BMW long-wheelbase 5-Series

BMW has officially revealed a brand new long-wheelbase 5-Series, developed for the Chinese market. Last time China received a long-wheelbase 5-Series was in October 2006, making this new model a welcome addition for Chinese consumers.

BMW has quietly announced a new long wheelbase edition of its latest 5-Series for the largest auto market in the world – China.

Unmistakable BMW style – just longer
The 5-Series long-wheelbase was developed exclusively for the Chinese market, a market that has strong demand for chauffeur-friendly automobiles in more compact dimensions, making the 5-Series a better fit than the larger 7-Series. Exterior styling is derived from the new 5-Series found in global markets, but the rear doors have been stretched to allow for the 5.5-inch stretch in the wheelbase. The roofline has also been modified to reflect this change, which coupled with long side windows gives this 5-Series a slender and almost coupe-like appearance.

BMW levels of interior luxury
Inside the 5-Series long-wheelbase one will find a driver oriented cockpit, complete with a traditionally high-tech BMW gauge cluster in Black Panel technology. The front of the long-wheelbase remains common to the rest of the 5-Series lineup, but in the rear the seats have been replaced with a high-comfort rear seat bench developed specifically for this model. To make sure passengers are enjoying their ride to the fullest, the long-wheelbase 5-Series comes equipped with four-zone automatic air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, a cooling box as well as electrically adjustable sunblinds on the rear side windows and a folding table integrated in the backrest of the front passenger’s seat.

Driving experience – its what makes a BMW, a BMW
Staying true to its heritage, the long-wheelbase 5-Series promises to deliver BMW-like driving characteristics. BMW says this 5-Series increases both sportiness and ride comfort over the outgoing model, and comes with three available six-cylinder engines ranging from a 204 horsepower turbodiesel, to a 306 horsepower V6. Each available engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW also points to a double wishbone front axle and integral rear axle which are uniquely tailored to each individual model – a segment exclusive.

BMW EfficientDynamics
All versions of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan come as standard with energy saving technology, such as electric power steering, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of ancillary units and active air flap control. As a result of these additions, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down versus the previous models by up to 18 percent.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com

Audi S8 2012

Audi’s all-new A8 has only been on the market for about a year, but the German automaker was lacking one model: A high-performance variant. However, Audi has filled that gap with an all-new S8 model at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Powertrain
The S8 is powered by an all-new engine in the Volkswagen family, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8 that turns out 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm!).

In addition to being incredibly powerful despite its relatively small size, the engine also brings efficiency to the table thanks to several fuel-saving technologies including “cylinder on demand,” a recuperation and a start-stop system. Cylinder on demand works under part load by deactivating four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds.

A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses possible intrusive noise and vibrations that result from the use of only four cylinders.

Shifting duty is handled by an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that is tuned for both fuel economy and performance, helping the S8 to achieve about 23 miles per gallon – compared to a figure of only 17 mpg in the previous V10-powered S8. Zero-to-60? Just 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Chassis
As impressive as the S8′s powertrain is, the German automaker is just as proud of the chassis that underpins the all-new S8. Features include a uniquely-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, allowing up for to three inches of variation in ride height, adjusting along with the adaptive electronic steering as well.

Drivers can select one of five different driving modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency, each of which delivers a unique setup aimed at maximizing its respective qualities.

Moving toward the pavement, one will find 20�9 wheels wrapped in 265/40/R20 tires as standard, with five different optional wheels – four of which come in a 21-inch diameter. The disc brakes “hiding” behind the wheels are a sizable 15.75 inches in the front and 14.37 inches in the rear, grabbed by matte black calipers with “S8″ logo imprinted on them.

There are also optional carbon-fiber ceramic discs, shedding 11 lbs of total weight and improving stopping power.

Body and design
The S8 features the Audi Space Frame, or ASF, body, which is made almost entirely of aluminum. As a result, despite its size and extensive list of luxury features, the S8 weighs in at a relatively low 4,354 lbs. The body itself contributes just shy of 510 lbs to that total, which is about 220 lbs less than a comparable steel-body.

