Mercedes CLS 63 AMG news - Horrell spies: new CLS AMG - 2009

STOP PRESS! Top Gear's resident Foreman, Paul Horrell, has just filed this exclusive undercover report from the depths of, er, Spain: 

Like Ronald and Pammy from Badiddlyboing, Odawidaho, I do tend to keep my camera about my person when on holiday. Last week I was walking in some middle-of-nowhere hills in Spain. We were just getting back in the car when something four-wheeled and covered in bin bags arrives at the lay-by. Alongside is a Mercedes C63 AMG. So I assume this is another new Benz.
 
I raise the camera to my eye and the prototype driver immediately spots me, hooks reverse and tears off back down the hill. Unfortunately his path is blocked, so he goes past at speed just below me, and it’s easy to get a panning shot.
 
It’s the 2011 CLS 63 AMG.
 
Luckily, on my first week back at work I’m off to see Mercedes to drive the new E-Class estate. So I can ask a few quiet questions and get some facts to go with the photos.
 
Basically, the next CLS is a design evolution of the current one, but the mechanics are derived from the new E-Class.
 
So this AMG version gets the usual colossally powerful 6.2-litre V8 and MCT Speedshift paddle transmission. I’m told those bonnet vents won’t be seen on the real car. I think that’s a bit of a shame.
 
The ‘ordinary’ CLS versions will have a new trick under the bonnet. They get a new range of turbo direct-injection petrol V6s and V8. More power than now, less fuel.
 
As to the body, well you can see the arched roofline and pointy side windows, as well as wraparound light clusters and a more upright grille than the current car’s.
 
The designers say that under the disguise panels, the sculpture on the flanks is more pronounced than the current CLS, and the surfaces more edgy.
 
Got any scoopy holiday snaps yourself? Let us know.