The present Mercedes-Benz CL class was launched in 2006 and the stylish and curvy two-door coupe has been a strong performer since then. The coupe is known for its safety, performance, boot space and power, and what else could one ask for?

There are a few though who adore Lamborghini or Mclaren or even the Koennigsegg. Not for their power, performance or looks, but for the wing doors! They didn’t have the cash to buy one and settled for the CL, but now, with a fraction of that amount, the CL could be fitted with desirable wing doors to give the CL one more equipment common to those Supercars. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

LSD doors from Germany is our savior. Get your CL to their nearby dealer and the wing doors would be installed in a jiffy. There is no need for any modification or special hinges as the wing doors are designed to fit in the stock mounting slots. And thats not it. The cool wing doors have passed the side-crash test and have the German TUV parts certificate, meaning they welcome you into the same safe car as it was previously.

The doors also will now open and close more precisely saving all headaches and forceful attempts during winter months. German engineering enables you to open the door in a outward motion with an aperture angle of approx. 30°; and simultaneously allows you to swing the wing door upward. Brilliant!

What we are uncertain about is whether your CL after undergoing this minor implant surgery, would be the same in terms of power to weight ratio. One more area of concern is how much the aerodynamics will be influenced. But for those who are little bothered about those issues are in for a radical and cool addition

Source: LSD Doors
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Mercedes-Benz has announced their plans for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (6-16 March, 2008) in Switzerland. They will debut 5 new models: the recently revealed SL, the refreshed SLK, the new CLC, the updated CLS and also a 4MATIC version of the CL 500 Coupe. This 4MATIC system is the lightest ever created weighing in at just 70 kg allowing the CL 500 a 0-100km/h in 5.4 sec.

More pictures and full press release after the break

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Official Press Release

Mercedes-Benz enters spring with five new model highlights

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its commitment to further reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions with new products in five model series which will take the stage at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Despite their outstanding levels of safety, comfort and refinement, the new coupes and roadsters consume up to 10 percent less fuel than their predecessors.

At the pinnacle of the new Mercedes dream machines celebrating their public premiere in Geneva is the SL-Class. Mercedes-Benz has refined, improved and developed the roadster further to a level of detail and extent that goes well beyond a mere model facelift. The result is a car that combines sportiness, safety and comfort into a synthesis unrivalled in this vehicle class, offering Mercedes driving refinement at sports car level.

The new, decidedly sporty and assured exterior design reflects the handling characteristics of this Mercedes roadster, which is now even more agile with a new direct-steer system while offering even more safety and comfort. Two new six-cylinder engines will round off the SL range from spring 2008: the SL 280 develops 170 kW and provides an attractive entry into the SL sports car world. The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed and particularly lively sports engine. Output has increased by 16 percent to 232 kW compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, while maximum torque has improved by 10 Nm to 360 newton metres. This powerpack accelerates the new SL 350 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds faster than the previous SL 350. More output does not mean higher fuel consumption for this sports car, however: at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the SL 350 is 0.4 litres more economical (NEDC) than the preceding model with 200 kW.

The flagship models in this series continue to be the SL 500 with a V8 engine and the twelve-cylinder SL 600. Their engines consume up to 0.4 litres less fuel per 100 kilometres than before.

The SL consolidates its substantial lead in the field of safety with bi-xenon headlamps and the optional Intelligent Light System, whose lighting functions are designed for typical driving situations. One new onboard feature is the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system invented and patented by Mercedes-Benz. This optional system improves comfort when driving with the top down, and is able to extend the roadster season into the cooler months of the year.

The front-end design of the SL-Class shows that Mercedes-Benz has enhanced the sporty attributes of the roadster even further. The centrepiece is a wide and therefore very imposing radiator grille, whose arrow shape symbolises virtues such as go-getting performance potential. A horizontal louvre adds visual width to the radiator grille and thereby reinforces the muscular appearance of the SL’s front end, which consequently seems surprisingly new yet very familiar.

