Motor Authority - blog Category: CL Class

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

    Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

    Mercedes-Benz has some major changes in store for its product line over the coming years, with several key models receiving facelifts and complete name changes. We have already seen this with the new 2010 E-Class Coupe, which has replaced the CLK, and soon we will see the CL name phased out with the introduction of a facelifted model next year. The updated car will come in for the 2011 model year and go by the new name of S-Class Coupe.

    The current C216 CL was first introduced at the end of 2006 but prototypes for the facelifted version have been spotted testing in Germany as early as August last year. Earlier this year we saw images of the...

    Mercedes-Benz has some major changes in store for its product line over the coming years, with several key models receiving facelifts and complete name changes. We have already seen this with the new 2010 E-Class Coupe, which has replaced the CLK, and soon we will see the CL name phased out with the introduction of a facelifted model next year. The updated car will come in for the 2011 model year and go by the new name of S-Class Coupe. The current C216 CL was first introduced at the end of 2006 but prototypes for the facelifted version have been spotted testing in Germany as early as August last year. Earlier this year we saw images of the high-performance AMG model but these latest shots depict the standard model. New details include a more upright grille highlighted with a single chrome bar, as well the new headlight design and LED accents. In the rear we can clearly see full LED rear lights, a new bumper design and different shape exhaust tips. Other changes planned include new indicators in the side mirrors. Mercedes-Benz engineera are unlikely to change the CL’s powertrain lineup for the new S-Class Coupe, which means that the current assortment of V-8 and V-12 engines should remain. There could, however, be a number of modifications to the exhaust filtering systems to help improve emissions, as well as the introduction of engine stop-start and direct-injection technologies. Read More
  • Preview: 2011 Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe

    Preview: 2011 Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe Mercedes Benz has some major changes in store for its product line over the coming years, with several key models receiving facelifts and complete name changes. We have already seen this with the upcoming E-Class Coupe, which has replaced the CLK, and soon we will see the CL name phased out with the introduction of a facelifted model next year. The updated car will come in for the 2011 model year and go by the new name of 'S-Class Coupe'.

    The current C216 CL was first introduced at the end of 2006 but prototypes for the facelifted version have been spotted testing in Germany as early as August last year. Earlier this year we saw images of... Mercedes Benz has some major changes in store for its product line over the coming years, with several key models receiving facelifts and complete name changes. We have already seen this with the upcoming E-Class Coupe, which has replaced the CLK, and soon we will see the CL name phased out with the introduction of a facelifted model next year. The updated car will come in for the 2011 model year and go by the new name of 'S-Class Coupe'. The current C216 CL was first introduced at the end of 2006 but prototypes for the facelifted version have been spotted testing in Germany as early as August last year. Earlier this year we saw images of the high-performance AMG model but these latest shots depict the standard model. New details include a more upright grille highlighted with a single chrome bar, as well the new headlight design and LED accents. In the rear we can clearly see full LED rear lights, a new bumper design and different shape exhaust tips. Other changes planned include new indicators in the side mirrors. This computer generated rendering gives us an accurate prediction of what the final version will most likely look like. Mercedes is unlikely to change the CL’s powertrain lineup for the new S-Class Coupe, which means that the current assortment of V8 and V12 engines should remain. There could, however, be a number of modifications to the exhaust filtering systems to help improve emissions, as well as the introduction of engine stop-start and direct-injection technologies.2011 Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe spy shots2011 Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe preview Read More
  • Mercedes Benz may offer CLS Grand Edition in U.S.

    Mercedes Benz may offer CLS Grand Edition in U.S. The four-door coupe segment is rapidly growing, but the modern progenitor of the niche, the Mercedes Benz CLS, is still powering along. A brand new special edition dubbed the Grand Edition has just been launched in the UK but the car may eventually be sold in the U.S., according to Mercedes Benz.

    The Grand Edition cars are packed with extra equipment as standard and are offered with several unique color options, but essentially they are just a new range-topping trim level for the CLS range. While the latest version is a UK-only package, Mercedes Benz spokesman Rob Moran has revealed to Edmunds that the Grand Edition is being considered for... The four-door coupe segment is rapidly growing, but the modern progenitor of the niche, the Mercedes Benz CLS, is still powering along. A brand new special edition dubbed the Grand Edition has just been launched in the UK but the car may eventually be sold in the U.S., according to Mercedes Benz. The Grand Edition cars are packed with extra equipment as standard and are offered with several unique color options, but essentially they are just a new range-topping trim level for the CLS range. While the latest version is a UK-only package, Mercedes Benz spokesman Rob Moran has revealed to Edmunds that the Grand Edition is being considered for the U.S. and if it does arrive it “won’t be offered until next year's model changeover, MY 2011." Some of the special features that may be offered on a U.S. version of the Grand Edition include AMG-spec light alloy wheels, unique bumpers and badging, and slight power hikes over the standard models. The current CLS Grand Edition based on the 272hp CLS 350 CDI V6 turbodiesel, for example, features an additional 48hp (36kW) and 37lb-ft (50Nm) of torque. In keeping with its positioning as the range-topping model in the CLS range (ignoring the AMG model), pricing for the Grand Edition will be set higher than the standard model.2010 Mercedes Benz CLS Grand Edition Read More
  • Californian coachbuilder offers Mercedes CL convertible conversion

    Californian coachbuilder offers Mercedes CL convertible conversion Mercedes Benz has hinted at the development of a convertible version of its CL flagship as far back as 2007 but still today there is no such model in the automaker’s lineup. Customers tired of waiting can still purchase a CL Cabrio thanks to the guys at California’s Newport Convertible Engineering, which offers a customized CL with its steel roof replaced by an automated folding soft-top.

