MB CL65 AMG - In Detail

Press Release

New twelve-cylinder CL 65 AMG with 612 hp and 1000 newton metres of torque

• AMG's most powerful engine
• Outstanding performance at super-sports car levels
• Active Body Control specially optimised for AMG performance
• Exclusive features including 19-inch AMG wheels and fine nappa leather

Six months after celebrating the company's 35th anniversary, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is proud to present its most powerful model to date in the shape of the CL 65 AMG. This exclusive flagship coupé is powered by a newly designed 6 litre V12 engine whose biturbo technology gives it a level of performance previously unheard of in this engine size class: the twelve-cylinder power plant has an output of 450 kW/612 hp and develops its maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm. Thanks to these impressive engine data, the Coupé has the performance characteristics of a thoroughbred sports car and is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figure) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The CL 65 AMG will have its market launch in autumn 2003. The new V12 engine embodies the expertise which Mercedes-AMG has always brought to the development of powerful twelve-cylinder cars which set the benchmark for their particular segment: in 1995, the 7.3-litre SL 73 AMG caused a sensation with its output of 386 kW/525 hp; in 1997, the street version of the CLK-GTR with its 440 kW/600 hp 6.9-litre V12 set new standards for super-sports cars; in 2001, Mercedes-AMG presented another two exclusive V12 high-end models in the form of the S 63 AMG and the CL 63 AMG (326 kW/444 hp). For Mercedes-AMG, this impressive V12 tradition represents both an obligation and an incentive to offer the company's customers an exceptional engine concept. The increase in the displacement from 5513 to 5980 cc is just one of many measures responsible for the enhanced performance and torque available:

• The cylinder bore in the die cast aluminium crankcase has been increased from 82.0 to 82.6 millimetres.
• The precision-balanced crankshaft is made from higher-strength material and its stroke has been extended from 87 to 93 millimetres.
• The forged pistons, which are made from a special material which is extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, have an upgraded oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle per piston. The size of the piston pins has been increased.
• The main and connecting rod bearings are made from higher-specification material for enhanced handling of thermal and pressure peaks.
• The combustion chambers in the cylinder heads have been optimised.
• The camshafts have increased stroke on the intake side and longer opening times.
• The modified oil pump and the larger oil cooler ensure that all lubrication points are supplied with oil -- even under the most extreme conditions.
• The housings of the compressor and turbine in both turbochargers have been enlarged, as have the turbine and compressor wheels. The maximum charge pressure has been increased to 1.5 bar.
• Larger injection valve openings permit increased fuel throughput.

Larger low-temperature radiator for high power output High power output is guaranteed under all operating conditions thanks to the new design of the intercooler which features a front-mounted low-temperature radiator that is about 70 percent larger. The system pressure of the computer-controlled fuel system has been increased to 3.8 bar in order to ensure an adequate fuel supply to the twelve cylinders in all driving situations. A completely revised electronic engine management system, which also includes new waste gate valve actuation control for both turbochargers, completes the list of major modifications to be found in the new AMG V12. The characteristically rich sound of an AMG twelve-cylinder engine is due to the new AMG exhaust system featuring a new muffler design and two twin tailpipes. The CL 65 AMG already complies with the EU-4 exhaust emission standard which comes into force from 2005.