The Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway, and Mercedes-Benz has taken the opportunity of being in front of some of the world's preeminent gearheads and car-lovers to unveil the 2011 CL-Class. The flagship coupe offers a brawny V-8, reduced emissions, and an updated look, and it's coming to America this fall. To add to the fun, they've surprised us and kept the CL name, rather than changing to S-Class Coupe as we'd expected.

Powered by a 429-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 engine in CL550 4MATIC trim, the new car cuts fuel use by 10-15 percent, according to Mercedes, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions by up to 23 percent over the naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter engine it replaces. The jump comes largely from the use of their new BlueDIRECT direct injection system. Acceleration is brisk, cutting to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds--half a second quicker than its predecessor.

The CL600, the flagship model, gets its motivation from a 510-horsepower twin-turbo V-12, delivering 612 pound-feet of torque. The CL600 shaves 0.4 seconds off the CL550's time, hitting 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Other key updates and changes for the 2011 model-year are a revised exterior appearance, with the V-shaped grille and curved headlights flowing into the hood's profile. The new front bumper features triple air intakes, plenty of chrome, and an LED daytime running light strip along the brake cooling inlets. At the rear, the tail lights are redesigned, and LED turn indicators complete the modern lighting. A sport package which adds 19-inch alloy wheels and more aggressive body work is also available.

Of course, there's also the usual array of high-tech gadgetry and features: bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination, adaptive highbeams, active lane-keeping assist, active blind spot assist, PRE-SAFE braking, attention assist, active body control--the list goes on.

For the full official run-down on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, including all the flowery semi-translated language, catch the press release on page two.

[Mercedes-Benz]

The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The epitome of luxury coupes

With stylish, eye-catching design, exclusive appointments and cutting-edge
technology, the extensively updated 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
underscores its flagship position in the world of refined automobiles.
Powered by a new 429-hp V8 biturbo engine which achieves a 10-15%
improvement in fuel economy and 23% improvement in CO2 emissions, the
CL550 4MATIC opens a new dimension of efficiency in the luxury coupe
segment. This significant reduction is achieved thanks to the newly-
developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct
injection, energy-efficient control of alternator, fuel pump, air-conditioning
compressor and power-assisted steering system. It also features the use of
low rolling resistance tires and, on the CL600, the energy-optimized Active
Body Control system. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz developers equipped
the CL-Class with state-of-the-art multimedia technology, thus helping this
model retain its position as the epitome of quality in its class. The 2011MY
CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in Autumn of 2010.

With the new generation of the CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz is emphasizing fuel
consumption and exhaust gas emissions in this exclusive high-end segment.
According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler
AG: “The CL is the ideal ambassador for our brand. It combines in a particular
degree those things that characterize Mercedes-Benz: fascination, perfection and
responsibility. And with the new generation we have gone a step further, too –
especially in the realm of efficiency. But in terms of design, safety, comfort and
output, too – the CL shows the way forward: simply follow Mercedes.”
In the realm of safety, a combination of cutting-edge camera and radar-based
assistance systems - unique in the luxury coupe segment - including the
innovation of the Active Lane Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist systems, makes
the CL-Class a "thinking" partner of the driver. The modified Active Body Control
(ABC) with crosswind stabilization system and the Direct-Steer system also
contribute to enhancing safety and driving enjoyment.

Design: a muscular, confident presence

The exterior appearance of the new CL-Class is characterized by the taught profile
of the hood, the dynamic V-shape radiator grille and the curving headlamps –
design details that discreetly but effectively emphasize the car's elegant yet
powerful lines.

The front bumper presents a new three air intake design accented with a
prominent chrome trim strip. An LED strip with chrome surround for the daytime
running lights is elegantly integrated in the side openings for the brake cooling
air. With standard Bi-Xenon Headlamps with active curve illumination and
Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the headlamps offer state-of-the-art illumination.
LED turn indicators and position marker lamps round off the car's advanced
image while the rear of the vehicle is characterized by the newly-designed tail
lamps.