SLK: even more driving pleasure with considerably lower fuel consumption

Following a comprehensive model facelift, the Mercedes-Benz SLK is now even more dynamic and provides an even more emotional driving experience. The most important visual changes include a redesigned front and rear end, as well as a carefully modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz also installs the V6 sports engine from the SL-Class in the new SLK 350, where it develops an output of 224 kW at 6500 r/min 24 kW more than the six-cylinder unit in the previous SLK 350. Torque has also been increased by 10 Nm, and is now 360 newton metres at 4900 r/min.

Despite this higher output and very good performance figures, the fuel consumption of the SLK 350 has been significantly reduced. Its combined consumption with the six-speed manual transmission is now only 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which represents a remarkable reduction in fuel consumption by 1.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

In addition to the SLK 350, the four-cylinder model SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and the six-cylinder SLK 280 remain available in this compact Mercedes roadster range: the output of the supercharged four-cylinder engine has increased by 15 kW to 135 kW, while fuel consumption has been lowered by one litre to 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The NEDC fuel consumption of the SLK 280 (170 kW) has been reduced by 0.4 litres to 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The SLK 55 AMG continues to be powered by the familiar 5.5-litre V8 engine developing 265 kW.

The designers have given an even more sporty touch to the visual appearance of this cult two-seater. One eye-catching feature is the newly designed front bumper, which now has differently distributed cooling air apertures and a more pronounced arrow shape. The rear end has also been restyled; the diffuser-look lower section now makes the roadster appear even more muscular from the rear. Trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted tail lights do even more to accentuate this impression. The exterior mirrors now have LED indicator repeaters with a pronounced arrow shape, and also have a larger lens area.

CLC: new Sports Coupé with CDI engines in the five-litre consumption class

With the new CLC, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a distinctive model series at the Geneva Motor Show which provides an attractive entry into the Coupé family of the Stuttgartbrand. Compared to the previous Sports Coupé, Mercedes engineers have newly developed or improved more than 1100 components.

Compact body dimensions and powerful proportions underline the sporty appearance of the new CLC. The front and rear ends have been completely newly designed. With its striking coupé radiator grille, which has a large Mercedes star at its centre, as well as the new projection-beam headlamps, the Sports Coupé follows the modern Mercedes design idiom. The large, newly designed boot lid conceals a variable luggage compartment with a capacity of up to 1100 litres. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs forming the third brake light and the rear bumper subdivide the rear end and accentuate its width.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC is akin to a modern bespoke suit - precisely fitting and comfortable. Sports seats with further improved lateral support, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim are standard equipment.

Mercedes-Benz has put together a sports package for drivers with particularly sporty leanings. This includes exclusive technical innovations and extras such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with a black-tinted interior frame, a lowered sports suspension, a leather sports steering wheel and tinted aluminium trim. Another special feature the CLC that has been adopted from racing sports cars is the instrument cluster, which has red needles in the speedometer and rev counter. When the ignition is switched on, both needles spin right around the scale once then return to their starting position.

Another standard feature of the sports package is the new direct-steer system, which further enhances the agile handling of the CLC and represents a major safety benefit. This new development is based on the speed-sensitive steering system, and also has an additional, variable rack ratio which responds to the steering angle.

The new CLC is available with a choice of four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines developing outputs from 90 kW/122 hp to 200 kW. With its up-to-date turbodiesel engines, the Sports Coupé is right at home in the five litre fuel consumption category: the CLC 200 CDI is happy with 5.8 to 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), i.e. up to 10.8 percent less than the preceding model. The CDI models are capable of a range exceeding 1000 kilometres with one tankful (62 litres). The 135 kW power unit of the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR now has 15 kW more output, and consumes only 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC) - up to 0.7 litres less than before.