Stylistic details include a single-frame grille in platinum gray with eight double bars coated in chrome. Audi also makes use of an aluminum-look blade to make the bumper design appear sharper, while high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs in the side air intakes add touches of style.

Wrapping around to the sides, one will find door handles with strips of aluminum and aluminum-look mirror houses, as well as body color trim strips on the sills. Out back, the S8 features a diffuser insert with a two-layer aluminum-look finish that is offset by platinum gray and frames two oval dual exhaust tips finished in a chrome-look finish.

The S8 can be had in 13 colors, with Daytona Gray and Prism Silver unique to the S model.

Luxury inside
As one would expect from a flagship Audi sedan, the S8 comes complete with an impeccable fit and finish – says the automaker – featuring luxury bits with sport-minded driving at heart throughout. Seats come wrapped in leather, but are sporty in their shape and style, complete with multi-way, power adjustability and are exclusive to the S8 model. Stitching and piping come in steel gray for added contrast, while the instrument panel upper inlays and tiptronic gear selector lever are finished in Carbon Atlas.

The S8-exclusive steering wheel comes wrapped in leather and has a multi-function design with sporty driving at the core of its shape. Looking past the steering wheel the driver will take notice of the traditional gray dials and white needles on the gauges, which is extended to the analogue clock as well.

The door sills are illuminated with the S8 logo, while other night-time illumination will come from the driver information system and MMI monitor – each of which feature special S8 screens. Shift paddles and peddles are finished in an aluminum-look finish.

Interior technology and features abound, ranging from a vast selection of interior colors, inlays and seat upholstery choices, to soft Valcona leather and seats with ventilation and massage functions. There is also a leather package, DVD changer, convenience key, LED headlights with double glazing and the ambient lighting package – all standard on the S8.

Optional features are also extensive, with multiple driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, which includes the stop and go function, Audi side assist, Audi lane assist, night vision assistant with pedestrian highlighting and more.

The S8 also features a new Audi technology which utilizes a 360 degree camera for the parking system with four small cameras, allowing many views for the driver from within the car.

A high-end Bang & Olufsen 1,400 watt sound system with 19 speakers is also available for the audiophile-grade speed junkies.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com

 

Buick Regal GS 2012

Set to go on sale later this year, the Buick Regal GS will be the brand’s most performance-oriented model thanks to a meatier-than-expected 270-horsepower 2.0-liter twin scroll turbocharged four-cylinder, making it General Motors’ highest specific output engine ever.

In fact, GM says that the Society of Automotive Engineers – SAE – has never tested a car with more horsepower per liter than the Regal GS’ 135 pony rating.

At its debut last fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Buick initially said that the reincarnated Regal GS would pump out 255 horsepower from its low-displacement turbo-four, a number it surpassed today when it revealed more detailed specifications. Earlier this year, a leaked brochure indicated that the smaller Buick Verano might boast 250 ponies – a figure that no doubt would have raised eyebrows in showrooms when buyers wandered over to the Regal GS.

Buick says that the Regal GS will put out 295 lb-ft. of torque starting at a reasonably low 2,400 rpm. Combined with the 270 horsepower, the Regal GS sprints to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with its six-speed manual transmission. GM says that so-equipped Regal GSs will be rated at 28 mpg on the highway.

The Regal GS features a six-speed manual transmission that distributes its power to the front wheels through the HiPerStrut system – which is aimed at reducing torque steer. Further helping to control its power the, Regal GS comes standard with an electronic limited-slip rear differential, a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels (or optional 20-inch forged aluminum wheels), performance tires, massive Brembo brakes, a sport steering wheel and pedals and Recaro racing-style seats.

A specially-tuned StabiliTrak stability control system works directly with Regal’s Computer Damping Control to provide several performance driving modes including an exclusive GS ultra-performance level.

