A new Mercedes-AMG variant based on the CLE coupé is underway, as the German manufacturer’s high-performance division has revealed images of a development car with a visibly altered body, undergoing cold-weather testing. According to Mercedes-AMG, the “extreme new model” will be the second in the marque’s Mythos series after the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed two-seater, and this will be powered by a new, flat-plane crankshaft version of its 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, reported Autocar. The brand’s first production application of the layout is found in the AMG GT Black Series. Beyond the bodywork that has been widened beyond that of the mainstream versions as well as the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, the example pictured here also wears dive planes in front and a large wing at the rear, which have been indicative of Black Series versions in the past. Behind the wheels are AMG-branded carbon-ceramic brakes, as part of a chassis re-engineering that brings wider front wheel track width, a more substantial wheel and tyre set, and a lower ride height. More carbon-fibre can be expected throughout this version of the CLE as well. According to the publication, the Mythos series performance variant is likely to output in excess of 650 PS and 800 Nm from its flat-plane crank V8, considerably more than the 449 PS and 600 Nm from the 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six engine in the CLE53. This won’t be the only V8-powered variant of the CLE in the pipeline, as Mercedes-AMG appeared to be also developing other CLE variants with a mild-hybrid V8 engine, such as the cabriolet development car photographed last year. In February last year, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will continue to offer V8 engines in its model line-up, with varying levels of electrification. Selected markets will continue to be offered 12-cylinder-engined models, the manufacturer had said. Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.
