The new Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG: A unique amalgamation of the powerful AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine and exceptional design
Affalterbach, Jul 05, 2004
Imposing performance figures and exclusive specification: Mercedes-AMG has succeeded in creating a most desirable car in the form of the new CLS 55 AMG. This unique four-door [sedan!] is driven by the powerful and refined AMG V8 supercharged engine, which generates an output of 350 kW/476 hp and 700 Newton metres of torque from a displacement of 5.5 litres. This gives the car truly top-notch performance: the CLS 55 AMG accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and has an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h. The CLS 55 AMG boasts AMG sports suspension, a high-performance AMG braking system plus AMG bodystyling and will be making its market debut in January 2005.
As with the other AMG high-performance cars, the engine power is transferred to the wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission. This allows the driver to choose between fully automatic or manual gear changes, the latter being possible by using either the selector lever or the gearshift buttons on the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel. The powerplant is superbly complemented by the AMG sports suspension and by the AMG high-performance braking system. The CLS 55 AMG features AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension with an adaptive damping system; this suspension set-up has been specially modified for AMG by giving it tauter tuning. Large, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs make for impressive deceleration and high fading resistance.
Powerful-looking 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and AMG bodystyling
The car’s dynamic ride characteristics are due in part to the wheel/tyre combination fitted – 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide 18-inch AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 255/40 and 285/35 wide-base tyres. These powerful-looking wheels complement the new AMG bodystyling, which in turn reflects the sophisticated [sedan!] aesthetics of the CLS-Class to perfection. The AMG bodystyling comprises an expressive front apron with large air inlets and round fog lamps, side skirts and a distinctive rear apron. One highlight which appeals to both the eye and the ear is provided by the two chromed, twin oval tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. Further differentiation is ensured by a special radiator grille with three imposing, silver-painted louvers and “V8 KOMPRESSOR” lettering on the front wings; the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid adds the final touch, as well as increasing the down-force on the rear wheels.
Comprehensive, high-grade standard equipment with nappa leather upholstery
The equipment of the CLS 55 AMG represents a pleasing combination of exclusive, sporty styling and high-quality materials. The design of the new AMG sports seats exhibits special AMG perforations, lateral piping, double stitching and Alcantara panels at shoulder height. The plentiful specification also includes luxurious nappa leather in a choice of three colours, an AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale and chromed door sill panels with the AMG logo.
The sporty and exclusive CLS 55 AMG car will be appearing at Mercedes-Benz sales outlets and dealerships starting in January 2005.
Last edited by Egg Nog; 04-07-2005 at 02:55 AM.
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Limited-edition Mercedes-AMG model in cooperation with IWC Schaffhausen: The new CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur”: 55 units with particularly exclusive equipment
Affalterbach, Apr 05, 2005
In cooperation with the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, Mercedes-AMG has developed an exclusive model known as the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur”. Only 55 units of the unique four-door [sedan!] will be produced. The car has a powerful AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine and boasts exclusive equipment details. The design of the newly designed AMG instrument cluster is based on the new “Ingenieur” watch family from IWC, which is making its world debut at the Geneva watch show in April 2005. The 55 units of the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” will each be customised at AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and the first deliveries will be made in autumn 2005.
The CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” features an exclusive dark titanium grey metallic paint job. All of the exterior decorative elements, including the radiator grille louvres, fog light rings, side window bezels, handle inserts and rear trim, come in the same matt titanium colour, which matches the top-quality titanium case of the new “Ingenieur AMG” watch from IWC.
19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a five-spoke titanium look
The side view of the vehicle is also visually appealing. Its 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design also have a matt titanium look, harmonising with the vehicle’s paint job. In combination with the tyres (255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear), the AMG wheels not only provide a look to be coveted, but also guarantee optimised handling.
In addition, the superlative [sedan!] design of the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” is defined by the muscular AMG styling, including the dynamically contoured front apron with large air inlets and circular fog lights, side-skirt panels and a distinctive rear apron with a particularly sporty diffuser. The oval twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system make a strong final impression. The stylishly integrated AMG spoiler lip in the boot lid reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by about 30 percent, which contributes to better driving stability at high speeds.
AMG instrument cluster speaks the design language of IWC’s “Ingenieur AMG”
The exclusive nature of the new CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” is also apparent in its interior. One striking feature here is the completely redesigned AMG instrument cluster. With rhodanised and silver needles, white lighting and black dials with a new typographical style, the cluster’s analogue clock, speedometer and tachometer are designed in line with IWC’s new “Ingenieur AMG” watch. The titanium shade of the watchcase is repeated in the edge trim and the decorative rings of the AMG instrument cluster. The IWC logo integrated into the analogue clock refers to the partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
In contrast to the series-produced version of the CLS 55 AMG, the limited-edition vehicle boasts decorative elements in high-quality piano lacquer. The intricate paint job, which involves applying several layers of black and varnish, results in a particular deep, luscious sheen. Furthermore, the “IWC Ingenieur” lettering is inlaid on the cover of the storage compartment in the centre console, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.
AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery in a titanium look
The electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with multi-contour function, memory function and seat heating feature the characteristic AMG upholstery piping and perforation pattern with double stitching. They are covered in the finest exclusive nappa leather with a titanium look. Matt titanium AMG emblems are set into the seat backs.
Interior decorative elements in matt titanium; new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel
A further difference from the series-produced CLS 55 AMG is the vehicle’s chrome elements, all of which are galvanized in matt titanium. The roof liner in anthracite alcantara also adds to the special atmosphere. Piping galvanized with matt titanium can be found on the interior door panels, and the door tread panels with AMG lettering illuminated in white also feature a titanium look. The AMG emblems on the selector lever are also in matt titanium. Each of the 55 automobiles is equipped with the KEYLESS-GO system, and a new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with a strikingly moulded rim in black nappa leather comes as standard.
Highly qualified AMG employees in Affalterbach will be responsible for customising the 55 units of the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur”.
Cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and IWC Schaffhausen
The CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” is the result of the partnership between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and IWC Schaffhausen that was agreed on 1 October 2004. Both companies are known for their passion for the highest precision combined with a sense of understatement. Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen each place great emphasis on precision engineering, high technology and craftsmanship, as guaranteed by products that meet the highest expectations in terms of quality.
A new watch named the IWC “Ingenieur AMG” has been launched to complement the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur”. This robust, sporty timepiece is available in five variants: an “Ingenieur Automatic AMG” in titanium with a titanium strap or a soft black strap; an “Ingenieur Chronograph AMG” in titanium with a titanium strap or a soft black strap; and a limited-edition “IWC Ingenieur Automatik CLS 55 AMG”, of which only 55 have been made. This model is available exclusively to customers of the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur”. Each timepiece has a red minute graduation and a titanium casing with the AMG logo engraved on the back. The “Ingenieur Automatik AMG” additionally has a red second hand, while the “Ingenieur Chronograph AMG” features a red stop hand. Like every “IWC Ingenieur”, these models are equipped with a robust high-precision movement, and their sophisticated waterproofing system means that they are waterproof to depths of up to 120 metres. The very first IWC “Ingenieur” was produced in 1955, and only 1,000 were ever made. Today they are sought-after collectors’ items.
Last edited by Egg Nog; 04-07-2005 at 02:57 AM.
I'm going to eat breakfast. And then I'm going to change the world.
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