Mercedes-AMG at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show: A
pageant of superlatives
The AMG stand at the 76th
International Motor Show in Geneva is aglitter with a new
star-studded array of dynamic and exclusive high-powered AMG
saloons. The Mercedes Car Group's high-performance division has a
veritable pageant of superlatives on show: the CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63
AMG are celebrating their world premieres and the R 63 AMG and S 65
AMG their European debuts. Visitors to the show on the shores of
Lake Geneva will also be able to see the recently updated AMG-powered
SL Roadsters as well as the ML 63 AMG.
Imposing performance figures, a dynamic design and exclusive
specification: Mercedes-AMG has succeeded in creating a very special
breed of car in the form of the new CLS 63. Powered by a 6.3-litre
V8 engine that has been developed entirely by AMG, this singular
four-door coupé is receiving its world premiere in Geneva. With a
maximum output of 378 kW/514 hp and peak torque of 630 newton metres,
the new AMG powerpack boasts a higher specific output and specific
torque than any other naturally aspirated series-produced
eight-cylinder engine in the world. The result is truly top-notch
performance: the CLS 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h
in 4.5 seconds, while top speed is 250 km/h (electronically
limited).
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission is responsible for
transferring the engine's power to the wheels in the new CLS 63 AMG.
Drivers are able to choose between fully automated gearshifts or
changing gear manually: manual gearchanges can be performed either
by using the selector lever or by pulling on the new silver-coloured
aluminium AMG shift paddles. The drive unit at the heart of the CLS
63 AMG is superbly complemented by both the AMG sports suspension
and the AMG high-performance brake system. Taking the AIRMATIC DC
semi-active air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System ADS II
as a basis, the Mercedes-AMG engineers have developed a new AMG
sports suspension, with both the springs and dampers now tuned
considerably more firmly.
Newly developed AMG
high-performance composite brakes
The CLS 63 AMG is fitted with new
high-performance composite brakes at the front wheels. Internally
ventilated, perforated disc brakes all round guarantee formidable
decelerating power combined with excellent fade resistance. The
chosen combination of wheels and tyres also has its role to play in
the vehicle's dynamic handling capabilities: 255/40 and 285/35
wide-base tyres are mounted on 8.5-inch and 9.5-inch-wide high-sheen
AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels featuring a titanium grey painted
finish and a new five-spoke design.
The sophisticated coupé appeal of the CLS 63 AMG is underscored
by the muscular AMG bodystyling and "6.3 AMG" lettering on
the front wings. The interior appointments of the CLS 63 AMG
represent a delightful combination of exclusive, sporty styling,
high-grade materials and an outstanding quality of finish. Standard
specification features AMG sports seats upholstered in nappa
leather, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with new aluminium
AMG shift paddles as well as the new AMG instrument cluster with a
320-km/h speedometer dial and red needles. Also new is the AMG main
menu, which displays the currently engaged gear and recommended
upshifts, plus either the engine oil temperature or the battery
voltage as well as the RACETIMER. The new RACETIMER function allows
the driver to record lap times on private racing circuits, storing
not only the time for the fastest lap but also the average and top
speeds as well as the lap length.
CLK 63 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet:
the new top-of-the-range V8 models
click on photos to enlarge
Also making their world debut in
Geneva are two new top-of-the-range V8 models: the CLK 63 AMG Coupé
and Cabriolet. The specially developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine under
the bonnet promises an unforgettable driving experience. Its maximum
output of 354 kW/481 hp and 630 newton metres of peak torque
outstrip the figures for any other model in this segment. With new
AMG high-performance composite brakes, a new AMG sports suspension,
new high-sheen AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels with a titanium grey
finish plus exclusive and dynamic standard appointments, the V8
models now even sportier and exclusive than before.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT and composite
brakes for excellent handling dynamics
The new AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC
transmission is the perfect complement to the dynamic power delivery
and can be operated using the AMG shift paddles on the steering
wheel, rather like in a Formula 1 car. Equipped with a retuned AMG
sports suspension and AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels with new
five-spoke styling, the CLK 63 AMG has precisely what it takes to
deliver sporty handling and high-speed cornering. New AMG
high-performance composite brakes can be found at the front wheels.
The status of the CLK 63 AMG as a sporty, range-topping model is
plain to see from its muscular AMG bodystyling. The new front apron
now sports even bolder lines and air outlets at the sides.
Sportiness and exclusivity are the predominant themes inside both
eight-cylinder models. New features include the AMG ergonomic sports
steering wheel with new silver-coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles
as well as the AMG main menu in the instrument cluster with
RACETIMER function. The electrically adjustable multifunction AMG
sports seats are heated and come upholstered in exclusive nappa
leather with an attractive cross-piping design.
