29 Jun 06
The new CL will be launched next year with two engines. The CL500 will be powered by a V8 engine delivering 388bhp and generating a maximum torque of 391lb-ft at 2,800rpm. This will enable the CL500 to do 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, claims Mercedes.
The CL600, meanwhile, will have a biturbo V12 engine pumping out a whopping 517bhp and maximum torque of 612lb-ft, available from 1,900rpm; 0-62 will be achieved in 4.6 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz has combined the standard-fit automatic transmission with the direct select gearshift, which the driver uses via a lever on the steering column.
The CL-Class comes with Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system as standard, which is designed to eliminate the customary pitch and roll of the body that occurs when moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-second speed to ensure the body damping is adjusted instantly to any situation. At speeds above 37mph, ABC lowers the body by up to 10mm to reduce drag and improve handling stability.
Also fitted as standard is Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe system, as found in the S-Class, which moves the passenger seat into the most favourable position so that seat belts and airbags have maximum effect on impact. The system also closes the side windows and the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics are generated.
Also part of Pre-Safe is a brake assist system that warns the driver of an imminent crash thanks to a range of visual and audible signals and automatically calculates the required braking pressure to prevent an accident. If the driver does not react to the warnings, the Pre-Safe brakes take over and start to automatically brake the car where an accident is imminent, using around 40% of the total braking power.
