Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black

Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black

Be afraid, be very afraid. This is the second car to get AMG's lean, mean treatment: the Black Edition CLK63 AMG. And unlike the previous Black Edition, the stripped-out SLK55 AMG, this one is likely to go on sale in the UK, probably priced around ??80,000.

It comes with composite brake discs, additional cooling vents in the front air dam, flared carbon fibre bumpers, a new rear apron with carbon diffuser fins and a carbon boot spoiler. There's also a larger radiator, a second transmission oil cooler, a separate oil cooler and fan for the limited-slip differential , and a completely redesigned intake and exhaust system.

It has variable ride height and dampers that can be adjusted for different compression and rebound characteristics as well as camber and toe-in; new spring links, wheel carriers, thrust arms and camber and torque struts are fitted. The traction control and stability control systems have been specifically tuned.

The engine is based on the CLK63 AMG's: a hand-built 500bhp 6.3-litre V8 that's good for 186mph and 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds, and shares no parts with any engine in a non-AMG Merc. It's fitted with seven-speed automatic transmission, with manual and Sport modes but not the regular CLK's Comfort mode.

The Black Edition's cabin is stripped of its rear seats and the front seats are now nappa leather buckets. It's trimmed with carbon fibre, and the headlining is an appropriate black. The steering wheel, instrument cluster, gearshift lever and engine start-stop button are all unique.

Source: [url=http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=16002]Channel 4 News[/url]