Mercedes CLK63 AMG: Back in Black

Mercedes AMG CLK63: Black Edition

Despite a long racing heritage at Mercedes-Benz, a friend of mine once told me that in his mind, BMW’s were designed for young guys and Mercedes were for old men with lots of money.  I don’t know if that is or was ever completely true, but if there were any questions as to performance ability the racing arm of Mercedes, AMG, is putting them to rest with the CLK63 Black Series. 

Mercedes engine: Monster power

Unlike the current CLK63 AMG, which is only available as a convertible, the CLK Black Series is only available as a coupe.  The CLK63 AMG Black Series is powered by AMG’s venerated 6.2-liter V-8 engine, tuned to produce 500 horsepower.  This engine is a monster that makes a loud “blap” when given the right motivation.  Surely not by accident, the CLK Black matches rival BMW’s M6 in horsepower.  In terms of torque though,  at 465 lb-ft Mercedes has the advantage over BMW by 82 lb-ft, all of which is available at much lower rpms.   From a standstill, 60 mph is said to be only 4.1 seconds away.

Chassis reengineering includes lightweight sixteen-spoke, 19-inch wheels and 265/30 front and 285/30 rear Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. Brake discs measure 14.2 inches in the front, 13.0 inches in back, all cross-drilled and clamped by multi-piston AMG calipers.

Airflow through the engine bay is optimized by front intakes, as well as functional air extractors behind the front fenders. Airflow around the body is managed by lower side sills that are brought out to match the width of the flared fenders, as well as a racing style air diffuser which works along with the carbon fiber lip spoiler to keep the rear of car on the ground as it approaches its claimed 186-mph top speed.  Carbon fiber was used for the fender extensions and diffuser fins to keep the weight down.  Mercedes takes the performance of the Black Series to another level by removing the rear seat altogether, making it strictly a two-seater.

The CLK63 AMG Black Series will cost somewhere in the $130,000-to-$140,000 range and will be available in select colors, including white, red, silver, and of course, black.

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