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Mercedes-Benz reveals specs on two new V8s

Two new Mercedes-Benz engines offer more power and better fuel economy.

Suzanne Ashe
Suzanne Ashe has been covering technology, gadgets, video games, and cars for several years. In addition to writing features and reviews for magazines and Web sites, she has contributed to daily newspapers.
Suzanne Ashe
2 min read

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG is powered by a new engine that produces 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz today unveiled two new engines for the 2011 CL-Class.

The first of two all-new direct injection biturbo V8 engines is for the 2011 CL550 4MATIC. According to Mercedes, the 4.6-liter V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement than its predecessor, but delivers 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is 12 percent more horsepower and 32 percent more torque. It also has an improved fuel economy of about 10 percent. The CL550 4MATIC will have an MSRP of $114,025.

The second new engine is for the 2011 CL63 AMG coupe ($151,125) and S63 AMG sedan ($138,875). The 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine features stop-start technology as well as twin turbochargers and direct injection. It is mated with the 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission to produce 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. It also shows an estimated 20 -percent improvement in fuel economy. For even more performance, Mercedes offers an AMG Performance Package, which increases engine power to 563 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque for a top speed of 186 mph.

The new CL-Class features a redesigned hood, fenders, grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED turn signals, and daytime running lights. The rear of the vehicle features LED taillights, bumper-integrated exhaust pipes and reverse lights that are now located in the trunk lid.

Safety features for the CL-Class include Active Lane Keeping Assist, which recognizes lane markings with a multipurpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images. It alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without using the turn signals, Mercedes revealed in a press release.

Another new safety feature is Active Blind Spot Assist. It monitors blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver is alerted with visual and audible warnings. Both of these features incorporate brake intervention, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning, Mercedes revealed.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG featuring the new 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine. Mercedes-Benz

The new AMG 5.5 litre V8 biturbo engine. Mercedes-Benz