Mercedes-AMG CLE Mythos Prototype Shows Big Hood Scoop, V8 Power Confirmed

Mercedes-AMG's upcoming CLE Mythos coupe has been spotted testing in Germany with a large new hood intake, signaling a major push to improve cooling. The latest prototype also features revised aerodynamics and other tweaks, suggesting engineers are still fine-tuning the hottest version of the coupe.

Spy photographers report that the change follows an engine failure during the past eight months of testing, though this detail could not be independently confirmed. Earlier prototypes had a conventional hood, but this new car gains a substantial opening above the engine bay. AMG is also running the test car without a front license plate, apparently to maximize airflow, even though a front plate is legally required in Germany.

The prototype shows a carbon-fiber roof with a central depression not seen before, and extra camouflage over the lights is said to hide the star-pattern graphics expected on the facelifted CLE range. Spy shots captured the new and old prototypes running together on the Nürburgring for direct comparison.

Other unchanged details include vents beside the headlights, saw-tooth outlets in the front fenders, a serious front splitter, fat rear arches, and an adjustable wing mounted on motorsport-style pylons above diagonally stacked quad exhausts. 0-liter V8, with previous reports pointing to around 637 to 646 horsepower.

That would put roughly 200 horsepower between the Mythos and the six-cylinder CLE 53, but the car is about more than power. Sources say AMG is targeting substantial weight savings and serious track capability, drawing comparisons to the old CLK 63 AMG Black Series. Production reportedly won't begin before 2027, and numbers will be strictly limited.

Pricing remains unknown, but AMG is already working on a more accessible 63-badged V8 model to take on the BMW M4.