2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) CL65 AMG: THE NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE COUPE
Also Available as "40th Anniversary" Limited Edition Model

Two special events make 2007 a particularly significant year for Mercedes-AMG: the arrival of a new top model – the CL65 AMG high-performance coupe with its 450 kW /612 hp V12 engine – which rounds off the unique AMG range and which also, in "40th Anniversary" limited edition guise, marks a special anniversary: the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group (MCG) celebrates its 40th birthday in 2007.

Another dream car has joined the AMG model range in the form of the new CL65 AMG. The powerful AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine familiar from the S65 AMG and SL65 AMG twelve-cylinder models delivers a truly impressive driving experience in the exclusive high-performance coupe. Its maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Newton meters are reflected in its outstanding performance data: the CL65 AMG attains 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reaches the 200-km/h mark in 13.3 seconds. Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Standard features include AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG forged wheels, the unique AMG interior and highly advanced technology, such as AMG sports suspension, based on the Active Body Control system, and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. The AMG high-performance brake system with new double-frame sliding calipers offers maximum deceleration without fading: under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the CL65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 meters; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2.

"40th Anniversary" Edition with AMG Alubeam Paint Finish

In order to mark the 40th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG – the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group – in suitably glittering style, the CL65 AMG is also being offered as a "40th Anniversary" limited edition model. A new type of paint finish reflects the special status of this exclusive version, which is restricted to just 40 vehicles for the whole world. This exceptional AMG coupe is the very first series-production Mercedes to feature AMG Alubeam, a unique paint finish which has previously only been seen on a handful of Mercedes show cars.

A world first, this new process causes the paint to gleam like liquid metal. The color, which seems to be stretched over the vehicle body like a metallic skin, emphasizes the compelling lines of the large Mercedes coupe more effectively than any other paint finish while the light plays on them in a way calculated to make them even more vivid. This is made possible by the use of pigment particles which measure just 30 to 50 nanometers and are therefore able to be incorporated in the surface of the paint much more evenly. As a result, the light is reflected much more intensively and the luster of the paintwork is enhanced. To put this into perspective, conventional paintwork pigments measure between 100 and 300 nanometers.

This fine pigment structure calls for a perfect body surface which the Mercedes experts achieve by means of an elaborate preparatory process before the actual painting stage. It goes without saying that AMG Alubeam also has a clear coat with enhanced scratch resistance which offers greater protection from environmental influences.

Superb Interior Ambience with Special Appointments

The superbly styled interior also makes an impressive statement: the CL65 AMG "40th Anniversary" features two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION all-Nappa-leather upholstery with a diamond pattern, a color-coordinated Alcantara roof lining and embossed V12 logos on the front head restraints. The airbag unit of the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel is also finished in Nappa leather. High-quality trim elements made from genuine carbon add a decidedly sporty touch.

The "40th Anniversary" lettering on the center console confirms the exceptional character of the new coupe and at the same time serves as a reminder of the incomparable history of AMG. Further evidence of the car's highly exclusive status is provided by the "ONE OUT OF 40" badge on the hand rest of the COMAND controller.

Designed by the specialists of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, which was set up in 2006, the "40th Anniversary" CL65 AMG belongs to the exclusive "Editions" category of vehicles whose distinctive look and feel differentiate them from the series-production models and give them their special appeal.

V12 Biturbo Engine: Dynamic Performance at the Highest Level

The highest level of performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine with its displacement of 5,980 cc: its maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained between 4800 and 5100 rpm while the maximum torque of 1000 Newton meters (electronically limited) is available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. These impressive engine data are the key to exceptional performance and superbly assured driving dynamics. But the powerful AMG twelve-cylinder unit is also in its element when cruising effortlessly in high gear. Its superbly responsive character is as impressive as its smooth, low-vibration running qualities which guarantee the high level of touring comfort typically associated with Mercedes.

