Carlsson Does the New 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Sports Saloon

The new CLS won't be arriving in Mercedes-Benz dealerships before the end of January 2011, yet German tuning firm Carlsson has already unveiled its performance and styling program for the second generation of the banana-shaped sports saloon.

The German tuner revamps the Mercedes model's exterior with a comprehensive aerodynamics package comprising of a restyled front bumper that incorporates a lip spoiler and LED fog lights, side skirts, a rear apron with a built in diffuser and space for the new rectangular-shape tail pipes, and a boot lid spoiler.

The side air outlets, revised grille and the new bonnet with power domes are also part of the package, which can be complemented by a choice of alloy wheel designs.

For the interior, Carlsson's menu includes an Alcantara sports steering wheel, pedals and foot rest made of brushed aluminium, plus unique floor mats featuring the firm's logo with a matching boot cover.

The tuning house offers performance upgrades for the CLS 350 CGI petrol and 350 CDI V6 diesel models. With the CK35 kit, the V6 petrol engine's output is lifted from 306HP and 370Nm to 333HP and 410Nm. As a result, the car's 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

Thanks to the firm's C-Tronic DIESEL POWER electronic tune, the 350 CDI produces 320HP and 780Nm of peak torque, up from the stock model's 265HP and 650Nm. This allows the diesel-powered to go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds instead of the standard 6.2 seconds.

Other performance features include Carlsson’s patented C-Tronic Suspension system that can lower the vehicle's ride height by up to 30 mm, as well as constantly adjust the spring travel depending on the road conditions.

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Video: The New Mercedes-Benz CLS, a Hot Blonde and the Science of Eye Movement

A stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in an overly tight black outfit, is slowly walking in front of you, swinging her hips to an imaginary tune. On which part of the female body do you look at first? I know, it's a tough question.

The CLS' design team had the same dilemma, albeit they were curious which parts of the car catch the eye first. So, like any good Germans, they went on and devised some complicated eye-tracking device and studied people's reactions when confronted with the new CLS.

Not surprisingly, the results say that all the key design cues that mattered were looked at first. But what about that young lady? Check out the video after the break to find out and do share your thoughts with us on the Mercedes or the young lady, your choice.

By Csaba Daradics

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LA Show 2010: New 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG with Bi-Turbo V8

Taking center stage at Mercedes-Benz's LA Auto Show booth is the range-topper of the new 2012 CLS series, the CLS 63 AMG sports sedan. Like the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG, the CLS 63 AMG benefits from a new 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with direct-injection technology producing 525 hp and torque of 700 Nm. Mercedes also offers an optional AMG Performance package, which increases these figures to an even more manly 557 hp and 800 Nm.

Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a brand new AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which does away with the torque converter using a compact, wet start-up clutch instead.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds for the 525HP and 557HP variants respectively, with a top speed of 155 mph [250 km/h] in the standard version and 186 mph [302 km/h] with the Performance Package, in both cases, electronically limited.

Despite the improvements in performance, Mercedes says the new CLS 63 AMG is far more fuel efficient than its predecessor, which was powered by a 507HP 6.3-liter V8. The new CLS63 AMG that also gets start/stop tech, goes 4 miles further in the city on one gallon of fuel, making it 33 percent more fuel-efficient. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg US city and 21 mpg US highway.

The upgraded AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension that allows the driver to switch between three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus", steering and braking systems along with the 19-inch wheels in fitted with 255/35 R 19 tires on the front and 285/30 R 19 tires on the rear, round off the performance changes. Mercedes-Benz also offers a set of ceramic brakes on the option list.

Completing the AMG package are the interior appointments and a new bodykit that includes boot lid spoiler, side skirts, and different designs for the front and rear bumpers.

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