2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Preview

We are in the midst of a horsepower race. As an enthusiast, you've got tobe holding your breath waiting to see who'll fire back next. No stranger to ridiculous engine outputs, Mercedes-Benz has responded by unveiling its latest weapon: the 2008 CL 65 AMG. But first, a bit of history behind those three important letters. The AMG we know today started out in racing, its first vehicle being the illustrious 1971 300 SEL 6.3 race car – yes, AMG converted a big, full-size sedan into a full-out racing machine. From that point on, as an aftermarket tuner, AMG began to tune a wide range of Mercedes-Benz products, focusing on the popular 190 and 300 series sedans, the most famous of which was the 360-hp, 5.6-liter 300E “Hammer”. After becoming the official partner to the Mercedes-Benz's DTM racing team, the three-pointed star began to carry AMG's wheels and body kits for its production vehicle. From there, Mercedes-Benz purchased AMG outright, and, as they say, the rest is history.

The most ultimate of cars in the AMG hierarchy (save for the SLR,developed

Fine Nappa leather is everywhere, and so is that lovely carbon fiber. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

by McLaren) should have the biggest engine with the most power, and the CL 65 does, with twelve cylinders, 6.0-liters of displacement and two turbochargers to make 612 horsepower. Even more impressive is the torque figure. With 738 lb-ft, this Benz has almost as much twist as the highway truck that delivered it to the New York International Auto Show where it debuted, and more than that aforementioned SLR. If you were wondering why it's mated to a five-speed automatic transmission instead of the whiz-bang seven-speed 7G-Tronic found in so many other Mercedes products, it's because the latter tranny couldn't handle the massive output of the tuned V12. All that torque would sheer the teeth right off of those seven little gears, whereas the beefier five-speed has no issues. The company says the car will get to 60

Its performance might not defy physics, but it brakes with more force than gravity. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

mph in 4.4 seconds, which might seem a little conservative for a vehicle with such staggering power.

Consider the following: the CL 65 tips the scales at 4,900 pounds, slightlymore than the weight of two Chevrolet Aveos. With that in mind, the performance figures that the CL is capable of are much more impressive. Equally as important as accelerating quickly is the braking system's ability to bring this seething mass of kinetic energy to a safe albeit rapid halt. The CL 65's binders incorporate a new double frame sliding caliper system that, coupled to immense composite rotors, is incredibly effective. This new approach to brake design incorporates the low heat transfer of a floating caliper system while keeping the performance capabilities of a fixed caliper system intact. AMG engineers figure the anchors are good for stopping distances from 60 mph in the 117 feet range, or a rate that's equal to 33.1 feet per second squared. As a quick refresher to high school introductory

This engine has twelve cylinders, 36 valves, two turbochargers and was built by one man. He must be a proud fellow. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

physics, that's more forceful than gravity (32.2 ft/s2).

CL 65 features a more aggressively tuned version of Mercedes' second generation Active Body Control System, which relies upon adaptive hydraulic spring rates that increase the stiffness of the suspension to counterthe effects of cornering, accelerating and braking for a ride that's truly parallel to the road. The bulk of this 17-feet long coupe is cloaked by this system, granting agility that belies its size. Large 255 / 35 ZR 20 front tires and even larger 275 / 35 R 20 tires provide the grip necessary to slingshot the CL 65 through corners.

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