“We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal,” said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. “Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick’s storied Gran Sport legacy.”

Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior extending all the way up the pillars and into the headliner. There is also a sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission (six-speed automatic will come as a late addition) and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel like those used in various racing series. The instrument panel displays in ice blue whenever the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

“The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts,” said John Cafaro, Buick design director. “But along with its aggressive stance, there’s sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience.”

Other standard features include a passive keyless entry and push-button start system, Harmon/Kardon 320-watt nine-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls, leather-appointed sport seats – including heated front seats, with 12-way adjustability for both front seats, front and rear ultrasonic parking assist and bi-xenon HID headlamps.

Buick’s sportiest offering yet will go on sale this fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com

 

Porsche 918 Spyder

While Porsche’s 918 Spyder exotic high-performance hybrid was stateside for the festivities at Pebble Beach, Porsche decided to let Jay Leno have a few minutes with the car and its head designer.

While Jay didn’t get the liberty of driving the 918 – yet – he did get to ask some questions from the man in charge of developing the car, giving some insight into some of the subtleties and significances behind its creation. Of course, Leno also managed to talk them into giving the car a healthy dose of throttle and revving the engine, showing off the Porsche’s deep and throaty…yet still very Porsche-like exhaust note.

The next video discusses the importance of the car to the brand, and shows some simply beautiful footage of the car with a great musical background. In fact, Michael Mauer, Porsche design chief, goes as far as to say that the 918 symbolizes that the Porsche brand as a whole even has a future as it is an answer to the “environmental discussion.”

After realizing how strong the support was for the 918 Spyder following its debut as a concept car, Porsche said that it would take the hybrid into production if the automaker could obtain 1,000 letters of intent – at an astonishing $600,000 per car. Leftlane reported in late April that Porsche had topped 900 letters of intent, giving the automaker enough confidence to begin moving forward with production despite being short of the goal at the time.

“I’m confident that we will soon reach the threshold of 1,000,” Wolfgang Duerheimer, Porsche chief said in an interview with the media. “We need 1,000 seriously interested people to make a sound business case.”

Now Porsche has announced that it has reached its 1,000 unit goal, cementing the future of the 918 Spyder Hybrid as a production vehicle. Porsche says this truly exotic high-performance hybrid will be produced at its facility in Zuffenhausen, outside of Stuttgart.

Two sources familiar with the Spyder have told Bloomberg that the Carrera GT’s replacement will be priced at $630,000.

The plug-in hybrid combines a V8 power unit delivering more than 500 hp and three electric motors with a combined electric output 160 kW (218 hp), boasting overall output of 718 hp. Fuel efficiency is said to be 78.4 U.S. mpg, making this the fastest and greenest Porsche ever created.

The sprint to 62 mph is said to take just 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of 198 mph is sure to be ample for Autobahn cruising. Porsche says the car will lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under 7:30 – besting the Carrera GT.

Power from the V8 is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Power from the electric motors is controlled by computer and sent directly to the front wheels.

There are several drive modes, offering different levels of performance and efficiency. E-Drive minimizes fuel consumption by using the batteries to power the car for up to 16 miles. Hybrid mode uses both electric and gas power for a blend of efficiency and longer range. Sport Hybrid adds Torque Vectoring for more performance-oriented driving. And, lastly, Race Hybrid maximizes both gas and electric output, without regard for efficiency.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe .New Concept Coupe

Volkswagen unveiled a very thinly disguised hybrid concept version of its upcoming Jetta two-door coupe today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Combining VW’s new corporate face with a more svelte body, the New Concept Coupe also boasts a hybrid powertrain.

Word is that VW will be debuting the cleverly named New Concept Coupe later today, but for now, the folks at Worldcarfans.uk wanted to share some of the info and pictures slightly ahead of schedule.

The early details on this pretty little coupe are that it finds its motivation from a 1.4-liter TSI engine – turbocharged and good for 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque. If that wasn’t enough, the concept also features a 27 hp electric motor and a seven-speed DSG gearbox. If VW can find a way to incorporate this electric motor without too much added weight, this little concept car could prove to be quite the sporty offering.

