Mercedes-Benz has released the first images of its 2011 model year CL65 AMG sledgehammer, revealing very subtle updates over the outgoing 2010 model and even fewer differences between it and its lesser CL63 sibling.

Visually differentiating the CL65 from the CL63 are minor things like a chromed front air splitter (the CL63 gets a black one), as well as a similar chrome diffuser and "V-12-design" twin chrome tailpipes.

Unlike the CL63, which gains a brand new twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, the latest 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL65 also makes do with the previous model’s 6.0-liter V-12. Despite the slightly older engine tech, the new CL65 still produces a staggering 621 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 738 pound-feet of torque available from 2,000-4,000 rpm.

The extra power only shaves 0.2 seconds off the 0-60 mph time of the CL63 AMG, resulting in a 4.2-second dash. However, the extra power will certainly be more apparent once already rolling, particularly when passing at moderate speeds or accelerating at the top end--though the AMG Performance package addition to the CL63 AMG will close the gap significantly. Top speed is an electronically controlled 186 mph.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, along with its CL63 sibling, hits dealers this November. For more information, check out our previous story by clicking here.

[Mercedes-Benz]