    Making a convertible out of a hardtop involves much more than chopping off the steel roof and designing a folding mechanism for the cloth top. Removing the steel top robs a car of a tremendous amount of structural rigidity that must be restored... Mercedes Benz has hinted at the development of a convertible version of its CL flagship as far back as 2007 but still today there is no such model in the automaker’s lineup. Customers tired of waiting can still purchase a CL Cabrio thanks to the guys at California’s Newport Convertible Engineering, which offers a customized CL with its steel roof replaced by an automated folding soft-top. Making a convertible out of a hardtop involves much more than chopping off the steel roof and designing a folding mechanism for the cloth top. Removing the steel top robs a car of a tremendous amount of structural rigidity that must be restored before the resulting soft-top can be deemed drivable. Every convertible built by the Californian coachbuilder includes significant structural upgrades to ensure the cars are equal to factory-built convertibles in terms of rigidity and roadworthiness. Admittedly, the custom CL Cabrio looks rather stylish and would no doubt stand out from the crowd in any suburban district. Pricing for standard two-door convertible conversions typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, however, some projects Newport Convertible Engineering has worked on has run up into the six figure sums. Some of the other extreme convertible makeovers offered by Newport Convertible Engineering include a Maybach 57 four-door convertible, and drop-top versions of the Cadillac Escalade and Toyota Prius. Via: Autoblog.nl Read More
  • Spy shots: Next-gen Mercedes Benz CLS interior revealed

    Spy shots: Next-gen Mercedes Benz CLS interior revealed The Mercedes Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was first introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and Aston Martin Rapide all under development.

    Now, prototypes for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model (previously we saw a test-mule disguised under the sheet metal of the current model) including shots of its interior. The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with... The Mercedes Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was first introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and Aston Martin Rapide all under development. Now, prototypes for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model (previously we saw a test-mule disguised under the sheet metal of the current model) including shots of its interior. The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. This will also allow Mercedes to introduce a second four-door coupe model, rumored to be based on its next-generation small car platform. The car will feature a wider track, as indicated by the extended wheel arches seen on the previous test mule, and according to insiders its platform will be borrowed from the current S-Class sedan flagship. New to the CLS will be a hybrid option based on the same powertrain as the one used in the recently revealed S400 BlueHybrid. Other engine options will include both V6 and V8 powerplants, and there will invariably be a high-performance AMG model. Meanwhile, the styling of the car is expected to be similar to the current model although it will be bigger overall and feature some sharper lines, especially around the front end. Mercedes may even launch a 'Shooting Brake' variant as well. A Shooting Brake is essentially a two-door wagon, and Mercedes designers hinted at the possibility of a modern version with the unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION study at the Paris Motor Show. While the ConceptFASCINATION was based around the design of the new E-Class Coupe, which is expected to spawn a Shooting Brake model of its own, our inside source suggests that a new CLS version will be offered as well.2011 Mercedes CLS spy shots2011 Mercedes Benz CLS Shooting Brake preview2011 Mercedes Benz CLS interior spy shots Read More
  • PhantASMA CL 65 AMG: tuning gone wrong

    PhantASMA CL 65 AMG: tuning gone wrong We've said it many times before, but sometimes tuners just don't know when to leave well enough alone. The Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG is a well-turned-out and highly massaged car in its factory-tuned form. Dressing it up with pseudo DTM garb and odd bits from discarded industrial window treatments isn't going to be an improvement. But ASMA didn't listen.

    The result: the PhantASMA65. From the inexplicably tall and broad central grille to the headlight-duplicating intakes on either side, the too-busy side strakes, widebody conversion, vents and runners and the massive rear diffuser, the PhantASMA is just too much.

    But that's not as bad a thing... We've said it many times before, but sometimes tuners just don't know when to leave well enough alone. The Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG is a well-turned-out and highly massaged car in its factory-tuned form. Dressing it up with pseudo DTM garb and odd bits from discarded industrial window treatments isn't going to be an improvement. But ASMA didn't listen. The result: the PhantASMA65. From the inexplicably tall and broad central grille to the headlight-duplicating intakes on either side, the too-busy side strakes, widebody conversion, vents and runners and the massive rear diffuser, the PhantASMA is just too much. But that's not as bad a thing when it comes to power. The crew at ASMA cranked up the V12 twin-turbo to a heady 725hp (533kW) and 870lb-ft (1,180Nm) of torque - almost enough function to make you not care about the car's grotesque form. Almost. Despite all that power, top speed is still limited to 155mph (250km/h). 11106 The 22in alloys at each corner are attractive enough with the car's 35mm drop that we'd like to see them on a stock CL 65 AMG. Wrapped in 255/30 (front) and 295/25 (rear) rubber, they're likely still outmatched by all that twisting force, however.ASMA PhantASMA65 CL 65 AMG Read More

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