Key Data for the CL65 AMG at a Glance:

Cylinder arrangement / valves per cylinder
V12/3

Displacement cc
5,980

Bore x stroke mm
82.6 x 93.0

Compression ratio
9.0 : 1

Output kW/hp @ rpm
450/612 @ 4,800-5,100

Max. torque Nm @ rpm
1000* @ 2,000 – 4,000

Acceleration 0-100 km/h in seconds
4.4

Top speed in km/h
250*

* Electronically governed

The twelve-cylinder biturbo engine of the CL65 AMG features the very latest technology from the world of motorsports. Highly resilient components and materials guarantee consistently high power and torque levels, even at extreme operating temperatures. A case in point is the charge-air cooling system which uses an air/water heat exchanger and a particularly large low-temperature radiator at the front of the vehicle. The maximum charge pressure is 1.3 bar.

The characteristic AMG twelve-cylinder sound is ensured by the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes. Catalytic converters with tri-metallic coating provide a faster response from a cold start, more efficient exhaust-gas aftertreatment and a longer service life. The CL65 AMG complies with the EU 4 emissions standard as well as specific requirements of the US market.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-Speed Auto with Steering-Wheel Shift Paddles

The drive power of the new CL65 AMG is transmitted to the wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. An "S/C/M" mode button in the center console allows the driver to choose between the "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" driving programs. As well as changing the transmission characteristics, these modify the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. Gears can also be shifted manually at any time by means of the silver-colored aluminum shift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

AMG Sport Suspension Based on Active Body Control

The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. The CL65 AMG negotiates bends of every type with a greatly reduced roll angle while body roll during fast avoiding maneuvers is effectively suppressed. In this way, the AMG V12 coupe not only opens up new dimensions of dynamic handling, but also offers noticeably enhanced comfort.

AMG High-Performance Brakes with Innovative Twin Sliding Calipers

The polished 20-inch AMG twin-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey also contribute to the superb roadholding of the CL65 AMG. At the front, the 8.5-inch-wide wheels are fitted with 255/35 ZR 20 tires, while 275/35 ZR 20 tires equip the 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear. With their filigree spokes, they offer tantalizing views of a brake system, the like of which is not to be found in any other manufacturer's products. The system in question is the AMG high-performance brake system which sets new standards for stopping power, sensitivity and resistance to fading. In keeping with the innovative approach typical of AMG, the front brakes of the CL65 AMG are equipped with twin sliding calipers. A world first, this new technology combines the advantages of a floating-caliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly enhanced comfort as a result of the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-caliper brake.

At the rear, braking is handled by a large frame-type sliding caliper. Composite blind-drilled brake discs at the front and rear with respective diameters of 390 and 365 millimeters ensure the shortest stopping distances, excellent resistance to fading and outstanding sensitivity. Under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the CL65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 meters; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2. Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the electronically controlled dual-circuit hydraulic brake system supports numerous driver assistance functions – such as the PRE‑SAFEâ Brake system, Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS – for even greater safety and comfort.

AMG Body Styling: Powerful and Elegant Design

The advanced technology of the CL65 AMG is complemented perfectly by the vehicle's powerful, elegant and dynamic design idiom. The AMG body styling and the self-assured lines of the large Mercedes coupe make a superbly cohesive formal statement. Large air intakes, side air outlets and round fog lamps with chrome surrounds dominate the front, as do the special AMG radiator grille with two horizontal chrome louvers and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps. Distinctive side skirts and "V12 BITURBO" lettering enhance the sides while the two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes and the muscular rear apron with its black diffuser insert make the rear of the vehicle particularly eye-catching.

Interior: Dynamic Style and the Finest Materials

Inside, too, the V12 top model impresses with its dynamic style and its use of the finest materials: the AMG sports seats have a special upholstery pattern as well as both multicontour and massage functionality; the EXCLUSIVE PASSION Nappa leather upholstery has a new diamond pattern. All four seats feature metal AMG badges. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel has a specially sculpted rim and silver-colored AMG aluminum gearshift paddles. Integrated in the AMG instrument cluster (which is calibrated up to 360 km/h and features "V12 BITURBO" lettering), the AMG main menu shows the currently selected gear and recommends when to shift up to the next gear. It also allows the driver to choose between viewing the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage as well as the "RACETIMER". Using the latter, the driver can measure lap times – when driving on a private race circuit, for example. A particularly notable highlight of the interior is the IWC-design analogue clock. Fine poplar wood trim elements as well as AMG door sills and the AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel complete the picture.

