SAMA MEMBERS GET LOOK AT NEW MERCEDES-BENZ CLS63 AMG
photos by Pepe Delfino
Another full house
showed up for the monthly SAMA luncheon, this time sponsored by
Mercedes-Benz and held at the Setai Hotel in Miami Beach.
In addition to about
40 members, Mercedes invited several reports and writers from lifestyle
publications to the event, which included an Asian buffet lunch and
previewed the new CLS63 AMG coupe.
Greg Clark, AMG Brand
Manager for the U.S., gave the presentation for the company’s
ground-breaking, all-new four-door coupe.
Plenty of information
can be found on USB “press kits” distributed at the luncheon, but Clark
noted several highlights:
-- The CLS AMG
features a V8 biturbo engine that pumps out up to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft.
of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed transmission.
-- Despite a
10-percent boost in horsepower and 25 percent jacking up of torque, the
2012 model is 33 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
(Actual EPA figures are 16 mpg city/21 highway.)
-- There is more to
AMG treatment than simply dropping a bigger engine into the car. The
CLS63 AMG has been redesigned and reworked under the skin throughout the
entire body. Thanks to generous use of aluminum, the new model is
slightly longer but also lighter than its predecessor.
-- MSRP also is 5
percent lower than previous AMG models, starting at $94,500.
In addition to Clark,
the ebullient Geoff Day, Adam Paige, and Lindsay Burns were on hand for
Mercedes, making the day a success!
After the luncheon
and presentations, those attending the event had the opportounity to
check out AMG Miami Beach Polo Match Play on the beach.
We want to thank
Mercedes for sponsoring our April event and for its support of SAMA over
the years. We look forward to continue to working with Mercedes in the
future.
In a brief, very
brief, business session, treasurer and membership chairman Marcello
Serrato introduced three new members who were all present -- Myles
Kornblatt, Simon Gomez, and Sergio Nieto. Welcome to SAMA, guys, and we
look forward to seeing you at future events.
President Paul Borden
noted that we are close to finalizing details for the proposed “Topless
in Miami” event featuring a lineup of convertibles.
SAMA media members
will take part in the competitive event which will determine the top
convertibles in several different categories and crown one as the
“Convertible of South Florida” for the year.
Members are advised
to check out the website regularly for further news.
In fact, thanks to
Pepe Delfino and his daughter Giulianna Levin, we are getting more news
up on the site, so it’s a good idea to check it out on a regular basis.
Your reviews and
other news items are welcome for the site. Send items to Paul Borden at
pborden41@yahoo.com with a copy
to Pepe and Giulianna at
pepedelfino@yahoo.com and
glevin@dolphinintertrade.com.
Watch your email for
news about the May SAMA luncheon, which will be sponsored by Chevrolet.
To view
larger photos from the event, please click here.