CLS: new six-cylinder engine and fine-tuning to the last detail

The unique, four-door CLS Coupé - which pioneered a new automotive segment - has also been made more attractive than ever by specific fine-tuning. The front aspect is dominated by a modified radiator grille, which now has two rather than the previous four louvres. The exterior mirrors also have a new shape, with integrated, arrow-shaped LED indicator repeaters and more than 30 percent larger lenses. The tail lights are now also in LED technology: the brake lights, rear lights and indicators feature particularly fast-responding light-emitting diodes.

Great attention to detail has also been lavished on the updated interior: a newly designed leather steering wheel with three spokes and multifunction buttons is part of the package, as is a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dial faces form an attractive contrast to the structured surface of the backplate. New chestnut wood inserts replace the previous trim.

Like the SL, SLK and CLC, the CLS benefits from new-generation infotainment systems. These high-performance units combine ease of operation and intuitive menus with perfect entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-capable CD and DVD player and a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects a mobile phone with the onboard hands-free system. Audio 20, Audio 20 CD with CD changer, Audio 50 and Audio 50 APS with DVD changer and the LINGUATRONIC voice-control system now feature a 5-inch colour monitor. COMAND APS has a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephony, a music register for storing audio files and an SD memory card slot.

As the new entry-level model, Mercedes-Benz now offers the CLS 280 with an up-to-date 2996 cc V6 engine, a maximum output of 170 kW and a maximum torque of 300 newton metres. Its combined NEDC fuel consumption is 9.8 to 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The second V6 petrol model is the CLS 350 CGI. Its advanced six-cylinder engine with piezo-electric direct injection and a spray-guided combustion system develops an output of 215 kW and has a convincingly low NEDC fuel consumption of 9.1 to 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The CLS 500 is powered by a V8 engine with a displacement of 5.5 litres and a peak output of 285 kW/388 hp. The CLS 320 CDI with its 165 kW V6 diesel engine above all excels with its high torque of 540 newton metres, accompanied by a low diesel fuel consumption of 7.6 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. All CLS models are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.

CL: permanent all-wheel drive with no fuel penalty

The Mercedes Coupé family continues to be headed by the luxurious CL-Class, which offers the widest model range in this vehicle class with the CL 500, CL 600, CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. In addition Mercedes-Benz will be entering the lists with the new CL 500 4MATIC with permanent all-wheel drive from summer 2008. This two-door model is equipped with a 285 kW V8 engine, and in addition to 4MATIC it features innovations such as the Intelligent Light System and the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® as standard.

Mercedes-Benz has further improved this all-wheel drive system, and uses the latest-generation system in the CL 500 4MATIC - the one that has already proved successful in the S-Class. 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore requires no response time to assist the driver in infavourable weather and driving conditions. As a result, critical situations can be mastered better and more confidently.

With a weight of just 70 kilograms, the newly-developed 4MATIC is the lightest drive system of its kind. The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the CL 500 4MATIC is 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres, which puts it at the same level as the CL 500 with rear-wheel drive – another advantage of the new, highly efficient Mercedes all-wheel drive system. The CL 500 4MATIC requires just 5.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 40th birthday of its famous deluxe coupé, the CL class and for that occasion only 40 special Mercedes AMG vehicles were made.
This special edition AMG Benz really does look the business which offers all the usual AMG upgrades, the Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG special edition has a 6.0-liter V12 Biturbo engine with 612 BPH plus a paint finish that is not on any other production model car.
The paint is called Alubeam, which is silver like paint which is made with pigment particles that measure just 30 to 50 nanometers, basically this paint looks like liquid metal.
And yeah, you can buy this masterpiece for just below $300,000.

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Apparently, no-one sent that “war over” memo to RENNTECH.

This morning, RENNTECH announced a new “stage 3″ tune for the 2008 65 series AMG models, which makes use of what RENNTECH calls “next-generation ECU software” to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque from the AMG’s twin-turbo V12.

More pictures and info after the break

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“Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque.” explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH’s president and ex technical director of AMG North America. “Our cars have always been able to make considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product.”

Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become known as one of the world’s premier tuning firms, and America’s foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz. RENNTECH believes their new software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. “We now have two in-house engineers that are doing software full-time, and others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis. We are always looking for improvements. The latest software takes advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big ‘overall’ improvement,” Feyhl explains. “It really is that ‘next-generation’ sort of product that is much more advanced than what we were capable of offering before. Compared to earlier versions, our new software gives customers more power and better drivability in a way that is more reliable, smoother power curve, and even improves emissions and gas mileage.”

In addition to the software upgrades, RENNTECH adds a larger intercooler pump and secondary heat exchanger, as well as a pair of carbon fiber airboxes to improve the flow of cool air into the big AMG’s V12. The intercooler system upgrades reduce air intake temperatures by more than 20 degrees, delivering more consistent power compared to stock and allowing RENNTECH to more safely increase boost throughout the rpm range.

RENNTECH’s stainless steel sport mufflers (also part of the new package) produce a deep, distinctive growl that is suitably aggressive for a high-end luxury car. Feyhl suggests that his mufflers “let the car sound the way it is supposed to sound.”

With almost 900 lb-ft of torque available from the engine, RENNTECH’s upgrades deliver a real, noticeable improvement in terms power and acceleration compared to the already impressive performance of the stock 65 series AMG cars. MSRP for RENNTECH’s new performance “PKG3″ for 65 series AMG is $18,990 (plus installation). PKG365 is available for S65, CL65, and SL65 AMG. Contact RENNTECH for more.

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialists Carlsson have joined forces with international leather-lifestyle brand Etienne Aigner to develop the Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge”. Made in an exclusive small series, the luxury coupé based on the Mercedes-Benz CL produces over 700 bhp and 1,100 Nm after being breathed on by Carlsson.

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Technical masterpiece

The engine conversion by Carlsson includes a special electronic control unit with special maps for injection and ignition. On the intake side, sports air filters ensure optimum aspiration. On the outlet side, a stainless-steel sports exhaust system with high-performance metal catalytic converters and sports silencers cut back-pressure to a minimum. Another measure to boost engine performance is improved intercooling, which reduces charge-air temperature. Thus, the V12 is always raring to go and the driver can rely on having more than adequate power on hand regardless of the situation.

Elegant and with an unsurpassed finish, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 is undoubtedly the most exciting way to travel today. For example, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge” is not only very fast – its top speed is electronically regulated for safety reasons to 320 km/h – but also leaves almost every sports car of the world standing with a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds.

Named after one of the most famous race-track curves

With the Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge”, Carlsson has also created a link to the world of motor racing. The car is named after one of the most famous race-track curves, the Eau Rouge in Spa Francorchamps.

An interior with the leather fragrance of Etienne Aigner
Etienne Aigner has agreed to provide the interior appointments for the Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge”. A combination of the renowned Aigner leather and Aigner Alcantara make getting into and sitting in the car a delight. The redesigned interior is characterised by craftsmanship of the highest standard. With the ergonomically designed sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara or leather and wood, keeping the Carlsson Aigner under control is a particularly pleasant tactile experience. Carlsson aluminium pedals and illuminated sill embellishers point the way to a world of sporting luxury.

Stainless-steel rear silencers: a sonorous note and improved flexibility

The Carlsson sports exhaust system not only produces a particularly powerful sound but also frees up more power. The rear view of the Carlsson Aigner CK65 is dominated by four tailpipes in that typical Carlsson look, which impress through a sonorous, sporting note. Compared to the standard product, the Carlsson system is characterised by less back-pressure and an optimised pipe run. The result: more torque and a higher output.

Ultra-lightweight forged wheels for greater ride comfort

Compared to the standard cast wheels, the Carlsson Ultra Light aluminium wheels weigh around 50 % less. Thanks to this reduction in mass, they tend to tramp less than cast wheels (lower unsprung weight) and thus provide optimum contact with the road. For the driver, this means improved handling and, therefore, higher driving safety and greater ride comfort. The Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge” rolls on 2/11 Ultra Light forged wheels with the dimensions 9 x 21″ with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 265/30 ZR21 tyres at the front and 10.5 x 21″ with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 295/25 ZR21 at the rear.

