Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class [Video]

Mercedes-Benz just took the wraps off its 2012 CLS-Class, showing these pictures here for the first time.



The new CLS is considerably more lined and creased, with contoured doors that echo the Shooting Brake concept revealed earlier this year at the China motor show. The fenders are also more rounded and flared, and it's fronted by a long hood and prominent grille with an SLS vibe.



The exterior remains instantly recognizable as the CLS profile, but adds some details from the new SLS AMG at the front end, with a separately formed grille, larger air inlets, and no fewer than 71 LEDs in the all-new full-LED headlights. New surface lines along the side and above the rear fender accent the car's shape without changing the outline.



Inside the CLS' cabin, a wraparound dash makes the cockpit feel tailored, while a high-gloss analog clock adds an upscale touch. Design, Mercedes-Benz points out, is only half the story inside. Material quality has been upgraded in a further effort to distinguish the CLS from other segment players. Semi-aniline leather is just 1.6 millimeters thick and has an especially soft feel, according to the automaker.



We can expect those engine details to be made public once the 2012 CLS-Class debuts at the Paris motor show which runs October 2 - 17, 2010.









Press Release

World premiere at the 2010 Paris motor show

August 22, 2010

• The CLS brings refined performance to life
• Embodiement of the Mercedes-Benz brand values
• Athletic proportions, strong design language
• Expressive front design features central star in the grille
• Dynamic character line flowing back towards the rear
• Elegance with handcrafted details in the interior

A generation ahead: The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The CLS delighted the public, astounded the competition and created a new style icon: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers worldwide. "Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market", explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé."

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (October 2 - 17, 2010), the 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new interpretation. "The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz", explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés."

Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle's athletic appearance.

Design brings high-tech features to life

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world's first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design - inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED's provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique "dropping line", which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology -- a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

Around four animal skins are processed for each CLS. The particularly exclusive 1.6-millimetre thick semi-aniline premium leather meets the highest standards of both look and feel. The natural pore structure remains intact thanks to a light pigmentation, and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Premium leather requires a very precise manual selection process and therefore a high amount of raw leather.

The refined interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements, located on the instrument panels, center console and door linings. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain as part of an sophisticated selection process to create a consistent overall impression.

For an even more progressive look, black piano lacquer or carbon fiber trim elements are also available. Handcrafted as well, up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim until the high-gloss finish is achieved.

MKB P1000 Based On Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series [Video]

MKB has unveiled a new performance package for the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series. The tuners managed to obtain a total amount of 1015 horsepower and 1.300 Nm, comparing to the standar amount of 670 horsepower. The 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo engine was modified to develop 1015 hp at 5.700 rpm.

Because the model can be controlled, MKB engineers have installed a limited slip differential, a performance braking system, new wheels and   high performance tires. Thanks to 1015 HP, the Stuttgart automaker model sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and the 0.2 miles distance  is traveled in 11.1 seconds.

Priced at €116,800 (including 19% VAT), the engine transformation takes up to three months to perform.




Press Release

1,015 PS / 746 kW for the SL 65 Black Series

The highest commitment of MKB's high performance engineering.

Mercedes tuner MKB offers for the most powerful AMG supercar another 345 horsepower. The standard 670 PS are turned into 1.015 PS by the Swabian engineers of the technology tuning company MKB. The engine's torque is limited to 1.300 Nm.

Before any lucky owner can turn the key of his SL 65 Black Series with the MKB P 1000 power train the car has to undergo an enormous engine conversion.

The new engine conversion for the most powerful AMG engine demanded the long term experience of the whole engineering team at MKB. The engineer's basis is well known. Many AMG 65 owners trust MKB performance tuning and so they reach regularly speeds with their luxury coupes and luxury sedans on the Autobahn, speeds at which modern jet fighters had retracted their landing gear already.

The club sports AMG SL 65 Black Series plays a new role in the AMG product range but it must not step out of the classic power performance line at MKB. "Our main goal with the new engine MKB P 1000 isn't a new one. We simply want to give back the top speed performance to this SL with its high downforce-aerosetting. It should be v-max capable just like our other top speed efficient cars. And for this we need more than 800 engine horsepower," points out MKB CEO Panagiotis Avramidis. But even 900 hp are not enough when you are holding the technological key for over 1.000 hp.

In fact the idea behind the SL Black Series is a whole new concept at AMG. The new high performance in both longitudinal and lateral acceleration showed a new principle. A principle that reduces the v-max for a better race track experience. But at MKB the typical AMG club sports pilot is well known so one thing is clear to the MKB engineers: Especially the longitudinal acceleration must not stop to soon and the most merciless push out of any corner reduces the lap time most easily.

