New CLK63 AMG

[YSSMAN]

Mmmmm, 6.3L V8....

Stuttgart, Feb 15, 2006 - A host of new models from Mercedes-Benz will be making their world debut at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show. They include the exclusive high-performance models CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG, whose bullish eight-cylinder engines and sophisticated suspension technology make for a gripping driving experience. Also meeting the public for the first time is the newly facelifted SL-Class and its AMG versions, the SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG.

In the CLK 63 AMG Coupe and Cabriolet models too, which are likewise making their world debut in Geneva, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine creates an awesome driving experience. The CLK 63 AMG produces more power and torque (354 kW/481 hp and 630 Newton metres) than any other vehicle in this class. The new AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission complements it perfectly, helping to ensure dynamic power delivery.

The new AMG sports suspension, new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and luxurious and dynamic standard appointments add to the exclusive and sporty theme of the CLK family. In addition, the front wheels are equipped with a new AMG high-performance composite brake system.

The dynamic AMG bodystyling, featuring a new, more distinctively contoured front apron with side air vents, underscores the CLK 63 AMG's position as a sporty flagship model combining dynamism with exclusiveness. These qualities are also on display in the interior of the two eight-cylinder models, for example in the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, multicontour AMG sports seats and exclusive nappa leather upholstery.

All I can say is wow. If this is where the horsepower race is taking us, the Germans are going to go crazy. Although the trickle of new AMG products has been slow, so far this is my favorite. The CLS63 also debuted at the same time, but it is pretty much the same case, just with four-doors and hard-top.

...I cant wait to see what AMG cooks up with the E63 and CL63. It should be enough to knock on BMW's door, and enough to keep up with the new S6 as well.

 

[Driftster]

It's alright, MUCH Better than the SLK63(such an ugly ugly car)..

I still think the CLS63 is a bad idea...

 

[Vonie]

The wheels are meh.
It's probably a frikkin' bullet, though.

 

[skip0110]

The wheels are meh.
It's probably a frikkin' bullet, though.

Yeah, but I bet with that massive electronics net protecting you flying around at 130+ mph is about as exciting as puttering around on your lawnmower.

M-Bs may be fast but they are boring.

 

[eliseracer]

Although the trickle of new AMG products has been slow, so far this is my favorite.

Where have you been? There's been a ton of AMG models in the past year. How many do they have now? All of the SL and CL AMGs, then the two DTM CLK models, the CLS variants...

 

[ExigeEvan]

CLK styling doesn't impess me at all.

I don't quite see why they need all these super high powered version and not actually making them track worthy.

 

[Driftster]

So the average middle aged wife of a wealthy man, can feel like she's a race car driver..

 

[Poverty]

CLK styling doesn't impess me at all.

I don't quite see why they need all these super high powered version and not actually making them track worthy.

Because these benzes of late have been so ridiculously engineered directly for the american market.

 

[ExigeEvan]

So the average middle aged wife of a wealthy man, can feel like she's a race car driver..

You don't need 481hp to feel fast.

A lot less would still be plenty.

 

[Driftster]

But in a Mercedez you do..

You should know mercs have a horrible sensation of speed.

 

[YSSMAN]

Where have you been? There's been a ton of AMG models in the past year. How many do they have now? All of the SL and CL AMGs, then the two DTM CLK models, the CLS variants...

I suppose I could have been clearer and said AMG63 models, not the rest of the AMG lineup, my bad.

 

[eliseracer]

Got it. This is the first one I've heard of.

I also remember the C32 from a couple years ago, another non-55 AMG model.

 

[SRV2LOW4ME]

Hooray, another Mercedes for Lyndsay Lohan to crash!

Its not bad, kind of the same thing they've been putting out all year, but i'd take it if it was being given away for free. Other then front bumper and size, Mercedes, in my opinion is just pumping out clones with different horsepower ratings with the few exceptions of some models (SLR McLaren for example).

 

[YSSMAN]

As of now, I believe the only AMG63 models available come in R and ML trim. Even then, the release of the car/truck R class has been limited, and I still have not seen many new ML SUVs rolling around yet.

I have to wonder though, will the C55 and SLK55 be upgraded with a de-tuned version of the 6.3L V8?

 

[skip0110]

It's going to be months before I get M-B's engine/transmission situation straight in my head, especially because they are putting the new engines in without doing any body changes.

So, the 5.5 was AMG-exclusive, right? Is this not the case with the 6.3? Is the 6.3 supercharged? And it mates to the 7 speed, while the 5.5 does not, right?

 

[Driftster]

6.3 = naturally aspirated

 

[Danny]

Is the CLK DTM redundant now?

 

[YSSMAN]

The AMG63 cars do get the 7G-TRONIC tranny, but as far as I know, the old AMG55s both supercharged (E55, CL55 etc) and naturally aspirated (C55 and SLK55) will stick with the 5G-TRONIC transmissions.

