
Horsepower: 612
Transmission: 5-Speed Electronically Controlled
Top Speed: 155 mph (Electronically Limited)
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
Fuel Capacity: 23.8 Gallons

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