Mercedes-Benz pulled the sheet off the newest object of our lust today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Company brass proudly proclaimed the CLS 63 AMG “a unique high-performance car” that “sets new standards in design, performance and efficiency.”

For once, that may be more than auto show hyperbole. This sexy beast sports a slew of tech aimed at optimizing the performance and efficiency of the 5.5-liter V8 under its carbon-fiber hood.

Twin turbochargers boost power, while direct injection, adjustable cam timing, stop-start technology and a seven-speed gearbox boost fuel economy. The base model is good for 525 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the AMG Performance package and you’ll have 557 horsepower and 590 pound-feet under your right foot.

Either way you’re looking at 24 mpg combined. AMG boss Ola Ka?llenius says the car will do 33 mpg on the highway. That’s a 32 percent improvement over the previous model. Those are amazing numbers for a car of this caliber — a 2011 Honda Civic with a 2.0-liter fourbanger and a six-speed gets 24 combined, 29 highway.

That glorious V8 is mated to an AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox with four modes. “Controlled efficiency” activates the stop-start mode, which shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop. It also eases up accelerator response and shifts gears sooner. Sport, sport-plus and manual modes offer varying levels of performance. The manual mode is said to be a dead-ringer for a conventional manual gearbox.

It’s all wrapped in seductive, muscular bodywork. The doors, hood, front quarters, trunk lid and other assorted bits are aluminum to shave weight. Opt for the AMG Performance package and you get a carbon-fiber hood and rear spoiler along with suspension upgrades and nicer trim.

The price is TBA, but the previous model topped six figures. We suspect none of the 3,000 to 4,000 people lucky enough to buy one will have any trouble raising the cash.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

Authors: Chuck Squatriglia

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