Remember those rumors from approximately six years ago about the Mercedes CLS being renamed CLE for its current generation? That obviously didn’t happen as the swoopy sedan still carries the same name it had at its baptism back in 2004. However, CLE is once again making the headlines as reports state it will be used to simplify the C-Class and E-Class lineups. How? By merging the pair of two-door models into a single coupe and cabrio.

Mercedes-AMG CLE Convertible

We’ve been spying on the alleged CLE for a while now, but this is our first look at a more potent derivative. Caught undergoing testing in snowy Sweden, the prototype is likely of the AMG variety judging by the larger wheels hosting upsized brakes. The sporty convertible must have a stiffer suspension because it seems to be riding closer to the road, but the biggest giveaway is at the rear.

Time will tell whether the three-pointed star will use the CLK recipe by combining the design of the E-Class with the underpinnings of the inferior C-Class.

Previous test vehicles had their exhaust tucked away under the bumper, but this one is not afraid to flaunt it. There are only two circular tips, although the cutouts in the bumper are considerably larger. It could be a sign the potential AMG CLE lacked the final setup, presumably a more menacing quad arrangement.

It’s fairly easy to see the car is a diamond in the rough since it’s missing the final taillights and rides on mismatched wheels. The headlights also seem to be provisional and we’re wondering why the disguise on the fabric roof has those protuberances that look like air vents. There’s not much to say about the design since Mercedes made sure to thoroughly disguise its new convertible.

Mercedes-AMG CLE Convertible

Time will tell whether the three-pointed star will use the CLK recipe by combining the design of the E-Class with the underpinnings of the inferior C-Class. Although only the convertible has been spotted so far, it likely won’t be long before our spies will stumble upon the coupe as well. Looking at this prototype, it tells us an official reveal is unlikely to occur until early 2023.

If it will indeed be based on the C-Class, both AMG flavors will make do with four-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive because the V8 RWD formula died with the W205.

Source: Motor1 via Automedia

While browsing our inbox this morning, we received an email from our good friend Vincent at Autoblog.nl, who graciously tipped us off to the fact that the Brabus’ self-titled Rocket, a Mercedes CLS fitted with the 600-series’ V12, has officially garnished the title of the world’s fastest sedan.

During recent high speed testing, the Brabus Rocket, whose superbly-tuned V12 produces a power output of 730 hp / 537 kW and an electronically limited peak torque of 1,100 Nm at 2,100 RPM, registered a maximum velocity of… are you ready for this… 225.19 miles per hour.

Unbelievable.

BRABUS ROCKET Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Coupe

In addition to its unholy top speed, the Brabus Rocket took a moment to flex it’s acceleration haunches, registering a 0-62 mph time of 4.0 seconds, a 0-124 mph time of 10.5 seconds, and a 0-186 mph time of 29.5 seconds.

If you’re interested, the Brabus Rocket is available, in limited quantities, from your local Brabus dealer. The price to attain such a vehicle, as one would expect, is slightly higher than that of a standard CLS, with the sticker checking in at a cool EUR 348,000, or approximately $436,879 USD.

A small price to pay to own such an astounding vehicle.

To learn more about the Brabus Rocket and the high speed testing, keep scrolling to see several photos of the event (all of which enlarge when you click them), followed by the official Brabus press release.

Thanks for the tip Vincent.

With the recent release of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Brabus has turned their attention to Mercedes’ four-door coupe range in time for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.  Although it will likely be some time before we see another 200+ mph BRABUS Rocket, the new BRABUS CLS is quite a car.

The second Mercedes CLS generation has arrived and in a world debut BRABUS presents an exclusive tuning program for the new four-door coupe at the Geneva Motor Show 2011.

Sporty-elegant design paired with aerodynamic efficiency is the trademark of BRABUS. For the new CLS body components were developed in the wind tunnel. They are manufactured in OEM quality from flexible high-quality Pur-R-Rim.

The BRABUS front spoiler is mounted to the production bumper and noticeably reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The front can be further upgraded with the BRABUS front apron caps. They feature strikingly styled air inlets and LED daytime running lights, available with either dark or chrome surrounds.

The CLS gets a distinctly dynamic appearance with the BRABUS sport fenders. In addition to gills each side also features a horizontal brace with illuminated BRABUS lettering.

The BRABUS sill skirts give the four-door an even lower, sleeker stance. A useful and appealing added feature is the set of integrated entrance lights that are activated via keyless fob or door handles.

LED lights for safely accessing the trunk in the dark are integrated into the BRABUS rear apron. Custom-tailored cutouts in the new rear apron provide the perfect backdrop for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system. The rear appearance is rounded out with a centrally mounted reflector.

The BRABUS rear spoiler creates a perfect aerodynamic balance and emphasizes the sporty character of the BRABUS designer suit.

Another important contribution to the exclusive BRABUS look for the new CLS comes from the BRABUS Monoblock wheels in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17 to 10.5Jx20. The OEM-quality alloys are available as one-piece and three piece wheels in six different designs.

The most exclusive version features BRABUS Monoblock VI, E or S wheels in size 9Jx20 in front and size 10.5Jx20 in back. The latest addition to the BRABUS wheel family is the BRABUS Monoblock F wheel. Presented initially as a forged wheel it is now also available as a 20-inch cast wheel, which also celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. On the new CLS this wheel can be mounted in sizes 8.5Jx20 and 9.5Jx20, painted a grey “Liquid Titanium” shade. The largest tires supplied by BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for these wheels come in size 255/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 305/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle.

Specially calibrated to the use of sporty low-profile tires are the BRABUS suspension solutions, developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. The lineup ranges from BRABUS sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters (1.2 in.). Sportier ambitions can be met with the BRABUS complete suspension, which combines the ride-height lowering with firmer but yet comfortable damper settings. CLS models equipped ex-factory with the semi-active AIRMATIC air suspension system can be lowered by some 35 millimeters (1.4 in.) with the BRABUS suspension module.

BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive performance tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D4 performance kit delivers an additional 31 hp (31 bhp) / 22.8 kW and produces a peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

For the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY BRABUS offers the ECO PowerXtra D6S tuning kit. The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit can be installed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or any BRABUS competence partner in less than 45 minutes. This high-tech performance tuning also gives the driver the opportunity to influence power yield via the selected shift program of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

In ‘Eco’ mode only peak torque is increased from 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. The maximum power output remains unchanged. If the ‘Sport’ mode is selected manually or activated automatically both peak torque and power output are increased. Maximum rated power output then jumps from 265 hp (261 bhp) / 195 kW to 313 hp (309 bhp) / 230 kW at a low 3,600 rpm. Using this setting, the tuned turbodiesel model sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).

All BRABUS engines are operated exclusively with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

Fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport exhaust systems are available for all CLS engine variants. The precision-calibrated exhaust systems optimize power yield and produce a throaty exhaust note.

Exclusive interior design that meets every customer request is a particular BRABUS specialty. The options for the new Mercedes CLS range from appealing accessories to custom-tailored interiors crafted from especially soft and breathable yet highly durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel is available in a variety of leather/wood designs. It provides perfect road feedback and ensures a relaxed posture for long-distance driving.

Scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or the speedometer with 340-km/h dial (213 mph) add individual highlights as do the distinctly sporty BRABUS interior accessories: They include aluminum components such as pedal pads, door-lock pins and shifter, and high-quality clear-coated carbon-fiber inlays for dashboard and center console. BRABUS also offers wood trim in any desired color and grain.

The four-door CLS coupe can also be equipped with a custom-tailored BRABUS multimedia package.