Artist rendition 2011 Mercedes CLS

The second generation CLS has been spotted in testing for over a year now, but the CLS63 AMG has just been shot for the first time.

This iteration is easily recognizable as an AMG because of its quad exhaust tips, extra hood vents and huge by large brakes.  Power is said to come in the same form as the recently launched 2010 E63 AMG which produces 525 HP and 476 lb-ft of torque from its 6.2L V8.

Unlike the first generation CLS that shared its platform with the E-class, some Benz insiders and saying that the Gen 2 CLS will share its platform with the larger, more luxurious S-class to take the car further up-market to better compete with all of its new found competition, such as the upcoming Audi A7, Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

The smaller CLS copy cats, such as the VW passat will be taken care of by a yet-to-be-introduced smaller model.

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