Official: Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

As far as vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup go, the current generation CL Coupe has been one of our favorites. The latest model has excellent proportions and a nice balance of style.

The AMG models only turn up the desirability quotient even more. For 2011, the car got a freshening that made it bolder.

Unlike other manufacturers, who like to space out performance models to spur interest, they didn't waste any time with the AMG models. In addition, images and specifications on the two cars leaked out early.

With an official introduction though, we get the whole lowdown, along with real-life photography. The biggest news is about the CL63, which ditches the 6.2-liter V-8 in the previous CL63 for a smaller, 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged unit.

The engine makes 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque in standard form, and that increases power to 563 hp and 664 lb-feet (insane!) with the optional AMG Performance Package.

This results in a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds for the CL63, and 4.3 with the AMG Performance Package. Like the standard CL, these power gains come along with reduced fuel consumption of 27 percent.

As for the CL65 AMG, it retains a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, adding 17 horsepower for a total of 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The CL65 hits 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

Both engines are mated to Mercedes' 7-speed automatic transmission. No word on pricing yet, that information should be coming soon.