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Mercedes Shows AMG Muscle in Switzerland

Three More Mercs Get 63 AMG Treatment

Mercedes will be showing off some of its newest models at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show when it gets underway later this week.  Three new models that spark particular interest are the CLS 63, CLK 63 Coupe and Convertible (the two of which probably make it four new AMG models), and R 63 models which debuted earlier this year at the Chicago Motor Show, all of which include the AMG package.  You heard right, 63.  This means that each car is packing a 6.3-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine, designed and built entirely by AMG.  Each engine will punch out about 500-horsepower, depending on the model, and each model will be decked out with all of the AMG

500 horsepower, or more, in your hair. Sounds like a real treat. (Photos: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

features one would expect.  These AMG-specific features include special exterior body accents, a race-inspired interior, an AMG-tuned suspension for both handling and comfort, and huge disc brakes all around. 

Mercedes R 63 AMG is big both inside and out.  It provides comfortable seating for six adults via three pairs of single seats and is significantly longer than one would think.  In fact, the R 63 is 5 inches longer than the Cadillac Escalade and a whopping

Cornering Gs and ultra-high speed. Perfect way of introducing your kids to performance motoring. (Photos: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

10 inches longer than the SRX of the same make.  Even more shocking, the R 63 is just 1.1 inches narrower than the ultra-wide Hummer H1 Alpha!

From the outside, AMG has added a number of touches that make it look a lot sportier than a regular R-series model.  Flared fenders, special front and rear aprons, an AMG grille and side skirts, tinted taillights, and two sets of chromed twin exhaust pipes really make this car stand out as a performance model. 

Slide into the AMG-specific sport seats and grab hold of AMGs leather steering wheel and the same effect applies. 

The interior of the CLS 63 AMG is trimmed in leather, wood, stainless and countless other luxury materials. (Photos: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

From there, you can rest your right foot on the rubber-studded stainless steel foot pedals and gaze up at the special instrument panel, complete with AMG graphics of course.  Now youll feel like youre in a sports car... with five other people!

So it looks like a sports car (or at least as sporty as oversized station wagons get - Ed.) and feels like a sports car, but does it drive like a sports car?  Sure, unless 510-horsepower pushing you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about five seconds is not sporty enough for you.  It is reportedly no slouch in the handling department either.  Thanks to a double wishbone front suspension, four-link setup in the rear, height-adjustable AIRMATIC air ride system and AMG shocks, the R 63 provides

Seven-speed auto gearbox helps the 63 cars like this CLS rocket to 100 km/h quicker than the older 55 models. (Photos: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

performance-type handling capabilities while maintaining a smooth, comfortable ride for all six passengers.  Want to slow down?  No problem.  Tucked behind all four highly polished 19-inch AMG alloy wheels are vented and perforated disc brakes to make stopping as effortless as getting up to speed.

Until now, the only transmission that could stand up to the task of handling the extra power produced by an AMG engine was Mercedes aging 5-speed automatic.  The new R 63, CLS 63 and CLK 63 AMG models, however, will feature a beefed-up SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic with three different shift modes controlled by a switch on the center console.  This allows the driver to choose between sport, comfort, or manual settings.  Those who wish to shift manually can do so by using the electronic lever on the steering column, which only allows for Drive, Reverse or Park, or

The CLK is the latest Mercedes-Benz to get the 63 motor. (Photos: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

by using the Formula-1 style aluminum paddles located on the steering wheel itself.
Along with the transmission, the CLS 63 and CLK 63 models will also benefit from most of the features found on the R 63.  The AIRMATIC air suspension, healthy four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, and AMG-specific interior and exterior accents will be standard on these AMG models.  Not to mention the potent 6.3-liter V8 will be providing the punch to these unique automobiles.

The CLS is unique in its own right due to its 4-door "coupe" body style.  This gives it a sporty coupe look without the hassle of trying to wedge passengers into the back seat using an oversized shoehorn.  Combine this unique body style with an AMG performance package and I think you will see a very interesting car.  The same goes for the CLK, which will fancy those who desire a true sports coupe.  As in the past, the new CLK 63 will be offered in both Coupe and Cabriolet models, the latter designed for those who like to roll with the top down.

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