Mercedes-Benz USA is offering automotive journalists the first drive on U.S. roads of their all-new direct injection biturbo V8 engines. As luck has it, we sent one of our own writers to New York to test and photograph these new beautiful engines in order to bring you a first hand look and review.
Powering through New York State’s Hudson Valley region, the new 4.6-liter V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement than its predecessor but generates 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque – 12 percent more horsepower and 32 percent more torque than the engine it replaces yet fuel economy improves by about 10%. This new engine is available in the restyled 2011 CL550 4MATIC, with an MSRP of $114,025.
The second engine making its debut is the hand-assembled high-performance 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine, featuring the use of stop/start technology as well as twin turbochargers and direct injection. This new engine produces 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque while at the same time achieving an estimated 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. Mated to the award-winning 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission, this new engine is available in the 2011 CL63 AMG coupe ($151,125) and S63 AMG sedan ($138,875). For even more performance the optionally available AMG Performance Package increases engine power to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. for torque; top speed also increases to 186 mph.
The epitome of luxury coupes
These new engines make their U.S. debut in the restyled 2011 CL-Class set to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in November. The flagship coupe of the Mercedes-Benz model range, the CL-Class features a new hood, fenders, grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED turn signals and daytime running lights. The rear of the vehicle incorporates new LED taillights, bumper-integrated exhaust pipes and reverse lights now located in the trunk lid. Inside, the interior includes new steering wheel design and interior colors.
Innovative New Safety Options for 2011 CL-Class Models
New safety options for the 2011 CL-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention. Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.
Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver is alerted with visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist now incorporate a brake intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.