40 Years of AMG: From a Two-Man Start-Up to a Global Business

From its beginnings 40 years ago as a specialist motorsports and tuning firm, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars with some 750 employees, an extensive model range now comprising 16 different AMG cars, customers across the world and a brand name which has gained a high level of recognition. The company was founded back in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M), whilst Aufrecht's birthplace of Grossaspach (G) supplied the third letter in the company name. The two men officially described themselves as "engineering, construction and testing specialists in the development of racing engines". The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).

1971: Class Victory at the ‘24 Hours of Spa’ Race Is the Breakthrough

In the early years of the company, its founders concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE and competing in European touring car races. They did not have to wait long for their breakthrough: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG took a surprise class victory at the 24 Hours of Spa in 1971 in Belgium, finishing in second place overall. The 315-kW/428-hp racing saloon was driven alternately by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz.

This historic victory was followed by countless successes in an extremely wide range of motorsports competitions: AMG took the DTM team title no less than five times. Bernd Schneider, Gary Paffet and Klaus Ludwig collected a total of eight DTM titles, with Schneider also taking the ITC (International Touring Car Championship) title. It was Bernd Schneider again, at the wheel of the Affalterbach team's CLK-GTR, who took the drivers' title in the inaugural FIA GT Championship in 1997, a success repeated by Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta the following year when they also won the constructors' title for Team AMG Mercedes – the CLK-GTR won all eleven races of the season.

In the current DTM, Bernd Schneider (who already has a record number of wins to his name) is committed to doing everything he can to defend his 2006 championship title in the all-new AMG Mercedes-Benz C-Class in 2007.

Outstanding Technological Achievements Boost Business

AMG's success was to spread far beyond the world of international motorsports. By the 1970s, customers were beginning to acquire a taste for more individuality in their cars, a trend which the Swabian company used to develop its business. The transfer of technology from motorsports to the series-production sector was already an integral part of the company's philosophy. AMG's ability to deliver outstanding technological achievements and first-class quality as a result of its involvement in motorsports meant that the company quickly made a name for itself and became highly respected. As a result of the aims which it had set itself, AMG soon became one of the leaders in the refinement and tuning of premium vehicles.

The Two-Man Start-Up Becomes a Medium-Sized Company

The strong demand for refined and tuned Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the late 1970s led to a steady increase in the number of orders received by AMG. The company outgrew its base in Burgstall and moved to Affalterbach in 1978. As the first Mercedes-Benz tuning company, AMG developed into a model for an entire branch of the automotive industry. The company's impact was evident at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, where a total of 176 exhibitors were involved in tuning and accessories for the Mercedes-Benz brand. An important event in the history of AMG was the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190 in 1983. The compact saloon soon became a favorite with German car tuners and helped AMG to tap into a whole new clientele.

1985: AMG Opens its Second Plant and the Workforce Grows to 100

AMG continued to expand: the company opened its second plant in 1985 and took on its 100th employee. Customers from all over the world began to come to Affalterbach, among them prominent figures from the spheres of motorsports, film, music, sport and business, not to mention royalty. Time and again, the extremely specialized requirements of these highly discerning customers resulted in exceptional projects – challenges which AMG was always ready to take on with its characteristic passion and know-how.

As an industry pioneer and trendsetter, AMG was able to draw on its ever-expanding wealth of experience to great effect. Ignoring short-lived fads, the company was already committed to its vision of securing – and maintaining – the position of world leader in its sector in terms of technology, design, sales and earnings.

Cooperation Agreement with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990

One of the key milestones in the history of AMG came in 1990, with the signing of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG. Demand and customer acceptance were given a tremendous boost now that AMG products could be sold and maintained through Mercedes-Benz' worldwide network of company-owned sales and service outlets and sales partners. Further expansion led to the opening of a third plant in 1990 and an increase in the workforce to 400 employees. In 1993 the company unveiled the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG, the first jointly developed vehicle to result from the cooperation agreement. In another development the same year, the Patent Office recognized AMG as a trademark as the name was now so well known.

Incorporation into the DaimlerChrysler Group in 1999

Hans Werner Aufrecht transferred the majority shareholding in the steadily growing company to DaimlerChrysler AG on January 1, 1999. On January 1, 2001 DaimlerChrysler acquired 100 percent of the shares. This allowed the newly founded Mercedes-AMG GmbH to benefit to an even greater extent from the Group's resources and global standing. Also in 1999, the motorsports department was transferred to company founder Hans Werner Aufrecht's firm H.W.A. GmbH, located in close proximity to Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Some 200 staff now work together with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport to manage the two companies' long-standing involvement in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series.