 

[BMW POWER]

The AMG63 cars do get the 7G-TRONIC tranny, but as far as I know, the old AMG55s both supercharged (E55, CL55 etc) and naturally aspirated (C55 and SLK55) will stick with the 5G-TRONIC transmissions.

I thought that only the supercharged AMG 55's came with the 5 speed, I'm pretty sure the N/A AMG 55's come with the 7 speed box, well the SLK55 does anyway.

 

[ferrari_chris]

The wheels are meh. ...

I think the wheels are quite good.

 

[///M-Spec]

Because these benzes of late have been so ridiculously engineered directly for the american market.

Oh, gimme a break You wanna take shot at explaining what exactly that means? Mercedes-Benz has been doing this sort of thing long before "of late".


M

 

[humbo]

Plus the CLS55 can handle decently, especially for the type of car it is, can't it? It wasn't too much slower than the M5 on the Top Gear track.

 

[Poverty]

Oh, gimme a break You wanna take shot at explaining what exactly that means? Mercedes-Benz has been doing this sort of thing long before "of late".


M

That was the top of the line flagship model.

Theyre not bad handlers yet but theyre slipping behind BMW and Audi. Infact both BMW and audi outsell mercedes nowadays. Theyre cars will get better though and theyre working on getting manuals back into the AMG's but Im not too keen on great big engines. I prefer small high revving ones but I suppose mercedes has decided to go the opposite way of BMW and instead make uber fast luxury tourers instead of trying to compete with the ultimate driving experience which I wont mind.

 

[YSSMAN]

The handeling statistics between the three is debateable, and the cars (assuming you are including the new V10-powered S6) are extremely close. What it would come down to is the "feel" the cars are giving back to the driver though not only the steering wheel, but also the seat of his pants. BMW would probably take top hornors there, but only in "M-Mode" (or whatever they are calling it).

Mercedes-Benz has taken the Über Sedan (and Gran Touring models) in a different direction, and its one that caters to completely different buyers than what BMW and Audi go after. I could aprecciate the high-speed solidity that an AMG product has to offer when compared to an M-spec BMW or S-line Audi, as it is better suited to daily use, and it is something the wife, mother, sister, etc. could probably drive just as easily as well.

 

[Poverty]

lol I wouldnt trust my GF or mom in anything with over 250hp unless it was a quattro.

 

[Danny]

http://world.honda.com/news/2004/c041117.html

Honda are slowly overtaking every carmaker at everything.

I wouldn't be overtly surprised if Audi followed suit with this technology soon.


On topic: I meant to say earlier that it could be the fastest four seater convertable. Which is true.

 

[Poverty]

Audis been using similar technology for years now. Same with nissan.

 

[Driftster]

\
Mercedes-Benz has taken the Über Sedan (and Gran Touring models) in a different direction, and its one that caters to completely different buyers than what BMW and Audi go after. I could aprecciate the high-speed solidity that an AMG product has to offer when compared to an M-spec BMW or S-line Audi, as it is better suited to daily use, and it is something the wife,mother, sister, etc. could probably drive just as easily as well.

By high speed solidity you mean the fact that Mercs have the ability to go faster than what they're governed to..but can't because of their lack of aerodynamic design and downforce.....hahaha..
Video of the merc flying off the highway because a truck in the next lane's wind break threw the car off terribly..

 

[///M-Spec]

That was the top of the line flagship model.

Theyre not bad handlers yet but theyre slipping behind BMW and Audi. Infact both BMW and audi outsell mercedes nowadays. Theyre cars will get better though and theyre working on getting manuals back into the AMG's but Im not too keen on great big engines. I prefer small high revving ones but I suppose mercedes has decided to go the opposite way of BMW and instead make uber fast luxury tourers instead of trying to compete with the ultimate driving experience which I wont mind.

Yeah, a $90,000+ CLS 63 is more of an entry level car.

Not that supports your point, anyway.

That AMG cars typically fail to draw BMW and Audi customers is a product of deliberate and intentional market positioning by Mercedes and AMG. They know exactly what they are good at and are happy to let BMW and Audi duke it out in their corner of the market.

I take exception to your comment about M-B engineering their cars for the American market. Not only is it untrue, but I find the sterotype annoying.

What country is the larget market for BMW M cars? The US.

What country prompted BMW to engineer a 6 speed manual option for the new M5 and M6 because the buyers in this critical market rejected SMG for not being driver oriented enough? The US.

Your perception of what an American enthusist wants is wrong.


M

 

[Sting]

No doubt about it AMG do some wonders with those Mercedes' cars. I find their styling starting to get a little stale, I mean they've worked that double eye headlight design onto quite a few models if I remember correctly. Nice job by AMG to bring some styling back to them.