Mercedes-Benz has teased the second entry for its Mythos series, a special sub-brand-of-sorts for projects that combine AMG performance with the opulence of Maybach. Positioned as a tier for ultra-rare collectables, Mythos cars are limited-run models aimed at the brand’s most elite collectors, and the latest addition to this ultra exclusive lineup is now confirmed to be based on the Mercedes-Benz CLE.
The German marque has helpfully provided a handful of images of the prototype undergoing intensive winter testing in Sweden. The heavily camouflaged CLE retains its unmistakable coupe silhouette, but sports a redesigned front fascia, wider haunches, and what appears to be a roll cage, all hinting at what could be a new vicious monster underneath the low-slung bonnet.
Reports suggest that the spiced-up Mercedes-AMG CLE could be packing the marque’s iconic 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which according to Motor1, could potentially produce as much as 650 hp and 800 Nm of torque on here. For context, the current 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six found in the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé makes a paltry (in comparison) 449 hp and 560 Nm.
Based on insights from some insiders, the engine will also utilise a motorsport-derived flat-plane crankshaft, which would result in a higher-pitched aural experience compared to the traditional AMG rumble. And when was the last time the three-pointed star used a flat-plane V8 engine? The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Yeah, about that title…
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Like the GT, this new yet-unnamed CLE-based model also comes equipped with a similarly large rear wing at the back for a more track-focused setup. But since Mercedes-Benz is clumping this new model into its Mythos series, expect the eventual CLE-based monster to be even more exclusive than the Black Series, with a price tag to match.
The Mercedes-Benz Mythos sub-brand was first unveiled in late 2024 with the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed. That radical, open-top two-seater featured a Formula One-derived HALO system and was limited to just 250 units. It utilised a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 585 hp and 800 Nm, which propels the PureSpeed from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 315 km/h.
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