The 2011 Mercedes-Benz gets some new sheet metal - and a pair of new bi-turbo V8s.
Okay, so the spotlight is on electric propulsion, these days, what with the launch of products like the new Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. But there are still plenty of people who will spend their money to max out on performance.
And for them, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a pair of new high-performance bi-turbo engines, one for its relatively mainstream line-up, the other for the high-line AMG brand.
The latter is the hand-assembled 5.5-liter twin-charged powertrain that will go into the new 2011 CL63 AMG. It makes a neck-snapping 536 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque yet still manages to improve fuel economy by a surprising 20%, according to Mercedes.
News You Can Use!
The other new twin-turbo powertrain also will make its first appearance, as it were, under the hood of the 2011 Mercedes CL.
The 4.6-liter V8 may be 20% smaller than the engine it replaces but it’s still able to bump up horsepower by 12% and torque by 32% — to 429 hp and 516 lb-ft, respectively. And the smaller engine still manages an extra 10% fuel economy.
This new bi-turbo 5.5-liter V8 will power the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG.
The new powertrains will make it to market next month in the restyled 2011 CL. Among other changes, the flagship coupe gets new fenders, a new hood and grille and bi-xenon headlamps. The taillamps switch to LED, and the reverse lights will now be mounted in the trunk lid.