From the moment Mercedes-Benz announced plans to produce the handsome looking CLS Shooting Brake Concept shown back in 2010, we knew that the firm’s AMG performance arm would ready its own version.
With the presentation of the regular CLS Shooting Brake looming as Mercedes itself has confirmed that it will introduce the car sometime in 2012, AMG is also finishing up the development of the performance model that we will come to know as the CLS 63 AMG.
Spied here with only some minimal camouflage covering its rear end design, the CLS 63 AMG will employ the same 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine found in the E and SL 63 AMG models and which is available with a choice of two outputs.
In standard trim, the AMG V8 delivers 530bhp (537PS) at 5,500 rpm and 590 lb-ft (800Nm) from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. If the optional AMG Performance package is specified, these numbers rise to 556bhp (564PS) and 664 lb-ft (900Nm).
An AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four modes to select from including “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), will transfer power to the rear wheels.
To improve handling and feel, AMG engineers will tweak the stylish estate’s suspension, steering wheel and braking systems.
The exterior makeover will be subtle and to the point with the AMG model gaining a different hood with a slightly elevated center section, a new grille with a single chrome bar, a redesigned front bumper, side skirts and a more aggressive rear fascia incorporating a diffuser and quad exhaust tailpipes. The look is completed with the larger wheels wearing fatter rubber.
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