There's so much going on in these photos and the result is so extreme that we're almost at a loss for post-Soviet humor. Fur coats, cardboard and technological solutions that use one half of what looks to be a two-liter bottle of 7-UP just add to the allure of this somewhat mysterious Russian (we think) custom. (h/t to Jorgen) [Fishki.net]

CL 4MATIC: Luxury CL 500 Coupé with all-wheel drive for first time -Even better traction on slippery surfaces -The latest-generation 4MATIC system

From summer 2008, Mercedes-Benz will also be offering all-wheel drive for its luxury CL-Class coupé for the first time. The new CL 500 4MATIC offers even greater traction and handling stability in the wet, in snow or on ice. Mercedes-Benz is equipping the CL 500 4MATIC with the same latest-generation all-wheel drive system which is also proving its merit in the S-Class. 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore requires no response time to come to the driver's aid in unfavourable weather and driving conditions. As a result, critical situations can be mastered with greater ease.
The heart of the all-wheel drive system is a transfer case with a central differential, which has been integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. From here, the drive torque is split between the front and rear axle at a ratio of 45 to 55. Another new feature is the twin-plate clutch at the central differential. This produces a basic locking effect of around 50 Newton metres between the front and rear axle, which allows variable torque shift between the axles as the situation dictates and thereby achieves further significant improvements in traction and stability in the 4MATIC models.
Mercedes-Benz combines 4MATIC as standard with the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and the 4ETS traction system, which brakes spinning wheels as required, increasing the drive torque to the wheels with good grip. The automatic brake pulses which increase traction when pulling away on slippery surfaces and can improve active safety in critical situations are metered by the system on the basis of sensor signals.
This allows 4ETS to achieve the effect of conventional differential locks while offering more comfort than the technology found in other all-wheel drive cars. Weighing just 70 kilograms, the new permanent all-wheel drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz is the lightest drive system of its kind.
Extra-efficient all-wheel drive technology: no fuel penalty in 4MATIC model
Beneath the bonnet of the new CL 500 4MATIC is a cutting-edge eight-cylinder engine with an output of 285 kW/388 hp and 530 Newton metres of torque, which is on tap between 2800 and 4800 rpm. The combined fuel consumption on the NEDC driving cycle is 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres, which places it on a par with the rear-wheel drive version of the CL 500 - a further bonus of the new, highly efficient Mercedes all-wheel drive system. The CL 500 4MATIC requires just 5.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The new 4MATIC model in the CL-Class range is characterised by the same high-quality safety and comfort features as the luxury coupé with rear-wheel drive, and additionally offers PASSION leather appointments, a ski bag, multicontour front seats and 18-inch nine-spoke light-alloy wheels. Other Mercedes innovations available as an option include the radar-based Brake Assist PLUS, the PRE-SAFE® brake and night view assist.

[Source: Mercedes]

The engineers at Brabus, whom we hear laugh maniacally while performing outlandish feats of speed in overclocked Mercedes iron, have turned their attention to the Mercedes CL-Class. The result is the Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe, a 730-hp sleeper with a top speed of 211 mph and enough torque, at 973 lb-ft, to turn the Loisach River back toward the Bavaria Alps. They've done it at drill point, increasing displacement of the CL's 5.5-liter V12 to 6.3 liters. Other mods include larger turbos, higher-capacity intercooler, performance exhaust, and an ECU that manages to keep the new kit Euro IV emissions compliant. Click through to peruse more such enviable specs. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

The World's Fastest and Most Powerful Coupe

BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo Coupe with 730 hp and 340 km/h

At the heart of this exclusive automobile is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world. Installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Further engine modifications also include precision-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with four special camshafts.

In addition the engine peripherals are also modified extensively. The modifications include special exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. Extensive bench tests determined the new programming for the engine electronics that not only maximizes power yield but also ensures that the engine meets stringent Euro IV emission limits.

Performance figures of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine speak volumes: A rated power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm is just as extraordinary as a peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS drivetrain elements are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful; it is also the fastest street-legal of its kind. 0 - 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe places exceptionally high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement parts that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front apron reduces lift on the front axle and improves engine and front brake cooling due to its large air inlet. Integrated fog lamps and high beams lend the car a characteristic appearance and further improve active safety by optimizing illumination of the road.

The BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airflow along the sides and feature integrated entrance lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron sports custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust. Three LED lights integrated into the apron are also activated via the keyless fob. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept, and reduces lift on the rear axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe is kept safely in check at all times thanks to custom-tailored solutions for tires, suspension and brakes. Among them are BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 18, 19, 20 or 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. The largest corresponding tires are size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear. BRABUS recommends Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.

The BRABUS module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires, and lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters. For further optimized active safety the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be equipped with the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Maximum fade-free stopping power is provided on the front axle by 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear features 355 x 28 millimeter discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS also fulfills any requests imaginable when it comes to exclusive interior options. The list of products ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to an exclusive customized interior crafted from soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be ordered as a complete car starting at 178,980 Euros or can be built based on an existing current CL 600 model.

Related:
More Brabus tuners [internal]

The Swabians at Lorinser have turned their style wands on the new Mercedes CL class, with a new aero kit and various add ons including the company's signature aluminum wheels. Not much to say, really, but that the new CL's design economy makes out-tricking a dicey prospect. Luckily the Swabians know something about economy. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Lorinser CL

The "great" coup s of Mercedes Benz are traditionally at home were highest demands are honored. The aerodynamic set of the Swabian specialist Lorinser skillfully highlights the new sportiveness of the CL. Especially the striking spoiler bumper with the integrated fog turning lights emphasizes the new design line. The wide side sillboards and front fenders with grill-covered air intakes add a classy touch. The photo shows the CL with aluminum rims of the type Lorinser RS 8.
Lorinser S-Class

Related:
Swabian Refinement: The Lorinser Mercedes S-Class [internal]

Brabus introduced its tuning kit for the new Mercedes CL-Class this morning, and as per usual the horsepower figures are suitably unreasonable. The top-line kit will get Brabus's "AMG who?" package, which adds twin turbos to and boosts displacement of the 5.5-liter V12 to 6.3 liters (an inside joke the AMG boys surely get), sending horsepower into the 730 hp range. Torque? How does 974 ft.-lbs at 2,100 rpm grab you (yeah, like Godzilla grabbing a powerline), though it's electronically limited lest it tear itself to pieces. Click through for the press release and more specs to hide under your mattress.

Press release:

The BRABUS Tuning Program for the new Mercedes CL Coupe

Concurrent with the market introduction of the new Mercedes CL-Class BRABUS already presents an extensive and exclusive tuning program.

Engine tuning with up to 730 hp / 537 kW, light-alloy wheels up to 21 inches in diameter and sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement parts are on the available-options list as are a sport suspension, a high-performance brake system and exclusive interior appointments. Just as unique is the BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years up to 100,000 kilometers (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of June 2003).

The top performance level from BRABUS for the CL 600 is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. To increase swept volume from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters the engine block is reworked and fitted with a special crankshaft with longer stroke, and with larger, forged pistons. The inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are machined for optimal gas flow further aided by four special camshafts.

The BRABUS engine specialists further equip the motor with larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance quad exhaust with low-back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics ensure perfect interaction of all new components, and contribute not only to maximizing power yield but also to meeting strict current emission limits.

The maximum power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm represents a superlative for the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine as does the peak torque of 1,320 Nm at 2,100 rpm. In the vehicle peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

These extraordinary performance figures make the BRABUS SV12 S coupe not just one of the most powerful but also one of the fastest GT's in the world. 0 - 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h speak volumes. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. An optional BRABUS rear locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS powertrain components are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

Engine tuning is also available for the CL 500 model. The options start with the B8 tuning kit for an increased power output of 419 hp / 308 kW and culminate in the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 615 Nm at 3,100 rpm.

To add more sporty emphasis to the elegant lines of the new C 216-series Mercedes coupe the BRABUS designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit, manufactured from high-quality PUR-R-RIM in OEM quality.

The BRABUS front bumper was shaped in the wind tunnel. Its sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large central air dam optimizes cooling of engine and front brakes. Integrated fog lamps and high beams give the car a more charismatic appearance and improve active safety through better illumination of the roadway.

The BRABUS rocker panels were designed to optimize airflow along the vehicle's sides. As a useful additional feature these panels come with integrated entrance lights.

The bolt-on rear fascia is designed to perfectly integrate the fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sports exhaust into the rear appearance. The sport exhaust is also available without engine tuning. The rear fascia also features three LED lights recessed in the underside of the fascia. They are activated when the trunk lid is opened and facilitate loading and unloading the trunk in the dark. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept.

Just as important for a customized appearance and for sporty handling are custom-tailored wheels. The new CL can be fitted with BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels in various widths and designs with 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch diameters. The largest tire/wheel combination for the C 216 series are BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. For optimal tires BRABUS selected Pirelli and Yokohama high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 in front and 285/30 ZR 21 in the rear.

Specifically matched to this tire/wheel combination is the BRABUS lowering module for the standard ABC suspension. It lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters.

To keep the exceptional performance safely in check at all times the Mercedes can be fitted with a BRABUS high-performance brake system. The top-of-the-line version features 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers and 380 x 36-millimeter vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle decelerates with 355 x 28-millimeter discs and six-piston fixed aluminum calipers.

The interior of the new Mercedes coupe offers numerous opportunities for exclusive BRABUS treatments. The list of products ranges from door sills with BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior crafted from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

Related:
Early Tuner: Wald International Tweaks the New Mercedes-Benz CL-Class [internal]

The 2007 Mercedes Benz CL-Class is already a high-concept design, but the jury's still out on how the major tuning houses will improve or completely mangle it. The first out of the box is Wald International, with a body kit package that includes front bumper spoiler, vented front fenders, side skirts and rear bumper spoiler, plus custom wheels. No word on pricing yet, but we'd imagine that's of little consequence to the 16-year-old children of Japanese bankers and viscounts that make up the tuner's target audience.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class By Wald International [eMercedesBenz]

Related:
More on the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class [internal]

Because we're required by international law to act as a conduit for every single spy shot taken of the upcoming Mercedes CL63 AMG, here again is the 500+hp CL63, likely again taken at or near the N rburgring, where it had been engaged in shakedown tests — ahead of its Paris debut next month. Now, spies are saying the CL may also get AMG's 6.0-liter biturbo V12, in a CL 65 AMG version, by summer 2007. That'll give the coupe upward of 612 hp. Werkswagen, indeed.

