New Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG gets Bi-Turbocharged

Less than a month after taking the wraps off the regular CL-Class facelift models, Mercedes-Benz went ahead and revealed the flagship versions of its über luxury coupe, the 2011 CL63 and CL65 AMG models. Both cars will have their world premiere at the Paris Motor Show and arrive in U.S. showrooms in November.

On the outside, there are some subtle styling tweaks on both AMG models such as the redesigned front bumper with LED daytime running lights, the more "V"-shaped grille, a contoured hood, larger headlamps and a reworked rear bumper with newly styled tail pipes. Interior revisions are limited to the new steering wheel, higher-quality trim materials and different color options.

The most important changes, however, are in areas you can't see. Starting with the CL63 AMG, out goes the old naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 and in comes the smaller, lighter yet more powerful 5.5-liter V8 with twin-turbocharging and direct-injection technology, hooked up to an AMG Speedshift 7-speed automatic.

In standard form, it churns out 536HP at 5,500 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm propelling the CL63 AMG from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.4 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250km/h).

Add the optional AMG Performance package, and output climbs to 563HP and 664 lb-ft of torque allowing the coupe to reach the 60mph (96km/h) mark in 4.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (299km/h).

Mercedes says despite the power and torque increase, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by around 27 percent and 30 percent respectively over the older naturally aspirated V8.

In addition the new engine, the 2011 CL63 AMG receives three new systems as standard (Direct-Steer, Torque Vectoring Brake and crosswind stabilization) that promise to improve handling and safety.

Meanwhile, the range-topping CL65 AMG continues to use a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. However, AMG engineers have tweaked the V12 unit which now produces an additional 17HP for a total output of 621HP, while torque remains the same at 738 lb-ft. The car is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 4.2 seconds continuing to a limited top speed of 186mph (299km/h).

 

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Pagani Huayra makes its official web debut

After taking a look at our high-res image gallery below, we were tempted to say the Pagani Huayra made its o-fish-ial web debut… but we won’t. Oh, wait.

In any case, Pagani’s newest supercar can now be seen in all its glory, and we generally approve of the overall styling, despite the fact it’s got something of a bottom-feeder fascia up front. Moving past that, we see a pretty serious set of gullwing doors and enough slats, flares and strakes to fill the sketchbook of a Boeing designer.

All those aero aids will surely come in handy when all the fury of the Mercedes-Benz AMG-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine is unleashed on the hapless pair of rear tires – the Huayra is said to be capable of speeds up near 230 miles per hour.

Over 700 horsepower and about 740 pound-feet of torque will be sent to the ground through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Couple that with a weight of just under 3,000 pounds – aided by copious amounts of carbon fiber – and you have the makings of a 21st century rear-wheel drive rocket ship.

Inside you’ll find all the luxury touches you’d expect, including a cockpit slathered in beautiful hides and exposed aluminum and carbon fiber. You’ll also bask in the glowing blue gauges and multi-function display that controls audio, navigation and communications gadgetry.

Even if we’re just a tad stuck on that front fascia, there’s simply no arguing with this level of performance. Have a close look at the Huayra below, then check out the (translated) press release after the break.

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