1SICKREVIEW-2012 CLS 63 tuned by RennTech
02-07-12, 06:55 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks
Thanks!
The MAtte paint is sick
Great write-up, Mike.....and an awesome car. 
I've full-reviewed C63 and E63 AMGs, a Panamera, and a Jag XKR drop-top, but not quite something like what you had there. But, in general, just about all of those hand-built AMG powerplants are something else.
I'll respect your opinion (styling, of course, is subjective), but I never cared for the CLS's coupe-sedan styling (or the similiar VW CC) and their small, peep-hole side-windows. I like plenty of visibility out when I drive.
Did you have the VSC turned off? If it is working properly, the VSC and traction-control should keep the rear-wheels in line, even if that means shutting down some fuel-flow and backing-off on the power a little (or using the individual rear-brakes)
Doesn't run a lot more than that, though, with the Renn-Tech package?
Renn-Tech stuff isn't cheap.
So that Matte-White paint-job is better than the Lexus/Infiniti/Cadillac/Audi Pearl-Oyster-White? Again, I'll take your word for it as to your opinion (you inspect and review a lot of cars, like I do).....but I'd still like to see it for myself if I get a chance. Among white paint jobs, IMO, it's HARD to beat the job that the four companies I just listed do with the Pearl-Effect-White.
I'm not sure what you mean by "aspirational"? By that term, do you mean six-figure cars that many buyers can't afford? I've done a few of those myself, and, yes, they can be a real treat to drive and write-up (driving that supercharged Jag XKR convertible, for instance, for a recent Holiday-Review, was like dating a supermodel). 
Even though this forum is for general car-chat, it's no secret that many members in on it (being part of a larger, primarily-Lexus forum) have money and are relatively well-off. But, at the same time, I get review-requests, both on and off-CL, for everything from 10-15K econoboxes to 100K+ luxury and sports-cars. Some people either don't have a lot to spend on a new car, or thay have it and simply prefer to spend it on a cheaper car.......or on something else.
I've full-reviewed C63 and E63 AMGs, a Panamera, and a Jag XKR drop-top, but not quite something like what you had there. But, in general, just about all of those hand-built AMG powerplants are something else. I'll respect your opinion (styling, of course, is subjective), but I never cared for the CLS's coupe-sedan styling (or the similiar VW CC) and their small, peep-hole side-windows. I like plenty of visibility out when I drive.
Did you have the VSC turned off? If it is working properly, the VSC and traction-control should keep the rear-wheels in line, even if that means shutting down some fuel-flow and backing-off on the power a little (or using the individual rear-brakes)
Doesn't run a lot more than that, though, with the Renn-Tech package?
Renn-Tech stuff isn't cheap. So that Matte-White paint-job is better than the Lexus/Infiniti/Cadillac/Audi Pearl-Oyster-White? Again, I'll take your word for it as to your opinion (you inspect and review a lot of cars, like I do).....but I'd still like to see it for myself if I get a chance. Among white paint jobs, IMO, it's HARD to beat the job that the four companies I just listed do with the Pearl-Effect-White.
I'm not sure what you mean by "aspirational"?
By that term, do you mean six-figure cars that many buyers can't afford? I've done a few of those myself, and, yes, they can be a real treat to drive and write-up (driving that supercharged Jag XKR convertible, for instance, for a recent Holiday-Review, was like dating a supermodel). Even though this forum is for general car-chat, it's no secret that many members in on it (being part of a larger, primarily-Lexus forum) have money and are relatively well-off. But, at the same time, I get review-requests, both on and off-CL, for everything from 10-15K econoboxes to 100K+ luxury and sports-cars. Some people either don't have a lot to spend on a new car, or thay have it and simply prefer to spend it on a cheaper car.......or on something else.1. Yes the powerplant is amazing.
2. I found visibility to be fine, I expected worse.
3. VSC was off most of the time for the most fun. This enabled the rear to swing out for some grins.
4. RennTech stuff isn't cheap but IMO worth the money. I believe the ECU upgrade is around $3500. Well worth it to me and nothing if you already own a 100k plus car. They have an incredible reputation for quality and excellence.
5. Being its Matte I can't compare to others b/c they don't offer Matte. I can tell the paint is of high quality and I didn't see any chips anywhere. It is a PITA to maintain though and you can't take care of it like regular paint.