R 63 AMG as an extra-dynamic
interpretation of the R-Class
The new R 63 AMG is powered by the
same new AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that can be found in the CLS 63 AMG
and the CLK 63 AMG. With an output of 375 kW/ 510 hp, 630 newton
metres of torque and permanent all-wheel drive, the Grand Sports
Tourer à la AMG offers an unprecedented combination of unrivalled
sportiness, spaciousness and top-class comfort for up to six people.
The short-wheelbase R 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100
km/h in 5.0 seconds (R 63 AMG with long wheelbase: 5.1 seconds) and
has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is
transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with
steering-wheel gearshift buttons, DIRECT SELECT shift lever and
three driving modes. A combination of all-wheel drive with power
split 40:60 between the front and rear wheels, an AMG
high-performance braking system and an AMG sports suspension,
featuring AIRMATIC air suspension with self-levelling control and
the Adaptive Damping System, ensures outstanding handling safety and
the choice of either a dynamic or a comfort-oriented style of
driving.
Newly designed front and rear aprons in the characteristic AMG
look, the two twin chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust
system, the "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings and the
sporty, dark-tinted tail lights communicate sheer dynamism, while,
at the side, AMG 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design
with 265/45 R 20 wide-base tyres make a striking impression.
Inside the R 63 AMG, AMG sports seats, the nappa leather
upholstery with Alcantara inserts for all seats, the decorative trim
in black aluminium, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with
gearshift buttons and the AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu
and RACETIMER produce a distinctly sporty flair.
Gearshift buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel
allow drivers to change between the seven gears manually, rather
like in a Formula 1 car. The permanent all-wheel drive of the ML 63
AMG is also decidedly sporty in nature: in the interests of optimum
agility and cornering capabilities, the V8 engine's abundant power
is split 40:60 between the front and rear wheels.
AMG sports suspension and AMG
high-performance brake system
The AMG sports suspension based on
AIRMATIC offers high cornering speeds, precise directional stability
and low body roll combined with excellent long-distance comfort. The
air suspension features AMG's own spring struts and a specially
tuned version of the Adaptive Damping System ADS. High-sheen AMG
19-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design shod with 295/45 R
19 wide-base tyres keep all that power on the road, while the large
AMG high-performance brakes behind them with internally ventilated
and perforated discs all round keep stopping distances to a minimum.
Striking looks with AMG
bodystyling and flared wheel arches
Broad-set, beefy, with a low-slung
stance and ready to leap forward – the appearance of the ML 63 AMG
instantly gives away its exceptional status within the range. The
athletic design of the powerful off-roader is characterised by its
highly prominent AMG bodystyling with front and rear aprons, the
exclusive AMG radiator grille, flared wheel arches, stainless-steel
running boards with rubber studs and dark-tinted tail lights. The
AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed twin tailpipes
lends yet further visual and acoustic emphasis to the power and
dynamism of the flagship model in the M-Class range. The interior of
the ML 63 AMG is likewise dominated by a sporty flair. The exclusive
interior appointments include AMG sports seats upholstered in nappa
leather with Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas, the AMG
ergonomic leather sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, plus
an AMG instrument cluster with a 320-km/h speedometer dial, AMG main
menu and RACETIMER function.
SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG made even
sportier and more exclusive
The SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG have now
been made even sportier and more exclusive than ever. Both of these
exceptional roadsters from AMG have made further substantial
advances in terms of technology, design and appointments and now
offer an even more unforgettable driving experience. The improved
AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine at the heart of the SL 55 AMG
is equipped with a new, higher-speed supercharger compressor and a
larger throttle valve to optimise the fresh air supply. These
modifications plus the installation of an even more efficient engine
management unit have boosted the output of the AMG V8 powerplant
from 368 kW/500 hp to 380 kW/517 hp, while the peak torque has been
increased from 700 to 720 Nm.
The SL 55 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
(outgoing model: 4.7 seconds) and goes on to reach an electronically
limited top speed of 250 km/h. The driving force behind the SL 65
AMG is the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine developing 450 kW/612 hp
and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm, making this still the most powerful
production roadster in the world. Impressive evidence of the
phenomenal power harnessed by the AMG twelve-cylinder unit is
provided by the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.2 seconds.
Again, top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
AMG sports suspension based on
second-generation ABC
The AMG sports suspension based on
second-generation Active Body Control has been further refined for
the AMG Roadsters. The specific measures that have been implemented
reduce body movements in dynamic driving situations to levels even
lower than those achieved by the outgoing models, without impairing
the excellent ride comfort in any way. Greater agility comes
courtesy of the revised elastokinematics at the front axle and the
speed-sensitive power steering with a more direct ratio and new
valve control logic.