SPY PHOTOS: More Mercedes CL 63 AMG [World Car Fans]

Related:
Coupe d'Gracious: Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG; Spy Photos: CL-Class AMG at The N rburgring? [internal]

World Car Fans rounds up the next bunch of AMG-model Benzes spied in prototype form. They've compiled the latest shots of the C 63, GL 63, R 63 and CL 63 AMGs — all due by 2007 — caught during various manner of preproduction testing. The common thread is the new 6.2-liter V8 — AMG's first ground-up engine product — that will provide naturally aspirated gumption to nearly the entire line (over 7G-Tronic Speedshift trannies). With one-in-20 Mercedes models sold in the US an AMG product, it's no secret the Merc division is expanding its profile. Now all we need is six extra figures in disposable income and clear highway and a well-connected traffic-court lawyer.

SPY PHOTOS: Latest Mercedes AMG Models [World Car Fans]

Related:
Mercedes to Show AMG R63 Supervan in Frankfurt; Spy Photos: CL-Class AMG at The N rburgring? [internal]

We'll have to wait a couple of months for Merc's CL-Class stormer, CL63 AMG, but the company today announced it would make available a body kit and 19" AMG alloys to tart up the base model in kind. The styling kit includes front and rear aprons and side skirting, and the wheels are five-spoke AMG light-alloys with embossed AMG lettering. Sure it looks nice, but does offering these kind of superficial supplies — also seen from Audi (S-line) and BMW (M-line) degrade companies' hard-won performance-brand images? We're asking.

Related:
Mercedes Drops New CL Class into Laps of Luxury Buyers [internal]

With the launch of the CL-Class AMG wagen expected any time soon, it's not unlikely that some, say, engineering type would be hanging around the N rburgring with a car that's engaged in shakedown testing. That may be the case with this here, quad-piped CL, spied by a visitor near the famed Green Hell. Still no word on badge designation, but we can hear the naturally aspirated, 6.3-liter V8 in our sleep.

AW: Fotosammlung 8-9.7.2006 (1), (2) [Zroadster.com]

Related:
More on the Mercedes CL-Class [internal]

We'll have to wait a year after the base 2007 CL-Class models are released for their AMG-tuned counterpart. According to reports the wait won't be a hardship. The $100,000 question is, Will it get AMG's new, naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 with the big cans and a roar like Grendel's dragon? Or will it get the punchy V12 of the S65, with a Faustian tempest eminating from within twin turbos? Place your bets now. [Thanks to Damon for the tip.]

Spy photos: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL AMG [Edmunds Straightline Blog]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 CL63 AMG [internal]

The Benzo Bunch have let fly with the official shots of their 2007 CL-Class coup-ay, a few days after the first such shots were leaked across the webs. The official line goes like this: The CL-Class, which is built on the S-Class platform — and has gotten a redesign that brings it closer to the S's styling — will launch in Fall '06. It gets all the shiny objects expected in late-model Mercedes products, including the company's COMAND driver interface, PRE-SAFE automatic braking system and ABC active body control suspension. As expected, it'll come in two sizes, the V8-powered, 383-hp CL500 and 532-hp, V12-powered CL600. AMG will likely make its own introduction of the (hyperbole alert) 10,000-hp CL63.

The interweb's broken open, and automakers' secrets are tumbling out. Today's it's DaimlerChrysler that's getting the most outings, with images of the new Mercedes CL-Class finding their way to Carscoop this am, on the heels of yesterday's Sebring leakage. Built on the bones of the S-Class, the new CL has gotten a fairly radical redesign, as spy shots had indicated. Now you can see it before it's ready for its close-up, later today.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe Official pictures [Carscoop]

UPDATE:Mercedes Drops New CL Class into Laps of Luxury Buyers [internal]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Mercedes CL Coupe [internal]

With spy shots of the new Mercedes CL-Class coupe having been circulating the net for long-on eight months or so, isn't it time someone put stylus to tablet and spec'd out what the new generation will look like in the flesh? Well, someone did. World Car Fans offers up some a few shots that have been Lehmannized for your protection, as well as additional spy photos of the AMG model in cold weather testing. They show a silky coupe with strong visual ties to Merc's Maybach sedans. The new CL will be offered with a range of powerplants from a 3.7-liter to 4.0-liter V12 (diesels for the Euro folks). The top AMG model will of course get the company's newest 6.3-liter V8. Expect the base models to show up at year's end, with the AMG version coming in '07. [Thanks to Sebastian for the tip.]

Next Gen Mercedes CL Coupe and AMG [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 CL63 AMG [internal]