New V8 bi-turbo engine with innovative technology

The new-generation CL-Class also assumes a pioneering role with its drivetrain.
Under the hood of the CL550 4MATIC a new V8 biturbo engine with BlueDIRECT
technology delivers impressive power. With its 4663 cc displacement, the eight-
cylinder engine produces 429 hp so that despite 0.8 liters less displacement, it is
still around 12 percent more powerful than its predecessor, which had an output
of 382 hp. At the same time, torque was raised from 391 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft – an
increase of 32 percent. The new engine achieves a 10-15% improvement in fuel
economy and 23% improvement in CO2 emissions. The CL5550 4MATIC requires
a mere 4.9 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph (previous model: 5.4
seconds). Summing up: the CL550 4MATIC is significantly more agile, torquey
and thriftier than its predecessor.

The BlueDIRECT technology package of the V8 biturbo includes a series of new
developments, unique in their combination. Worthy of mention among these is
the third-generation spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo
injectors and multi-spark ignition with up to four ignition sparks within a
millisecond. Together both enable an innovative combustion process called
"homogenous split". Other factors contributing to the exemplary low fuel
consumption continue to be the consistent use of friction-optimized pistons,
piston rings and cylinder barrels, the on-demand control of oil pump and the new
three-phase thermal management in the coolant circuit. The luxury coupes also
controls the alternator depending on the type of driving and on-board voltage.
Kinetic energy is recuperated in the overrun mode.

The CL600, with its 510 hp 12-cylinder biturbo engine and 612 lb-ft. of torque
remains the top-of-the-line model: it accelerates the luxury coupé from a standstill
to 60 mph in a breathtaking 4.5 seconds.

A unique combination of driver-assistance systems

The 2011 CL-Class further enforces its position as an automotive masterwork and
a technology platform with the most advanced assistance and protection systems.
These highly perceptive assistants convert the coupe into a "thinking" partner
that can see, feel and react instantly if it detects a hazard, acting autonomously to
prevent accidents or to mitigate their effects. The trailblazing driver assistance
systems in the CL-Class are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor
technology.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is a new safety feature making its debut on the CL-
Class as part of the optional Driver Assistance Package. If the vehicle threatens
to cross a continuous lane marking line, the system actuates an electric motor in
the steering wheel, causing it to vibrate briefly – giving the driver a discreet but
effective warning hint to countersteer immediately. The active system springs
into action if the Mercedes coupe unintentionally crosses a continuous lane
marking line to the right or to the left. In this case, the car intervenes by gently
braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car, helping the driver to stay in
the lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist is built upon the existing ESP® Electronic
Stability Program.

Active Lane-Keeping Assist evaluates information provided by a camera mounted
on the inside of the windshield. It identifies the contrast between the road surface
and the lane markings. In addition, the optional radar system scans the side of the
roadway for dividers and other roadway edge markings. The system also evaluates
the driver's actions and can reliably determine whether the car is departing from
the lane intentionally or not. For instance, there is no warning if the driver
accelerates hard just before passing or when accelerating onto a highway, or if he
brakes hard or steers into a curve.

Targeted brake actuation: Active Blind Spot Assist

Another innovation Mercedes-Benz offers for the CL-Class is Active Blind Spot
Assist, a system that makes use of a multi-stage warning concept. If the system
detects that a lane change would be too dangerous, it warns the driver by
displaying a red triangle in the glass of the exterior mirror. Close-range radar
sensors monitor the area immediately to the side and to the rear of the car. If the
driver disregards this warning and, for example, uses the turn indicator, an
audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings and
comes dangerously close to a vehicle in the neighboring lane, the system acts: a
corrective braking intervention via ESP® is applied to the wheels of the
opposite side of the vehicle. This causes a yaw movement about the car's vertical
axis due to the unequal distribution of the braking forces. If an accident still
cannot be avoided, the active Blind Spot Assist system can reduce the
consequences of a collision through the brake actuation.

Assistants to see and be seen better

The Adaptive High Beam Assist system is now offered as standard equipment on
the CL-Class. This camera-based system can recognize oncoming vehicles or
vehicles ahead with their lights on, and then softly transitions from high-beam to
low beam to create the best possible lighting conditions without dazzling other
drivers. In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers the optional Night View Assist PLUS
system for the CL-Class, featuring a special infra-red camera for pedestrian
detection: pedestrians are now specifically highlighted in the display, to help alert
the drivers in low light conditions.

On European models, the images supplied by the windshield-mounted camera are
also used by the new, optional Speed Limit Assist (not available in the U.S.),
which recognizes speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit
in the central display and on the navigation system's map display.

For the new-generation CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and
medium-range radar used by Brake Assist (BAS PLUS) and DISTRONIC PLUS
proximity cruise control.

An "electronic crumple zone": the PRE-SAFE® Brake

Mercedes-Benz offers another radar based system for the luxury coupé as a
component of the Driver Assistance Package: PRE-SAFE® Brake with automatic
emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognize the imminent
danger of a rear-end collision or the warning signal of an assistance system, PRE-
SAFE Brake can intervene and autonomously apply partial braking. If the driver
fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, this new version of
PRE-SAFE® Brake activates maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds
before an unavoidable collision – this emergency braking action can significantly
mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE® Brake thus acts as a kind of
"electronic crumple zone".

ATTENTION ASSIST Warns Drowsy Drivers:

Drowsiness is one of the most common causes of accidents. This is why Mercedes
experts have developed the ATTENTION ASSIST system which forms part of the
standard equipment of the new CL-Class. The system continuously monitors
more than 70 different parameters in order to identify driver drowsiness and
provides a warning before the dangerous microsleep phase begins. Observing the
driver’s steering behavior has proved to be a particularly strong indicator:
several years of practical research by Mercedes-Benz have shown that drowsy
drivers make minor steering errors which they often correct very rapidly in a
characteristic way. This steering behavior is recognized by a special steering
angle sensor. Observing the driver's eyes cannot always provide conclusive
evidence of sleep since many drivers can experience micro-sleep with
their eyes open.

Active Body Control reduces the effect of a crosswind

The CL-Class also meets the highest standards in terms of driving dynamics and
agility. This is in part thanks to Direct-Steer, which can vary the steering ratio
based on the steering angle, and modified Active Body Control (ABC) with
crosswind stabilization (standard on the CL600, CL63 and CL65 AMG). This
latest stage in active body development modifies the wheel load distribution via
the ABC spring struts within milliseconds (depending on crosswind direction and
intensity) to help compensate for crosswind forces.

The Active Body Control suspension system – which ushered in new dimensions
of driving dynamics in the preceding CL-Class in 1999 - is unique worldwide as it
not only regulates roll, but pitching and squatting movements as well, ensuring a
perfect harmony of comfort and handling stability. Since the introduction of this
innovative system, engineers in Sindelfingen have continuously refined it, so that
eleven years later it still marks the pinnacle of automotive engineering. In
addition to crosswind stabilization, the new suspension features an energy-
optimized hydraulic pump that takes part of the burden off the engine,
contributing towards reducing fuel consumption.

Additional safety and agility during spirited driving is provided by the standard
Torque Vectoring Brake in the new CL-Class – targeted, one-sided braking
intervention at the inside rear wheel when cornering. This enables the luxury
coupe to turn into the bend under precise control with even greater agility.

On-board infotainment: the most advanced multimedia technology
In line with its serene character and sophisticated technology, the CL-Class also
sets standards for onboard infotainment. The latest innovation, SPLITVIEW
technology, is optionally available for the COMAND system centrally located in the
center console. This innovative display concept allows the driver and front
passenger to view different contents simultaneously on the same screen. For
example, while the driver uses the map-based navigation system, the front
passenger can watch a DVD.

The standard COMAND control and display system with Bluetooth®, USB and SD
card interfaces offers customers the possibility of exporting their stored data to
other vehicles and multimedia devices. It is also possible to transfer and update
navigation data. Mercedes-Benz integrates the Media Interface – an interface for
mobile audio and video devices – via an auxiliary cable located in the glovebox.
Standard audio equipment also includes radio, a 6-disc CD/DVD player with MP3
function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the 7.2 GB
MUSIC REGISTER which stores around 2,500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or
WMA format. The system recognizes music files played on CD, DVD or from the
MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote® database, and shows the title,
album and performer in the color display. The new Music Search function
enables passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for
specific music titles and performers.