Both the SL 55 AMG and the SL 65 AMG are equipped with newly
developed AMG high-performance brake systems which ensure optimum
metering of braking power, extremely short stopping distances and
outstanding resistance to fading. The front wheels on both models
boast large composite brake discs with six-piston aluminium fixed
callipers. The SL 65 AMG comes equipped with disc brakes that are 30
mm larger all both front and rear, and ultra-high-performance
composite brakes at the rear wheels too. What's more, the
top-of-the-range AMG V12 model is fitted with a multiple-disc
limited-slip differential with a locking factor of 40 percent for
optimum traction.
Exterior design characterised by
even more striking dynamism
On a visual level, the new-generation
AMG Roadsters are distinguishable by their updated AMG bodystyling,
including more dynamically styled AMG front aprons with an even more
pronounced arrow shape and fog lamps ringed in chrome. In addition,
the front apron of the SL 65 AMG also incorporates side air outlets
allowing optimal airflow through the auxiliary engine oil cooler.
Further unobtrusive yet highly effective model enhancement measures
include an AMG-specific radiator grille with black louvres and
chrome highlights, new tail lights with special AMG tinting, new
high-sheen AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels with new multi-spoke
styling for the SL 55 AMG and an AMG sports exhaust system with two
sets of chromed twin tailpipes featuring new V12 styling for the SL
65 AMG.
Interior now even classier and
sportier
Not to be outdone, the interior of
both AMG Roadsters also sports an even more dynamic and high-class
look. New genuine carbon-fibre trim elements inject a sense of
sportiness and reflect AMG's successful involvement in the world of
motorsport. The AMG sports seats, interior door trim and armrests
are upholstered in fine nappa leather, and the AMG ergonomic sports
steering wheel with its specially moulded rim is now fitted with
silver-coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles. The AMG main menu with
RACETIMER is yet another new feature.
The new S 65 AMG: the world's most
powerful series-production saloon
Exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly
new dimension: the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG in a nutshell. The
top-of-the-line model of the new S Class delivers 450 kW/612 hp and
reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm – more than any other vehicle in
this segment. With such power at its command, the AMG 6.0-litre V12
biturbo engine delivers awesome performance: it accelerates from
standstill to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 13.3
seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The new S 65 AMG comes with the exclusive high-tech credentials
to match its performance potential, from the transmission, through
the suspension to the brake system: the drive power is transferred
to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed
automatic transmission with AMG shift paddles and DIRECT SELECT
gearshift. The AMG sports suspension with Active Body Control is the
perfect complement to the sophisticated drive technology. The
suspension all but entirely eliminates the body movements that occur
when moving off, negotiating bends and braking. The completely newly
developed AMG high-performance brakes with twin sliding callipers at
the front based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in
terms of stopping power, sensitivity and fade resistance. Composite
brake discs at the front and rear ensure the shortest stopping
distances, remarkable resistance to fading and outstanding
sensitivity. Multi-piece AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels with
mixed-size tyres keep the S 65 AMG firmly in contact with the road.
Flagship AMG V12 model with
exclusive standard specification
Hallmark Mercedes elegance coupled
with distinctive sportiness – the impression the new S 65 AMG
leaves you with at first glance. At the front, the restyled AMG
front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch. The
side skirts pick up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise
the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced by the "V12
Biturbo" lettering on the front wings. The exclusive interior
appointments do full justice to the dynamic exterior, with
"Exclusive PASSION" leather upholstery plus AMG
multicontour dynamic sports seats with their own distinctive design.
The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially sculpted
rim and aluminium AMG shift paddles marked "up" and
"down" is a joy to hold and behold. One of the most
eye-catching features in the interior of the new S 65 AMG is the
exclusive analogue clock with its "IWC Ingenieur" design
in the centre console. The AMG instrument cluster includes the AMG
main menu with RACETIMER.
ML 63 AMG raises the bar in the
sporty off-roader segment
The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG has upped
the ante for sporty off-roaders. Beneath the bonnet of the
range-topping M-Class beats the heart of a top athlete. Developed
in-house by AMG from start to finish, the 6.3 litre V8 engine
delivers 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm with torque peaking at 630 newton
metres at 5200 rpm, giving the new AMG powerpack a higher specific
output and specific torque any other naturally aspirated
series-produced eight-cylinder engine in the world.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with
three shift modes
Power transfer in the dynamic top
M-Class model is handled by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed automatic
transmission with a DIRECT SELECT shift lever mounted next to the
steering wheel. Three shift modes specially configured for the
sporty performance characteristics of the AMG V8 engine enable its
tremendous power to be harnessed to best effect. These shift modes -
"S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M"
(Manual) – are selected using a switch in the centre console and
differ in terms of their gearshift characteristics.
