It was a big day for Mercedes-Benz as the German luxury automaker showed off the 2012 CLS 63 AMG while simultaneously announcing a partnership with Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.

Described as a "four-door coupe," the CLS 63 AMG is Mercedes' entry in a growing market of four-door high-performance luxury vehicles that includes the Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. The new version of the vehicle produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the standard edition.

Mercedes is also touting an AMG-developed package that boosts the performance even further, using turbochargers to squeeze out 550 horsepower, 590 lb-ft or torque and a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds.

The automaker also announced a new partnership with Ducati. The two companies will co-sponsor events and marketing campaigns that will take advantage of both brands' emphasis on speed and performance. Ducati was on hand at the event to reveal its new Diavel, a sport bike aimed at racing enthusiasts.

"Both companies share the same values: racing as the driving passion, and high performance plus exclusivity as the central brand messages of both AMG and Ducati," Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius told USA Today.

Those interested in a luxury vehicle may want to shop for used Mercedes at their local dealer, as the models are typically expensive when bought ne