For now, zero-to-60 is reported at a reasonably pedestrian 8.6 seconds, but a very respectable 45 miles per gallon to go along with it.

So far we know that this originally named concept car is being referred to as a Golf Coupe prototype, but that it would likely wear the Jetta name if it were to make it way to production. Given the very believable, mainstream-friendly lines of this car – we believe the reports that this name-less concept is expected to head for production within two years. The NCC looks to be a blend of a new 3-series BMW and a Scion tC in terms of exterior styling, albeit slightly stretched compared to the tC.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com

 

2012 BMW M3

BMW’s iconic M3 Coupe received a complete redesign for 2008 and beyond. Based on the new 3-Series Coupe, the new M3 has a revamped interior, exterior, and mechanical underpinnings. The M3 targets the Lexus IS-F, Audi RS5, and Mercedes CLK63 AMG.

The car features a high-revving powerplant like the M3s of previous years, but this time the motor is a V8. It also features tuned suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, a carbon fiber roof, and all the exterior modifications typical of an “M” car.

The M3’s V8 powerplant has two more cylinders than its predecessor, delivering 414 horsepower from 4.0 litters and maximum torque of 295 pound-feet at 3,900 rpm. In keeping with BMW’s high-revving “M” tradition, maximum engine speed is 8,300 rpm. The engine is the lightest V8 in the world, weighing less than the previous M3’s inline-six.

Reminiscent of the carbon fiber roof panel used on the M6 coupe, the M3’s CFRP roof cuts unnecessary weight, and lowers the car’s center of gravity. It also lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height.

The production M3 is pictured with 18-inch wheels, though BMW is also expected to offer 19-inch alloys similar to the Y-spoke ones featured on the M3 concept.

Pricing
Pricing starts at $58,400. Compared to the previous-generation M3 Coupe, the new two-door is around $8,000 more expensive. Of course, it packs a whole lot more punch, too.

A premium package, priced at $1,900, offers power folding mirrors, universal garage opener, digital compass mirror, BMW Assist, Novillo Leather interior and choice of three optional interior trims.

The technology package includes EDC, M Drive, Comfort Access, and a navigation system — all for $3250.

19″ wheels are $1200, Electronic Damping Control is $1000, and Extended Novillo Leather can be had for $2000 as a standalone option or $1000 with the premium package. Enhanced premium sound is $1900.

Buyers seeking an open-air experience can opt to delete the car’s standard carbon fiber roof and replace it with a regular steel top and integrated glass moonroof.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com

 

2013 Lexus GS 350 and GS 450h

“Something wicked this way comes,” once proclaimed the Macbeth-laced marketing efforts for Lexus’ second-generation GS back in the mid-1990s.

And wicked car that GS was, what with its newly-arrived V8 engine and butch, in-house styling that screamed “pay attention to me!”

Fast forward a decade and a half and another GS has been tasked with a similar mission of injecting sport into an otherwise staid lineup. Technically, the 2013 GS is a fourth-generation model, but it might as well be the automaker’s second-ever effort since trials one and three were proverbial bunts that never quite caught on with buyers.

This latest GS brings with it a pared-down but more focused lineup. Gone is the V8 that made the “wicked” model desirable. In its place is a new emphasis on precision thanks to Toyota heir, CEO and genuine racing enthusiast Akio Toyoda.

Shoes to fill
Despite a pleasant all-around competence, the outgoing GS was overshadowed by German rivals with more luxury, more features and more performance. Sales were modest as buyers flocked to the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. Lexus was outclassed.

If the old car’s bland styling turned buyers away, the more dynamic new GS should reel them in for a second look. Like eHarmony’s finest, the GS must be seen in person. But unlike that deceiving heifer who posted a “recent” photo from 1984, the GS’ curves are far more pleasant in real life. Up front, a bold fascia features what Lexus calls its new “spindle” grille that juts in toward a stylized “L” as large as a rodeo star’s belt buckle. LED high and low-beam headlamps are optional.

