ieb

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercede...s-ar51353.html

I think that this belongs here. I posted on the AMG page by mistake.

When I was thinking about what the next Cl would look like it was exactly this!

2011 CL63 order placed!

Red Marko

This is a beauty in itself.
MB clearly is setting new standards here. Everybody else to follow... (with few "I hate it" posts in-between).

WSH

Thx for sharing, ieb

Though I'd wonder how "schematic" any view of nex-gen CL is at this point....

Actually, more intrigued by when CL gets MCT box and when is mid-cycle refresh due?

IIRC, the Autoweek review of SL63 claims to quote an AMG exec as indicating S/CL will get MCT shortly....and mysteriously SL65 Blk doesn't have MCT....so I wouldn't be surprised if '09 CL63 has MCT...gotta amortize that MCT R&D across more units

ieb

actually, I'd like to see the blip on down shift more than the MCT. Some comments that I've read on the MCT refer to some noticable if only microsecond pause between shifts, like the BMW. Also, MB is saing SL63 0-60 at 4.7, which is slower? The current speedshift is so sweet. I guess that we'll have to wait and see.

If next model is 2011, there may be no changes in current model till then. Note that the top speed article even says that engine lineup remains same. Maybe the most significant move was to the current platform and that has already been made and that next model is more evolution than revolution.

WSH

Agree, downshift blips would be great on CL63 (and rather likely given it seems like many new AMGs are incorporating this for MY09, like revised CLS, C, etc)

Will be test-driving SL63 030 upon its May 1 launch....my guess is MCT will (if at all) shine in mid-range accel surges (70-100+MPH fwy bursts); accel'g coming out of twisties (launching at 30-40MPH); and in downshift/braking load shifts, esp in steep twisties...and MCT may make throttle response more linear throughout power band

Like most repeat buyers of $150K+ commuter cars, I almost never do aggressive 0-xxx launches....but I've always found mid-range accel/decel dynamics to be an intriguing balance of tq/gear shift speeds/throttle response/traction/brake pedal feel, etc

Have never been a fan of SLs (or any convertibles) b/c of their safety weaknesses, so if MCT seems dynamically refined/robust in the ancient SL tech platform, am hoping to be able to order an '09 CL63 030 w/MCT....

DannyM383

I wish MB would let these cars go to 200+ and then we'd see the supercar territories of the 65 engine

Germancar1

I really hope this isn't a serious thread. The 2011 CL63 will look just like the current one, but with a slight facelift. You can't place an order on a car that is a at least 2 years off to try and do so with any money is just ridiculous. An all new CL won't arrive until 2013 at the earliest. That picture is just a chop of a concept car and the current CL. Come on guys.

M

ieb

You're probably right, 2011 seems too nearby for new model S/CL. MB typical cycle is ~8 years and this would be only 4. I have found Top Speed to reliable but who know's.

Mercutio.Mont

The new S class was introduced for MY2006 (right?), and with the S and CL on a shared platform, it's not too crazy for a full redesign for MY2012.

CY

I Concur

Mercutio.Mont

Reading that article again, it claims that the new CL/S will be on sale in 2012, which would likely be MY2013. So it looks like they're talking about this model making the car show circuit in 2011, going on sale in 2012 for MY2013. That doesn't sound unreasonable.

What does sound unreasonable is for the photochop featured in the article to be anything more than a concept of the final car. If the car will be on the show circuit in 2011, then we should start getting spy photos in 2010 or so, not 2008.

trumpet1

I'll have to say that MBUSA has really blurred the lines when it comes to defining when a model series ends and begins. The 2007 model lasted over 2 years it seems. It at least was a model that could be bought in the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and in some cases 2008 for leftovers. The 2007 W221 model was sold even when some of the 2006 W220 models just got off the boats at port. Did other countries call a 2005 build date W221 a 2005 model, a 2006 build date a 2006 model, etc, etc.??? Is MBUSA the only country that rushes the date forward?
To begin discussion of the next generation models this early in the game is crazy....fun but crazy.

Germancar1

Ok we're splitting hairs with years here, that is what I'm saying. A totally new CL won't arrive until 2013 for the 2014 model year. Late 2012 or early 2013 debut in Europe and then it comes here for the 2014 model year. A facelift comes for 2010 model year.

M