But the big changes for the CL lineup lie under the newly sculpted hood. The base model CL550 and CL550 4MATIC debut the new BlueDIRECT 4.6-litre direct injection twin-turbo V8 with an impressive output of 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. And yet its fuel consumption is a respectable 9.7 L/100 km. Mercedes has vowed to reduce their fuel consumption and C02 levels significantly across the lineup, including the AMG designated models. The company’s goal is a CO2 reduction of 30% by 2012, and a further 20% by 2015 – without sacrificing performance.
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| Under the hood of the CL63 AMG is the new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, with 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. (photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
After a break that included superb but strong french coffee, we set off for Provence in a CL63 AMG, whose subtle visual distinction from lesser models included sporty lower cladding, discreet badging, larger wheels and huge platter-like vented rotors. Underhood is the new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, with 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, with an optional performance upgrade to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. The engine features a start/stop function that shuts it off at stoplights to help in fuel and emissions reduction. We found this a bit disconcerting in congested traffic, but switching from Comfort to Sport disables this function.
It's paired with the brilliant seven-speed multi-clutch transmission (MCT) with a wet clutch replacing the traditional torque convertor – resulting in less friction and slippage for better executed shifts and increased fuel economy.
We follow the historic Route Napoleon, the road becoming narrow and winding, exchanging palm trees and flowering vines for sparse shrubbery and twisted olive trees as the elevation climbed. Here, more than ever, we're aware that we're in a rather large car. Numb steering or less than composed handling could result in unhappy consequences. We're very grateful for the accurate steering and feedback and the taut suspension as the roads grow more precarious. There's little margin for error as the roads have no shoulders and there's a sheer thousand foot drop on one side, and mere inches separate us from opposing, if scant, traffic.
We stretch our legs at an ancient chateau winery near the very summit. Here, we're lucky enough to score the keys to the colossally-endowed CL65 AMG, its twin-tailpipes and flank-badging indicators of the monster 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 that lies beneath its hood.
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| Here's the colossally-endowed CL65 AMG, its twin-tailpipes and flank-badging indicators of the monster 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 that lies beneath its hood. (photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |