Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe Debuts Spotlight Function

07/08/2011

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz CL coupe - the company's premium two-door coupe line - is unveiling an innovative Spotlight Function as part of its infra-red based Night View Assist PLUS feature. This innovative safety system uses light from the headlamps to illuminate roadside pedestrians at night, warning both them and the driver.

The 2012MY CL line offers a choice of V8 or V12 power, plus high-performance AMG versions of each. The biturbo-powered direct-injection CL550 4MATIC coupe (429 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque) has standard all-wheel drive, and the CL63 AMG model comes with a high-performance direct-injection 5.5-liter AMG version of the biturbo V8 (536 hp, 590 lb.-ft.), complete with ECO Stop/Start and AMG's award-winning MCT transmission. The V12­powered CL600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) and the CL65 AMG (621 hp, 738 lb.-ft.) round-out the CL coupe line.

Shining a Light on Pedestrian Safety

Part of Night View Assist PLUS, the all-new Spotlight Function identifies and warns roadside pedestrians by illuminating them with specially-designed grooved headlamps. Active during nighttime darkness at speeds above 28 mph, the Spotlight Function uses sophisticated software to coordinate infrared headlamps and a windshield mounted night vision camera. The system scans 260 feet ahead of the vehicle and provides a crisp, black-and-white image of the road ahead in a screen located in the instrument cluster. A second multipurpose camera identifies and locates pedestrians near the roadside and, in addition to highlighting the person in the Night View Assist display screen, the system directs up to four controlled flashes of light from the headlamps toward the pedestrian.

New Transmission

The 2012 CL550 4MATIC features a new transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting.

Smaller Engine with Twin Turbos

Under its refined skin, the all-wheel-drive CL550 4MATIC coupe is powered by a V8 that gets 20 percent better fuel economy while producing 30 percent more power than its predecessor - an astounding feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually decreases the other. The V8 features direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and multi-spark ignition. Based on its highly successful 5.5-liter predecessor, the 4.6-liter V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement but generates 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque - 32 percent more than the engine it replaces. Its smaller displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers - one for each bank of cylinders.

Direct Injection with Piezo Injectors

In the past, most gasoline engines have used indirect port fuel injection. However, the fuel system in the bi-turbo V8 represents the third generation of modern Mercedes-Benz gasoline direct injection systems. The V8 makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels - piezo-electric fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke. This is especially impressive, considering that engines idle around 20 strokes per second and at high speeds, run at about 200 strokes every second.

Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt

Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.

A Showcase of Safety and Convenience Features

All CL coupes are available with the innovative Splitview dual-content viewscreen, which allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie. CL coupes equipped with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS system also come with Active Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.

The optional Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.

Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions "Time For A Rest?"

Standard equipment on all CL coupes is ATTENTION ASSIST, which can alert drivers to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a rest?" message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.

Among other available options, Night View Assist PLUS allows a driver to see pedestrians up to 300 feet earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person.

In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver's ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLUS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses the same camera to detect both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be infinitely varied from 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.

PRE-SAFE(R) Brake Can Automatically Apply Full Braking in Emergencies

Standard on all CL coupe models, the "basic" PRE-SAFE(R) system automatically tightens the front seat belts during those valuable seconds just before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat move to positions that can provide better protection. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof closes as well. Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags, and special seat cushions can inflate to provide greater lateral support for occupants and to help the side air bags provide even better protection.

The launch of the current-generation CL coupe marked the debut of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature - PRE-SAFE(R) brake, which automatically applies braking in certain types of emergencies. Any CL coupe fitted with the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system can reap the benefits of PRE-SAFE Brake. The latest system sounds three warning tones when it senses an impending collision. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and the PRE-SAFE occupant protection system is activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and acting as an "electronic crumple zone."

DISTRONIC PLUS Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic

The optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system uses radar sensors to help maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead. The latest system can actually brake the car to a full stop and accelerate it again.

DISTRONIC PLUS works at speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and­go traffic. Short-range 24-gigahertz radar sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan-shaped 80-degree pattern, working in tandem with a narrower nine-degree beam of longer-range radar.

The two radar frequencies complement each other to cover a full range of more than 160 yards - more than 1 1/2 football fields. During approval of the new radar frequency, government agencies cited its potential to improve traffic safety, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives.

DISTRONIC PLUS also incorporates Parking Guidance, which utilizes ultrasonic sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers - eliminating the need for the visible "portholes" of the previous system. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a "P" in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When reverse gear is engaged, the parking system superimposes guidance lines on the rear-view camera display, and the guidance lines actually change with steering input to make parking easier.

Non-AMG CL models come with Direct Steer, which uses variable-ratio gearing in the steering rack to provide impressive on-center steering feel, with even higher responsiveness beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. In contrast to the electronics of ATTENTION ASSIST, Direct Steer is purely mechanical, minimizing steering effort during cornering and in low-speed maneuvers such as parking.

On-board infotainment: the most advanced multimedia technology

The standard COMAND control and display system with Bluetooth(R), USB and SD card interfaces offers customers the possibility of exporting their stored data to other vehicles and multimedia devices. Mercedes-Benz integrates the Media Interface - an interface for mobile audio and video devices - via an auxiliary cable located in the glovebox. Standard audio equipment also includes radio, a 6-disc CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the 7.2 GB MUSIC REGISTER which stores around 2,500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or WMA format. The system recognizes music files played on CD, DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote(R) database, and shows the title, album and performer in the color display. The new Music Search function enables passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers.

The standard Navigation system features a nationwide map system stored on a 40-Gigabyte hard disk, enabling extremely rapid route calculation. A detailed 3-D map display with SIRIUS real-time traffic information makes travel even easier. The standard Voice Control system allows the driver to operate the navigation, telephone and audio devices via whole-word input when entering the destination, choosing a radio station or a music title from the Music Register, or when calling up a name from the phone book.

Torque-Vectoring Brake

Standard on all CL coupes, a Torque Vectoring feature within the ESP stability control system is specifically designed to sharpen steering response during spirited driving. When sharp, aggressive steering inputs from the driver are sensed, brief braking pulses at the inside rear wheel help pivot the vehicle and improve active handling response.

CL63 AMG Fitted with 536-Horsepower V8 Engine

The CL63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter version of the new Mercedes-Benz biturbo V8 that produces more power and better fuel economy simultaneously. Replacing AMG's normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8, the smaller engine features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and multi-spark ignition. In comparison to the previous AMG engine, reduced displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers - one for each bank of cylinders. Identified inside the company as the M157, the new AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, these figures increase to 563 hp and an astonishing 664 lb.-ft.

AMG Eco Stop-Start System

Even with its 536-horsepower V8, the CL63 AMG is highly fuel-efficient, thanks in part to an innovative ECO stop-start system. Once the AMG model stops in "D" or "N" with the brake pedal depressed, and certain preset operating thresholds have been met, such as engine temperature and battery charge level, the engine is automatically turned-off to save fuel. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine computer decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost instantly.

With an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter and runs in an oil bath, the seven-speed MCT transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car.

Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out

The CL63 AMG can be identified by unique body styling, alloy wheels, sports suspension and high-performance brake system - all designed by AMG specifically for this model. A muscular front bumper with large air intakes houses round fog lights ringed in chrome, and a "V8 Biturbo" badge marks each front fender. Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front bumper to the rear, where an AMG rear apron emphasizes the width of the vehicle. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the AMG model.

When equipped with the optional AMG Performance Package, the CL63 can achieve an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph on 20-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside the CL63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport steering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour leather sport seats finished in special piping. A Sport-Controlled Efficiency-Manual button on the center console allows the driver to choose between the three different transmission shift programs that also fine-tune accelerator pedal response and sport-suspension spring and shock absorber settings. Finishing the interior is an exclusive analog clock based on the design of the "IWC-Ingenieur" series in the center of the dashboard.

Active Suspension and Powerful Brakes

The CL63 AMG suspension and brake systems are designed for high-performance driving. AMG makes good use of the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension, tuning it for even flatter cornering and less body movement when accelerating and braking.

The AMG twin sliding calipers on the front brakes combine the performance of a large fixed caliper with the distinct advantages of a floating caliper - primarily lower heat transfer to the brake fluid. Large compound brake discs -- 15.4 inches in diameter up front and 14.4 inches in the rear - help ensure short stopping distances even during high-speed driving.

The CL63 AMG sedan comes with 20-inch staggered AMG light alloy wheels, 8.5 inches wide in front and 9.5 inches at the rear, wearing low-profile 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tires.

Twin-Turbo V12 Engine

Powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine that generates 510 horsepower and an astonishing 612 lb.-ft. of torque, the CL600 model blends the whisper-smooth performance of the flagship Mercedes-Benz coupe with the astonishing power of a twin-turbo V12 engine. At the same time, the bi-turbo V12 comes clothed in luxury, convenience and refinement that define its rarified market. The 60-degree V12 engine provides effortless thrust with turbine-like smoothness and a vast power band that reaches peak torque as low as 1,800 rpm. With the high-tech engine, Direct-Select five-speed transmission and state-of-the art aerodynamics, the CL600 can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 4.5 seconds, quicker than many sports cars.

6.0-Liter V12 AMG Engine Redefines Performance

The CL65 AMG features a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 621 horsepower and an astounding 738 lb-ft of torque. While the formidable engine can accelerate the car from zero to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, the super-smooth twelve-cylinder powerplant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising.

The CL65 AMG engine features a number of high-tech modifications, including a precision-balanced longer-stroke crankshaft, larger-bore forged pistons and beefier bearings and oil-spray cooling system. The twelve-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility in Affalterbach, Germany. The "one-man, one-engine" philosophy at AMG is symbolized by a signature plate on the engine that bears the name of the master technician who assembled the engine.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, Mercedes-Benz USA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support.

A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.