Carlsson aerodynamic parts made of real carbon fibre

The new Carlsson aerodynamic kit underscores the elegant lines of the standard model. However, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 is distinguished by an independent appearance – both outside and inside. The front spoiler and rear-apron lip are finished in the diffuser look typical of Carlsson while the striking rear spoiler not only looks good but also improves the handling of the luxury coupé at high speeds. Carlsson’s exclusive aerodynamic components are made of high-grade, ultra-lightweight real carbon fibre as used in Formula 1 racing.

Electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering kit

Exclusively for the Carlsson Aigner CK65, Carlsson offers the electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering kit, which reduces the ride height by approx. 30 mm. The driver can be assured that lowering the car gives it a significantly more sporting appearance. However, Carlsson’s C-Tronic® SUSPENSION not only lowers the car but also, thanks to the sophisticated technology, interacts intelligently with the road conditions. On poor surfaces with significant suspension jouncing, the vehicle height is automatically adjusted to ensure sufficient suspension travel for constant ride comfort. For the driver, the effect of the lower ride height is noticeable through a reduction in body roll and considerably more agile handling. In a nutshell: the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also stands for greater driving pleasure.

Moreover, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also ensures that, in the case of speeds in excess of 120 km/h, the car is not lowered further than the maximum permitted for a standard car. In other words, so that it never drops below the minimum ride height thus ensuring adequate suspension travel at all times. Incidentally, lowering the car reduces aerodynamic drag and cuts lift by decreasing the amount of air that can flow beneath the vehicle.

Unlimited individuality

The Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge” is available in a variety of two-tone finishes. The exclusive small series is limited to ten cars, all fully equipped with Distronic, navigation system, hifi system, Aigner full-leather appointments, two-piece 21″ aluminium wheels, Carlsson carbon-fibre aerodynamic parts, C-Tronic® SUSPENSION, engine conversion and other extras. The gross price in Germany is € 365,000 in Germany and € 305,000 for export.

The Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge” can be ordered from any Carlsson dealer. According to Carlsson, options have already been taken out by customers in Russia, Japan and the USA.

The same is true for the S Class, with an MSRP $123,888, it has an yearly insurance cost of $21,161. It is followed by the new CL, which costs $122,050, and has an insurance cost of $20,942.

This is certainly one of those, if you can’t afford the insurance then you certainly can’t afford the car, or the other way around.

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There is no doubt this Mercedes is enormously expensive - but it’s one of the most capable cars on the planet.

Read the review at AutoExpress
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Most of our time in the CL was spent on roads that rarely complemented its size or intent, yet we still had a hard time finding anything wrong with the big coupe. It looks better, goes faster and feels more comfortable than its nearly perfect predecessor. There’s too much weight on board to throw around quickly, but if you want light buy a Lotus. If you want a luxurious, quiet and fast GT, the CL550 is as good as any car on the road. And thanks to Mr. Hutzenlaub, it looks good doing it.

Read the review at Edmunds
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Let’s be serious here, it just can’t be the CL, look at the picture above that I constructed, the CL is clearly much longer than the mystery car. Although the roof is pretty close to being the same, but everything else doesn’t match.

If we look at the front, we can clearly see that from the front tip to the fender, the CLs distance is much larger than by the mystery car.

If anyone wants to argue, please leave a comment, but just so you know I have a user that has elgaedldly driven the CLK 63 Black Series and he confirms that it is the mystery car.

His comment:
For having tried the car, I can confirm that it’s the CLK63 AMG Black Series. Let me give you a brief description : Like the SLK AMG Black Series, the door panel is in carbon. This model is only a 2 seater with Recaro style sport seats. The gearstick for the automatic gearbox is very short like in the CLK AMG DTM. On the ashtray cover is written AMG Black Series. The sport steering wheel has a small diameter.

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