Move along the car’s side and its low stature becomes more obvious. By no means as svelte as Audi’s latest A6, the GS does manage to be more interesting in profile than the BMW 5-Series and less frumpy than Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class.

At the rear, however, the look falls short. While the detailing and design language is pleasingly consistent with what’s going on up front, we can’t help but think that the pointed tail lamps and chrome strip look like the Hyundai Sonata. A goofy racing-style rear diffuser on non-hybrid GS models doesn’t help, although we did like their artfully-integrated tailpipes.

Speaking of powertrains, the GS sees a trimmed-down lineup for 2013. At the bottom of the spectrum is the rear-drive, 3,795 lbs. GS 350, which retains a mostly carryover 3.5-liter V6. On paper, it boasts a 5.7-second 0-60 sprint thanks to 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque, the latter of which peaks at 4,800 rpm.

Drivers interested in something a little more “wicked” can select the F Sport package, which doesn’t add power but does feature a special body kit, 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels and a tightened-down suspension with rear wheel steering, plus a Sport+ mode – more on that in a bit.

All-wheel-drive is optional, bringing with it ballast just shy of 200 lbs. The system sends 30 percent of power to the front under normal circumstances, but slushy conditions can see a 50/50 split when needed.

Anchoring the top of the lineup is the GS 450h (h stands for hybrid). A detuned version of the 350′s 3.5-liter V6 works with a pair of generators and a 240-cell nickel metal hydride battery to achieve a total of 338 horsepower, while a CVT sends power to the rear wheels. Despite adding weight to the tune of 4,190 lbs. overall, the GS 450h vaults to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

EPA estimated fuel economy, meanwhile, runs the gamut. Opt for a GS 350 and Lexus guesses 19/28 mpg. AWD dings the highway figure to 26 mpg. The hybrid, however, is anticipated to net a solid 29/34 mpg, which puts it 2 mpg ahead of the admittedly more powerful Infiniti M35h.

The inside story
GS moves Lexus forward in terms of interior design by taking a page from both the company’s LF-A supercar and its CT 200h five-door hybrid (talk about opposite ends of the spectrum) with a decidedly sport-oriented five-passenger cabin with a low roof and a short dashboard. Heavily-bolstered seats covered in standard or semi-aniline leather hold front passengers in place, while the driver grips a meaty three-spoke steering wheel that further adds to the performance car feel.

Driver and passenger are affronted by an enormous optional 12.3- inch widescreen controlled by a vaguely mouse-like knob for audio and navigation adjustments. Climate controls are handled via more traditional buttons, and while we don’t necessarily mind Lexus’ intuitive controller, we wish there were a few more redundant switches for common items like audio presets. At least the widescreen offers Lexus’ brilliant mobile phone-based app system, which includes access to services like Pandora, OpenTable and Bing for on-the-go connectivity.

Materials throughout are generally top notch, especially the matte-finish bamboo used in hybrid models.

On the go
While we lament the loss of the optional V8, we can’t blame Lexus for trimming the lineup since the V6 offers more than enough grunt for most any driver. From a standstill, the GS 350 isn’t rocket fast, but it builds speed smoothly thanks to a fast-shifting six-speed automatic. In the mood for more? Ergonomic steering wheel-mounted flappy pedals fire off even faster up and downshifts. While “just” six gears won’t impress spec sheet jockeys, the transmission felt well-matched to the V6.

For some unexpected aural delight, GS uses the same kind of intake plumbing we’ve seen in cars like the Ford Mustang and the Maza MX-5 Miata to pump underhood music into the cabin. Otherwise, GS is almost eerily quiet, as we discovered while traveling at near triple-digit speeds during a maddening wind storm outside of Las Vegas.