The standard Navigation system features a nationwide map system stored on a
40-Gigabyte hard disk, enabling extremely rapid route calculation. Another factor
contributing to a high level of navigation ease is the detailed 3-D map display
with SIRIUS real-time traffic information.

The standard Voice Control system allows the driver to operate the navigation,
telephone and audio devices via whole-word input -- meaning the driver no longer
needs to spell out his commands but simply speaks whole words when entering
the destination, choosing a radio station or a music title from the Music Register,
or when calling up a name from the phone book.

Co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and Harman Kardon® surround sound system
with Discrete Logic7® technology delivers an outstanding performance with three-
dimensional sound.

Interior: carefully selected materials and first-class finish

In the interior, too, Mercedes-Benz developers and designers perfected the
CL-Class, paying careful attention to detail. A total of four different kinds of fine
wood open up the possibilities for perfectly matched material and color concepts:
a choice of light or dark high-gloss burl walnut, black ash and high-gloss brown
poplar on the CL600. Important to note: in accordance with Mercedes-Benz’
corporate philosophy of sustainability, the CL-Class uses only European wood
from renewable forestry sources. Most of the wood components are hand-made
and matched individually for color and grain by experienced craftsmen.

The seating materials found in the new CL-Class are of the most exquisite quality.
There is a choice of four tasteful color combinations for the vehicle interior: black
premium leather, savanna/cashmere premium leather, ash/grey premium leather,
sahara beige/black premium leather.

The multifunction wood/leather steering wheel of the CL-Class has also been
modified by the Mercedes-Benz designers: the rim and airbag module are lined
with soft nappa leather as standard. The new, flatter airbag module also lends a
sporty touch to the multifunction wood/leather steering wheel sewn with
sophisticated double stitching.

Apart from this, Mercedes-Benz makes more use of light as a styling element in
the vehicle interior. Standard ambient lighting provides a choice between three
lighting moods: solar (amber), neutral (white) and polar (ice blue).

Tradition: an exclusive line of ancestors

The new generation CL-Class continues the great tradition of Mercedes-Benz
coupes, which reaches back to the legendary supercharged cars of the 1920s and
'30s. Since the 1950s Mercedes-Benz has produced an uninterrupted series of
exclusive two-door cars which combine sophisticated design with trailblazing
technology – every model an automotive classic. The W 188 model series 300 S
Coupé -- which entered series production in 1952 -- marked the beginning. A
contemporary report called it the "measure of what it is possible to achieve in
automotive engineering".

This statement has remained true for all subsequent models, right down to the
current CL-Class, because the luxury coupes from Mercedes-Benz featured - apart
from their timeless design and the highest level of comfort - trailblazing
innovations in automotive technology. Thus it was that in 1961 the 220 SE Coupé
was the first series-production Mercedes-Benz to be equipped with disc brakes. In
1995 the ESP Electronic Stability Program celebrated its world premiere in the S
600 Coupé of the C140 model series, and in 1999 the Active Body Control
suspension system was introduced for the first time in the C215 model series CL-
Class. The technological innovation PRE-SAFE® brake made its debut in a large
Mercedes-Benz coupé. Now two new developments in the 2011 CL-Class, Active
Lane Keeping Assist and the Active Blind Spot Assist, will help prevent accidents
or reduce their severity.

Model range
Luxury and performance
• Perfect combinations: equipment packages and driver assistance systems
• CL600: a masterwork with top-of-the-line equipment
• Exclusive individuality: the AMG Sports package and designo
For decades now, the great coupes from Mercedes-Benz have represented
motoring refinement of the highest level. Exceptional design, craftsmanship and
pioneering technology flow together, blending into a style-generating unity. The
history of the great two-door cars bearing the three-pointed star goes back to the
large supercharged cars of the 1920s and '30s. The new CL-Class generation
continues in this great unbroken tradition of automotive masterworks.
With targeted design modifications such as the new, more strongly pointed
radiator grille, the new front bumper with integrated LED strips for the daytime
running lamps and the standard bi-xenon headlamps, the Mercedes developers
cultivated the poise and athleticism expressed in the design language of the two-
door car in a contemporary manner. The high-level of technology exemplified by
Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilization in the CL600 sets new
standards in driving dynamics and comfort. And with safety systems such as the
standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist,
optional Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping assist, and PRE-SAFE®
Brake with automatic emergency braking, the CL-Class sets the standard in the
luxury coupé class.