6. I aspire to drive higher and better. That is what interests me.
Last edited by Gojirra99; 02-07-12 at 05:23 PM. Reason: Remove quoted deleted post and reply
02-08-12, 12:11 AM
#20
Lexus Champion
LOL the car is on Renntech's website http://www.renntechmercedes.com/www/node/566
that's pretty cool... I also found that for my car it is now $2450 for stage 1 rather than 4k+ that I remember from not too long ago... but I guess like Mike said that the amount for that much power, especially for a car that cost that much, is kind of a bargain...
that's pretty cool... I also found that for my car it is now $2450 for stage 1 rather than 4k+ that I remember from not too long ago... but I guess like Mike said that the amount for that much power, especially for a car that cost that much, is kind of a bargain...
03-25-13, 11:26 AM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Just an update as I've been spending quite some time in this vehicle. Three things that I wish were better were
1. No HUD...I always find the steering wheel in the way of the speedometer so I have to move it where I don't want.
2 No interior LEDs. Odd, it has the orange ambiant lighting but all the interior lights are old school halogen yellow. Yuck.
3. Small NAV screen. Its tiny but with decent graphics. I don't use it, I just use my phone. When you use the GS huge screen it just spoils you.
I know this might sound crazy but I think I PREFER the "Command" system than remote touch. Seriously, not joiking. I have gotten used to the **** and its quicker and easier to move to me. No I am not on a "Molly" I am serious. I really like it and I find it easy to use.
The looks this car gets is jaw-dropping. My wife always comments "people are always staring at it". Hilarious. It sounds powerful even with the stock exhaust. This design has been around a couple of years now (I think 3+) and people love it and are always positively commenting on it.
Sport + mode is really different than Comfort. The tranny shifts with authority though still smooth and the gearing is much more aggressive. There is absolutely NEVER an issue with passing power, not even close. NOT EVEN CLOSE.
It drinks. I mean it drinks gas. Surely not an issue with this type of car's demographic but compared to the GS 450h its hilariously funny if you drive it around.
The seats are amazing still and there is more room in this vehicle than you would think. The rear is actually fine with the front seats moved up and the trunk is ample and has a great shape.
Acceleration continues to be out of this world. You want to impress someone and show them a fast car, floor it...the immediate push back in the seat is hilarious with passengers
For 2014, all CLS 63s now have 550hp and are now all AWD. I understand but to me this RWD one then feels even more sexy knowing that it is quite dangerous if you are not careful.
To say I am not completely smitten by this beast is an understatement.......
1. No HUD...I always find the steering wheel in the way of the speedometer so I have to move it where I don't want.
2 No interior LEDs. Odd, it has the orange ambiant lighting but all the interior lights are old school halogen yellow. Yuck.
3. Small NAV screen. Its tiny but with decent graphics. I don't use it, I just use my phone. When you use the GS huge screen it just spoils you.
I know this might sound crazy but I think I PREFER the "Command" system than remote touch. Seriously, not joiking. I have gotten used to the **** and its quicker and easier to move to me. No I am not on a "Molly"
I am serious. I really like it and I find it easy to use. The looks this car gets is jaw-dropping. My wife always comments "people are always staring at it". Hilarious. It sounds powerful even with the stock exhaust. This design has been around a couple of years now (I think 3+) and people love it and are always positively commenting on it.
Sport + mode is really different than Comfort. The tranny shifts with authority though still smooth and the gearing is much more aggressive. There is absolutely NEVER an issue with passing power, not even close. NOT EVEN CLOSE.
It drinks. I mean it drinks gas.
Surely not an issue with this type of car's demographic but compared to the GS 450h its hilariously funny if you drive it around. The seats are amazing still and there is more room in this vehicle than you would think. The rear is actually fine with the front seats moved up and the trunk is ample and has a great shape.
Acceleration continues to be out of this world. You want to impress someone and show them a fast car, floor it...the immediate push back in the seat is hilarious with passengers
For 2014, all CLS 63s now have 550hp and are now all AWD. I understand but to me this RWD one then feels even more sexy knowing that it is quite dangerous if you are not careful.
To say I am not completely smitten by this beast is an understatement.......
03-25-13, 11:42 AM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
It drinks. I mean it drinks gas. Surely not an issue with this type of car's demographic but compared to the GS 450h its hilariously funny if you drive it around.
Surely not an issue with this type of car's demographic but compared to the GS 450h its hilariously funny if you drive it around.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-25-13 at 11:58 AM.
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