But Lexus swears the GS isn’t just about about comfortable cruising. To that end, it has incorporated a version of its Drive Mode control knob. Turn it clockwise once and you’re in sport mode, where gear shifts and throttle mapping extract more accessible grunt out of the V6. Opt for the Luxury Package or the F-Sport trim and you’ll get a Sport+ mode, which adjusts the electric steering and an adaptive suspension for a positively performance-minded feel.

Regardless of Drive Mode selection, GS boasts an impressively nimble feel and a taut but compliant suspension. Its electric steering doesn’t deliver Porsche-levels of feedback, but it is precise and quick, which helps the big sedan feel like it rotates on an axis centered on the A-pillar. Sport+ mode firmed up the steering at low speeds, but made little discernible difference otherwise.

We spent some time on a road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway pitting the GS 350 F Sport against a Sport Package-equipped BMW 535i. While the Bimmer was quicker in the straights, the Lexus carved through corners with less body lean and drama. We aren’t quite ready to proclaim the GS as the segment’s most fun-to-drive offering, but Toyoda-san’s push toward precision has made this contest a draw.

Our time in the GS 450h was limited, but we found that its ride and handling qualities mirrored the GS 350. Performance was adequate when left in a fun-robbing Eco mode, but Normal and Sport selections imbued it with a noticeable increase in thrust compared to the GS 350. We found it easy to travel up to around 35 mph in EV mode, an impressive feat for a bigger hybrid. Braking feel was a bit more artificial than the standard GS 350 but still far better than hybrids of yore.

Lexus hasn’t priced the ’13 GS, but a base price around the outgoing car’s $47,000 seems about right. Opt for the hybrid and expect to add about $10,000, although you’ll get a full complement of luxury features.

Leftlane’s bottom line
GS represents a giant leap forward for Lexus in terms of creating the kind of desirable machinery worthy of eliciting “wicked” passion normally reserved for enthusiasts of German rivals. Its light-on-its-feet feel and terrific interior make it worthy of a spot on any midsize premium sedan shopper’s list.

It’s also hopefully a sign of what’s to come from a newly-invigorated Lexus lineup. Even if the otherworldly LF-A isn’t proving to be a sales hit, its mission in life is clearly filtering down to the cars driven by mere mortals (and mortals with some cash, in the case of the GS).

2013 Lexus GS 350 and GS 450h pricing TBD.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com

 

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2012

Mercedes-Benz has finally debuted the replacement for its original four-door coupe, the CLS. At first glance one should notice a similar silhouette to the outgoing model, but there are also an extensive number of fresh and highly accentuated lines that gives this four-door coupe a very bold, new look.

More aggressive both front and rear, the CLS is considerably more styled than its rather understated predecessor as Mercedes-Benz continues to hone the modern four-door coupe segment it essentially invented.

From the rear, we can easily see the automaker’s Bentley-esque rear “hips” that take the E-Class sedan’s look to a whole new level. A much flashier pair of tailights adorn the rear as well.

Up front, Mercedes-Benz opted for full LED headlamps, the world’s first to offer the full range of turn signals, running lamps, low- and high-beam functions purely from LEDs. The advantage of LEDs comes in the form of reduced energy consumption and longer bulb life.

Inside, the all-new CLS gains a more wrap-around-style dashboard with more innovative and upscale materials before. Matte galvanized trim surrounds the air vents, while hand-sewn leather wraps the dashboard.

Style aside, substance comes in the form of a lengthy list of standard features, such as COMAND with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, Bluetooth, voice control, 14-Speaker Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound system, HD radio, in-dash DVD/CD changer, in-dash SD card reader, power sunroof, Burl Walnut trim, multifunction leather sport steering wheel, 14-way power adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and more.

Motivation for this new CLS comes from a new twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8, good for 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque. This is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, like the AMG CLS63 AMG variant, which swaps the automatic for an AMG Speedshift transmission with paddle shifters.

All of that power is transferred to the ground via 255/40R18s in the front, and 285/35/R18s out back.

taken from
http://www.leftlanenews.com