L.A. Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is designed to perform

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The Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG made its world debut Wednesday, showcasing the German automaker’s new brand position of building performance cars that are also environmentally responsible.

AMG plans to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its entire fleet 30% by the year 2012, said Ola Kallenius, head of Mercedes-AMG GmBH. And it plans to do so “without compromising performance,” Kallenius added.

The new VLX 63 demonstrates that philosophy with a a top-shelf, four-door coupe powered with a new AMG V-8 biturbo engine that makes 557 horsepower and 516 foot-pounds of torque while also improving fuel economy 32% over the previous model. Combined fuel economy, Kallenius said, is an impressive 24 mpg. [Updated 11-18-2010, 5:39 a.m.: A previous version of this post misstated the torque figure as 59 foot-pounds. The accurate figure is 590 foot-pounds.]

The CLS 63 AMG uses a seven-speed multi-clutch transmission. AMG ride control sports suspension employs new electromechanical AMG sports parameter steering. Ceramic high-performance, composite brakes are optional.

Its athletic exterior is inspired by the SLS AMG with its radiator grille. It bonnet is pure CLS. Inside, the the cockpit is wraparound. The three-spoke AMG steering wheel is standard, as are the aluminum paddle shifters.

Impressive.

-- Susan Carpenter