So the MKB engine modification is in its depths is absolute outstanding compared to any other tuned 12-cylinder AMG engine. If costs are neglect able then one can work on the power plant with a greater creativity - inside and outside. The MKB package for the AMG SL Black Series covers the whole drive train and offers the demanded reliability for high speed trials at Nardo or several hot laps on the Nürburgring in succession.

The engine conversion MKB P 1000. A new philosophy. The focus on turbo charging.

For the Swabian enterprise MKB and most respected technology tuner for Mercedes and AMG cars the work on high performance power trains is business as usual. Decent exterior design, refinement in the interior but magnificent thrust under the bonnet adjusted brakes and wheels are the MKB key visual in the market.

But this MKB P 1000 marks MKB's step into the future. Even the name shows it clearly. And in Swabian decency it underrates the performance slightly. The new MKB style is the adaption to the vehicle basis: the Mercedes performance product range will be based upon turbocharged engines in the near future. MKB demonstrates with the MKB P 1000 and its over 1.000 PS output the ultimate technology leadership in that business branch.

The 6.0 litre AMG V12 gets in the MKB P 1000 conversion a completely new engine periphery - this means air intakes, turbo charger systems, cooling systems are the visible means. Inside MKB works as consequent too. Apart from MKB camshafts the power ECU has the important job to control the flowing gases in a way that maximum power output, drivability and sustainability will be combined on a high level. The engine pushes significantly forward from 1.500 rpm onwards. Anything like a turbo lag is unknown. The automatic gearbox is converted too to meet the increased engine torque. Additionally MKB offers MBK LSD rear axles with different ratios to reach different end speeds.

The roll-out was in direct competition

MKB technicians demonstrated their full confidence as they made the first roll out at Hockenheim during the international drag race. In front of 8.000 spectators and an astonished announcer the AMG Black series with its MKB P 1000 won his two shoot outs versus specialized drag racing US muscle cars.

„To race the 1⁄4 mile was new to us," tells Panagiotis Avramidis, "and this car had a final drive good for a theoretical 370 km/h. So the car runs only in the first two gears on the drag strip. And as we told the professional competitors that we must use the normal high street tire pressure for safety reasons we have
been laughed at. But in the end it turned out it was not so bad for us."

The first presented Version will use the final drive ratio for 370 km/h at 5.700 rpm. The MKB v-max is not measured yet. The testing at Nardo or Papenburg oval course will be held soon.

The car should be fun to drive not only on the motorway so the engine kept its place low above the front axle. The standard room in the engine compartment of the SL and other Mercedes cars were kept in mind when developing the turbo charging banks and the air intake ducts. The original looks of the car - even when the drive train is massively converted - means a lot to the typical MKB customer.

Unchanged at the exterior but with a performance far beyond of most super cars and still with the typical Mercedes comfort to reach any High-speed Event without bruises or a stiff neck. With this sentence one can describe the result after a MKB P 1000 conversion of any AMG SL Black Series best. All in all the MKB P 1000 is spot on with his basis in regards of everyday use but it speeds ahead easily if necessary.

MKB offers this conversion as a custom hand built car in the MKB workshop. There is no production number limit for the engine. After the launch with the AMG SL Black Series all other AMG 65 cars can reach over 1.000 hp at the real wheels. The total cost for the engine tuning is 116.800.- EURO in Germany including 19 % VAT. As this tuning can be only done at MKB and takes a lot of efforts the conversion time will take up to 3 month.

Data:

Engine MKB P 1000 in the AMG SL Black Series
Basis: AMG 65. 6,0 Liter V12 3V
Power in PS / kW at RPM: 1.015 / 746 at 5.700
Torque in Nm at RPM: 1.300 at 3.300 to 6.000
Track Performance:
0-100 km/h: 3,6 s
0-200 km/h: 8,9 s
0-300 km/h: 21,5 s
¼ mile: 11,1 s
Vmax: not measured yet

MKB means unrestricted acceleration.
MKB vehicles are developed and constructed using state-of-the-art technologies. Instead of sacrificing potential
to the emotionless cost-savings measures used for mass-produced cars, MKB unleashes that potential and
pushes it to the limit with additional MKB technology. At MKB, the main focus is not on maximizing profits.
It's on the sheer joy of enjoying the full potential of modern automobiles - together with our passionate
customers. Optimize the complete drive train - the engine, transmission and differential - is the focus of
everything MKB does. Every MKB product comes from a constant, passionate drive to achieve maximum
power, and from the search for the ideal technical solution.