Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG and S 65 AMG

Press Release

In detail

The technology of the CL 65 AMG and S 65 AMG:
A new dimension of performance and dynamism

• New V12 AMG biturbo engine with a displacement of 5980 cc
• Enhanced charge-air cooling for higher power output
• AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel controls
• Active Body Control specially optimised for AMG
• Upgraded AMG high-performance composite brake system

AMG – three letters which have stood for a dynamic and innovative company for over 35 years. This name is also synonymous with exceptional high-performance cars characterised by compelling power delivery, superb dynamic qualities and exclusive appointments. The Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG and S 65 AMG embody all these strengths to perfection and set new standards with their exceptional engine specifications and performance figures. It is only at second glance that the casual observer picks up the visual cues which hint at the exceptionally advanced technology to be found in these high-performance cars. But with the engine running – even if it is only at idling speed – the characteristically rich AMG sound makes it clear that a very special power plant is at work under the bonnet. Equipped with a biturbo system and air/water intercooling, the 5980 cc V12 engine has a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp and develops 1000 newton metres of torque. Maximum power is available throughout the 4800 – 5100 rpm range while the maximum torque is on tap between 2000 and 4000 rpm. The 570 newton metres of torque which the AMG V12 biturbo engine delivers to the crankshaft at just 1000 rpm rises to 830 newton metres 500 rpm later.

Outstandingly high specific output and torque values

Not even seasoned engine specialists could fail to be impressed by the outstanding performance data of the most powerful engine ever produced by AMG. Its specific output is 75.3 kW/102.3 hp per litre of swept volume, while its specific torque is 167.2 newton metres per litre of swept volume. The maximum mean effective pressure, an absolute measure of an engine's performance, is 21.0 bar at the maximum torque of 1000 newton metres. These figures mean that the new AMG V12 power plant outperforms every other series-production turbocharged/ supercharged petrol engine in the passenger-car sector.

A new dimension of performance

These outstanding engine data open up a new dimension of performance figures. Both the CL 65 AMG and the S 65 AMG accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and reach the 200 km/h mark in 13.3 seconds while a standing-start kilometre takes 22.0 seconds. Although the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, a look at the speedometer which is calibrated up to 360 km/h confirms the potential of the two new AMG cars. But the AMG twelve-cylinder power plant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising in high gear. Superbly responsive, yet smooth and refined, it guarantees the high level of touring comfort traditionally associated with Mercedes.

Key data at a glance:

Long tradition of twelve-cylinder engines from Mercedes-AMG

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 450 kW/612 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).

New engine features extensive internal and external enhancements

This long tradition of building outstanding V12 power plants has created high expectations and spurred Mercedes-AMG on once again to provide its customers with a superlative engine concept. As a result, the design of the biturbo engine has been thoroughly revised. The increase in the displacement from 5513 to 5980 cc is just one of many measures responsible for the enhanced performance and torque. The following design changes have been made:

• The cylinder bore in the diecast aluminium crankcase has been increased from 82.0 to 82.6 millimetres.
• The precision-balanced crankshaft is made from high-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 conrod 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 more effective fuel throughput.

Larger low-temperature radiator guarantees high power output

Another redesigned feature is the intercooler which is equipped with a front-mounted low-temperature radiator that is about 70 percent larger than before. The system uses the particularly efficient air/water heat-exchanger principle to cool the intake air (which has been compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion chambers. The larger area of the low-temperature radiator results in a 25 percent reduction in the intake-air temperature at full load. This system guarantees high power and torque levels whatever the outside temperature or operating conditions. The electronically controlled fuel supply system which incorporates newly developed components works with a system pressure of 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 wastegate valve actuation control for the two exhaust-gas turbochargers, completes the list of substantial modifications to be found in the new AMG V12. The characteristically rich AMG twelve-cylinder engine note comes courtesy of the new AMG sports exhaust system featuring a new muffler design and two twin chromed tailpipes. Thanks to the use of three valves per cylinder, dual ignition and efficient catalytic-converter technology, the CL 65 AMG and the S 65 AMG already comply with the EU-4 exhaust emission standard which comes into force from 2005.

"One man, one engine" in the AMG engine facility

The unique character of the high-performance AMB biturbo power plant becomes obvious as soon as the bonnet is opened. The redesigned engine cover, which is made from deep-drawn aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is impressive to look at and weighs just 1500 grams. The twelve-cylinder engine is assembled by hand on the topmost floor of the AMG engine facility – right next to the line where the supercharged AMG V8 for the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is produced. The "one man, one engine" philosophy is reflected by the characteristic signature plate on the AMG V12 which bears the name of the specialist who assembled the engine and guarantees the highest standards of quality and workmanship.

Upgraded driveline: Five-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel gearshift controls

Power is transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted gearshift controls. Various transmission components have been optimised to ensure safe and reliable handling of the high maximum torque level of 1000 newton metres, which is available between 2000 and 4000 rpm. These include:

• ... newly developed clutch pack discs with a high-quality metal coating,
• ... optimised shift and torque-converter-lockup logic.

Redesigned drive shafts and upgraded hub carriers also reflect the high levels of power and torque available.

Innovative Active Body Control with AMG sports suspension

Launched in 1999, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was the very first series-production car to feature active-suspension technology. Today, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, S-Class and SL-Class model series are the only vehicles in the world to offer this innovative system which reconciles the conflicting goals of safety, dynamic handling and ride comfort. Active Body Control (ABC) uses high-pressure hydraulics, sophisticated sensors and powerful microprocessors to adjust the suspension response to the current driving situation with split-second accuracy. The active suspension system eliminates almost all body movement when moving off, cornering and braking. It also reduces body roll very effectively when negotiating a curve or when avoiding an obstacle. The CL 65 AMG and S 65 AMG are equipped as standard with Active Body Control and special AMG spring struts with a firmer damping response for highly dynamic handling. The driver can also select an even sportier mode at the touch of a button. Furthermore, the latest ABC suspension system features a special function which takes account of the current vehicle load when calculating the active suspension settings. If the vehicle is heavily laden with passengers and/or luggage, for example, the ABC computer calls on corresponding control algorithms and reduces the roll angle of the body – with the result that the dynamic handling values are identical to those of an unladen vehicle. The dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, Brake Assist, ASR and ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) have had to be fully reworked in order to cope with the high level of power available from the biturbo engine.

Upgraded AMG high-performance braking system for front wheels

When designing the AMG high-performance braking system, the engineers drew on their extensive experience acquired during more than three decades of motorsport. The front wheels are equipped with a newly developed brake system featuring eight-piston fixed callipers with 390 x 36 mm internally ventilated and perforated composite discs. Compared with conventional brake systems, this composite technology, which makes allowance for axial and radial expansion of the discs, offers a weight saving of some 20 percent and also has a greater thermal capability – an attribute which has significant benefits with regard to durability. The rear wheels are equipped with four-piston brake callipers with 348 x 26 mm internally ventilated and perforated discs. The combination of these two systems gives the CL 65 AMG and S 65 AMG the stopping power to match their performance. Contact with the road is taken care of by multi-piece 19-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels with mixed tyres. The 8.5-inch-wide front wheels are fitted with 245/40 ZR 19 tyres, while the 9.5-inch-wide rear wheels have 275/35 ZR 19 tyres.