Involvement in Formula 1 with the Official F1 Safety Car

Mercedes-AMG has been an important part of the safety concept in Formula 1 for over ten years. The Official F1Ô Safety Car and the Official F1Ô Medical Car are based on the CLK 63 AMG and C 55 AMG Estate respectively. The decades of experience acquired in touring-car and GT racing play a key role in the continuous development of these two very special AMG vehicles.

Opening of the AMG Performance Studio in 2006

The opening of the AMG Performance Studio in 2006 marked the start of a new initiative to appeal to customers with very special requirements. In addition to the AMG high performance cars, which are available through the worldwide Mercedes-Benz sales organisation, the PERFORMANCE STUDIO develops and produces special AMG vehicles in exclusive, limited quantities. Offered as the Signature Series, Black Series and Editions, the unique special models stand out by virtue of their outstanding handling, race-circuit capability, technical and visual distinctiveness and exclusive equipment features, depending on the vehicle type in question. The latest product from the AMG Performance Studio is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a purist's lightweight version equipped with a powerful AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with an output of 294 kW/400 hp and numerous components from the world of motorsports. As well as focusing on particularly compelling AMG vehicles, the AMG Performance Studio satisfies customers' individual requests – a traditional strength of Mercedes-AMG. These special requirements can take the form of specific technical modifications such as AMG sports suspension systems, AMG high-performance brake systems, AMG wheel/tyre combinations, locking differentials and customized interior appointments, as well as one-off models.

AMG, the High-Performance Brand Within the Mercedes Car Group

AMG – around the world, these three evocative letters embody individuality, dynamism and exclusivity. Over the last four decades, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has evolved from a tuning firm specializing in premium cars to a vehicle manufacturer in its own right. Today, AMG is the high-performance brand within the Mercedes Car Group. Mercedes-AMG GmbH specializes in unique, high-performance vehicles; its sporty saloons, SUVs, coupes, cabriolets, roadsters and specially built one-off models constitute a product portfolio which meets its customers' every wish. The highly specialized company has overall responsibility for developing the design, aerodynamics, interior and powertrain, engine, suspension, brakes and electronics – right up to granting final approval for production of the complete AMG vehicle. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is also in charge of all marketing and sales-related activities for its products, too.

Early Integration in the Strategy and Product Phases

Since its incorporation into DaimlerChrysler AG on January 1, 1999, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has been able to ensure that it is integrated in the strategy and product phases at an early stage and has also had the opportunity to make optimum use of the Group's resources when needed. New AMG high-performance models are included in the specifications book from the very start of the concept phase and run through all the steps of the development process leading to series-production maturity in the same manner as Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As well as being able to use its own high-tech test rigs, Mercedes-AMG has access to all Mercedes Car Group test facilities. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG has its own testing center at the Nürburgring race circuit where particularly demanding AMG-specific development and test programs can be conducted on the circuit's legendary "Nordschleife" – the world's most challenging section of racetrack. The final product of this development process is always a perfectly tuned AMG vehicle.

During their development and production, all AMG products must meet the same high quality, safety and environmental standards which apply to every vehicle with the three-pointed star. And because every AMG sports car is also a genuine Mercedes-Benz, the comprehensive Mercedes service and warranty cover also applies in full to vehicles with the AMG logo.

Some 750 AMG Employees Work at the Company's Headquarters

The strength of Mercedes-AMG lies in its highly motivated employees and the consolidation of all automotive functions in a very compact organization. This ensures fast decision-making and the ability to quickly and flexibly implement the steps needed to satisfy a very broad spectrum of customers' wishes, as proven by the rapid growth of the company's model range. Mercedes-AMG also offers an extensive range of accessories and optional equipment for almost all Mercedes-Benz models.

Some 750 employees currently work at the Affalterbach headquarters of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. All are highly qualified specialists whose commitment to the highest standards of workmanship and precision is central to their own sense of professional integrity. They are motivated by performance – the concept at the very heart of the AMG brand – which represents their 100 percent commitment, every day.