Redesigning a sedan that made its name on looks alone isn't easy. Mercedes-Benz looks as though it's taking a conservative approach with its next-generation CLS sedan. The prototype seen here testing in Germany retains the same signature roofline as the current model and appears to be roughly the same size as well.
Details like quad tailpipes and sizable wheels and tires indicate this is probably the AMG-tuned version. We expect to see output similar to the new E63 AMG, so figure around 520-horsepower or so. That ought to do it.
redliner says:
07:04 PM, 10/ 6/09
Correct me if i'm wrong, but AMG seems to have become nothing more than a badge and a big V8. I know, I know, engines hand built, sporty suspension, bigger brakes, bla bla bla. What i'm saying is, AMG used to be special, exclusive even, but now i see just as many of them as i do regular MB.
I fear BMW's M will soon lose some of its racing appeal too, now that the M is being slapped on SUVs. I guess their just following the money.
rallyandbosox says:
07:10 PM, 10/ 6/09
I agree with you redliner, the pool has become diluted but once the horsepower war dies AMG and M will once again be a bit more exclusive. AMG and M now imply performance versions of the road car that's all.
wrinklebump says:
09:46 PM, 10/ 6/09
Ugly
As
Piss.
hondacura4 says:
06:38 AM, 10/ 7/09
"Correct me if i'm wrong, but AMG seems to have become nothing more than a badge and a big V8. I know, I know, engines hand built, sporty suspension, bigger brakes, bla bla bla. What i'm saying is, AMG used to be special, exclusive even, but now i see just as many of them as i do regular MB"
I do agree with you about the current lack of exclusivity in regards to AMG products but AMG itself has changed its philosophy extensively and the result is much better performing products.
AMG used to just modify existing engines and hardware found on the "regular" Mercedes models. Now AMG develops their own exclusive engines (like BMW M used to) and has influence in the base vehicles development process. AMG is no longer a bolt on performance badge.
iridium1 says:
03:10 PM, 03/23/10
well "lack of exclusivity" is all relative. I sell at a solid mid-volume Mercedes dealer and the AMG cars are moved maybe c63 3 a month, anything else one or two, a lot of dealers move a lot more but in a similar ratio to the mainstream models, so when most people say "AMG's are dime a dozen" they simply have to be mistaking AMG "Sport" and AMG Wheel packages on the mainline models for being AMG cars....the numbers don't lie .......still pretty exclusive to me. But point taken, their volume is far higher than when they were an boutique tuner and manufacturer..........hence the slow rise of the "Black Series".......AMG cars that are extreme and highly exclusive.. CLK63 Black, SL65 Black, SLK55 Black (Euro) and who knows what's next.........the 5.5 bi-turbo V-8 offers a myriad of possibilites......but hey, if it seems like only a badge and a big V-8 to you...?