Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Introduced in 2007, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG was one of two vehicles in the automaker's CLS line of four-door coupes (as Mercedes referred to them). The other vehicle in the CLS line, the new  CLS550, drew some of its mechanical elements from the automaker's E-class vehicles, but featured unique and contemporary exterior styling, with an arched roofline, arched body lines from front to rear, and concealed B-pillars for a clean side appearance.

While the CLS63 retained the same basic arched exterior design, it went one step better, with a new engine, suspension, brakes, and interior and exterior styling enhancements by AMG, the in-house performance tuner for Mercedes.

Styling enhancements from AMG included a unique grille, front apron (the area below the grille), chrome-surrounded fog lights, rear apron, rear spoiler, and side skirts, all of which gave the vehicle a more aggressive appearance.

But the real difference took place under the hood, where AMG dropped an all-new, naturally aspirated 514-horsepower, 6.3-liter V8 engine. It was linked to AMG's Speedshift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

Other AMG-specific features of the car included a sports exhaust system with dual twin chromed tailpipes, a high-performance braking system with internally ventilated composite brake discs, an AMG rear spoiler, and a sports suspension with AMG shock absorbers and stabilizers to provide balanced and dynamic handling.

Inside, newly designed AMG sports seats were equipped with body-hugging side bolsters to provide comfort and maximum support even at the highest speeds. The interior also featured Nappa leather upholstery and trim, an easy-to-read three-dial instrument cluster, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with non-slip black rubber pads, and an ergonomic steering wheel with pronounced contouring and aluminum shift panels behind the wheel that enabled drivers to easily shift gears manually.

The CLS63 AMG was also equipped with rack-and-pinion power steering, an Active Body Control (ABC) self-leveling system that helped to reduce body roll to ensure a comfortable yet sporty ride, and an Electronic Stability Program that monitored steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving.