The CLE Mythos is far more aggressive than the standard Mercedes Benz CLE. Test cars reveal a heavily redesigned front end with larger openings created to improve airflow and cooling during demanding driving.

One of the most noticeable additions is a large opening in the hood. Wider bodywork, prominent front aerodynamic elements and extensive ventilation around the front fenders further separate the Mythos from regular CLE models.

Carbon fiber is also expected to play a major role in reducing weight, including a lightweight roof and several exterior components.

The huge rear wing gives the CLE Mythos the appearance of a competition car and highlights the focus Mercedes AMG is placing on high speed stability.

Additional aerodynamic details include an aggressive front splitter, widened fenders and extensive air outlets around the body. At the rear, unusual stacked exhaust outlets add another distinctive detail to the design.

These features suggest that the Mythos is not simply being developed as a more powerful CLE. Mercedes AMG appears to be creating a much more focused machine designed to perform under demanding track conditions.

The biggest story is expected to sit under the hood. Reports suggest the CLE Mythos will use a new 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 with a flat plane crankshaft.

Output has not been officially confirmed by Mercedes AMG, but reports place power at around 641 to 646 hp. That would make the Mythos considerably more powerful than current CLE models and place it firmly among the most serious AMG performance coupes.

The flat plane crank design should also help create sharper engine response and a distinctive character compared with traditional AMG V8 engines.

Mercedes AMG appears to be using carbon fiber extensively throughout the CLE Mythos to offset the weight of its performance hardware.

Prototype vehicles have revealed a carbon fiber roof, while additional lightweight components are expected around the exterior and cabin. Reducing weight high in the body can also help lower the center of gravity and improve handling.

Combined with dedicated suspension tuning and the extensive aerodynamic package, these changes should give the Mythos a much sharper personality than the regular CLE 63.

Reports from dealer presentations suggest that Mercedes AMG could build just 30 examples of the CLE Mythos worldwide.

Such a limited production run would make it one of the rarest modern Mercedes AMG models and fits the philosophy behind the Mythos Series, which focuses on highly exclusive vehicles intended for dedicated customers and collectors.

Pricing has not been officially announced, but the combination of limited production, specialized engineering and extensive carbon fiber construction suggests that the Mythos will sit far above the regular CLE range.

For enthusiasts who have been waiting to see an extreme V8 powered AMG coupe return to the spotlight, the CLE Mythos could become one of the most exciting Mercedes models of this generation. Keep an eye on its official reveal, because with only a few dozen examples reportedly planned, this may be one AMG that disappears into private collections almost as quickly as it arrives.