This is also true of the engine line-up: the new V8 biturbo engine with a
displacement of 4,663 cc, 429 hp output, a torque of 516 lb-ft. and spray-guided
direct gasoline injection in the CL550 4MATIC achieves top marks in its class in
terms of efficiency. At the same time, output climbs 47 hp compared with the 5.5-
litre naturally aspirated engine in the preceding model.

The CL600 with its venerable 5.5-liter biturbo V12 drivetrain, delivers 510 hp and
612 lb-ft. of torque.

The CL600: the summit of driving refinement

Mercedes-Benz stylishly underlines the exceptional status of the twelve-cylinder
CL600 with numerous distinguishing features in the exterior and interior. In
addition to the model-specific radiator grille with two twin louvers, these include
the V12 emblem on the flanks, model-specific, five-spoke 19-inch light-alloy
wheels and a wide range of standard equipment.

The Drive-dynamic multicontour seats and the rear seats are upholstered with
particularly supple leather, decorated with a special V12 fluting pattern, as is the
Alcantara roof liner. Among other things, the upper and lower sections of the
dashboard, the door center panels, rear shelf and ruffled pockets on driver and
front passenger backrest are covered in this high-quality leather. Apart from the
roof liner, the interior trim of the A, B and C pillars is also clothed in Alcantara
leather. Luxury head restraints at front and rear bearing the V12 emblem also
enhance interior comfort. The V12 symbol on the backrests makes reference to
the exclusive character of the vehicle. On entry, the a V12 emblem is displayed in
the instrument cluster. Trim elements in fine high-gloss brown poplar wood,
chrome-plated door sills and trunk sill, together with the standard ambient
lighting, round off the serene character of the Mercedes-Benz CL600.
designo and designo Selection: individual and exclusive

For further individualization, customers can now also choose from a restructured
range of designo features for the CL-Class, which further underscore the
exclusive hand-finished character of the luxury model. Ten different designo paint
finishes can be combined with ten designo aniline leather interiors and four
natural leather interiors – with practically no limitations on personal taste. For
designo wood trim, customers have a choice between natural-grain maple and
natural-grain matte oak. Trim in black piano lacquer and champagne white piano
lacquer can also be ordered.

Two kinds of fine authentic granite trim are available for the CL-Class: Labrador
blue pearl and Star Galaxy black. These trim elements are made by cutting 0.6 to
0.8 mm thin stone wafers which are then coated with an adhesive layer to ensure
that every grain remains exactly where it is. These thin plates are then ground
between two rollers. The result is a visually undisturbed, extremely thin stone
sheet, pliable thanks to the adhesive layer applied, which enables it to be molded
around narrow edges, too.

With designo Selection, Mercedes-Benz is offering a special, high-end package
of designo features for the CL-Class. Customers can configure their car according
to their personal preferences and taste from the different designo aniline leather
upholstery, wood trim elements and paint work available. The highlight is designo
lettering in solid 18-carat gold on the rear air conditioning unit cover. This is
exclusive to the designo Selection. The designo wood/leather steering wheel and
the designo roof liner in black nappa leather or Alcantara in cashmere beige,
anthracite or alpaca grey round off the refined atmosphere of the car's interior.

Sport package: CL-Class with a striking sporty character

The Sport package with more aggressive bodystyling and AMG light-alloy wheels
gives the luxurious two-door car an even more dynamic look. At the front the
newly-designed front apron provides an imposing, muscular appearance. Its
distinguishing feature is a tapered air intake with a wider lower edge. The side
skirts continue the design of the front bumper, with striking contours that find an
echo in the rear apron. The independent rear bumper with a black insert is the
perfect finishing touch.

Further highlights include the 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in
sterling silver. With their broad format 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear), not only
do they fill the wheel houses perfectly, lending the CL-Class an exceptionally
dynamic presence, but also enhance its handling characteristics even more. In
addition, silver-color painted brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering on the
front emphasize its sporty appearance. The Sport Package Plus One offers the
same aggressive bodywork along with a 20-inch twin spoke AMG light-alloy
wheels with 255/35 and 275/35 tires.