At Geneva: More Mercedes AMG Muscle
So it looks like a sports car (or at least as sporty as oversized station wagon’s 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 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 centre 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 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-litre 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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