Thursday 3rd August 2006

Merc drops V8 into top-end CLK

6.2-litre lump boosts power and torque

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Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz is to drop in 6.2-litre V8s into the CLK 63 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet so they'll top the range. At the moment, the CLK range, in the shape of the 55 AMG, tops out at a measly 367bhp, and a meagre 376lb-ft of torque from its piffling 5.4-litre V8.

Now the newly developed AMG 6,208cc V8 naturally aspirated engine replaces the CLK 55 AMG and boasts an output of 481bhp and 465lb-ft.  According to Mercedes, the new AMG V8 delivers 369lb-ft of torque to the crankshaft from 2,000rpm, while the maximum is on tap at 5,000rpm.

Other changes are subtle, with a new front apron with side air outlets, and integrated circular fog lamps set in chrome trim, bigger composite brake discs at the front, new five-spoke alloys and beefed up suspension. Inside it gets new, more grippy sports seats, various trim updates and tweaks including a new steering wheel and instruments.

The CLK 63 AMG Coupé costs £65,215 and the Cabriolet is £68,815; both are available now.

[r988]

The new C class is also getting the 6.3L V8, there is a spy video of it testing on streetfire.net

[Dr S]

Why does this not excite me. Just another boring, girly CLK...

[Top Trump]

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

[Dr S]

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

Now they are even faster in being hesitant...

[bridgland]

Dr S said:

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

Now they are even faster in being hesitant...

Ow! That hurts! (P.S. check profile for cars...but I should at least get a bit of respect for my previous cars (bikes not listed.....but banned by wife from riding them now I am meant to be a responsible parent!))

However I guess that I break the mould as far as Top Trump. Far from hesitant me!

But as far as Dr S states, then yes I am in touch with my feminine side. Got a wife and 2 young girls so I have no choice!

[paulie-mafia]

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

This is so true - my grandfather and great uncle both drive Mercs and they're both slow an hesitant. Maybe a Benz is the new Honda Accord?!

[bridgland]

paulie-mafia said:

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

This is so true - my grandfather and great uncle both drive Mercs and they're both slow an hesitant. Maybe a Benz is the new Honda Accord?!

Honda Accord Type R - Now you're talking!

Great engine, sweet handling and room in the boot for all 4 passengers' Zimmer frames!

Must put that on my wish list

Edited by bridgland on Thursday 3rd August 15:36

[YamR1V64motion]

what ive always wondered is why they dont put the Supercharged 55 AMG engine in the CLK, i would rather that than the 6.2 V8 if i was buying one.

Edited by YamR1V64motion on Thursday 3rd August 18:02

[4WD]

So true. I was stuck behind a muppet merc driver doing 29mph in a 60 today. I never thought I'd miss sitting behind the 45mph metro club. Waste of an engine.

[toppstuff]

Not sure if I agree with the sentiment here chaps..

Go to continental Europe and big Mercs with AMG motors are blitzing the motorways like express trains.

Go to Germany and big engined Mercs rein supreme.

I saw a black AMG 6.3 CLK in a showroom in the South of France a few weeks ago and it was sublime.

The detailing is lovely. Huge brakes with nice alloys showing them off, alloy paddleshifts tucked behind a chunky leather wheel..

Nice motor.

And they sound fantastic.

[appletonn]

I was lucky enough to spend a day at Silverstone 2 weeks ago driving the Merc range around the track with various tame racing drivers sat alongside giving advice and pointers.

Best car of the day was the new AMG E class with that same 6.3l V8 - unbelievable grip and power and when you fully open the taps, what a noise. The power delivery is more linear than with the 'old' supercharged ones which had so much torque low down that I could never get the traction control light to stop flickering!

Best laps of the day, though, were as a passenger in the MacMerc SLR - what a noise and what phenominal brakes!

Cheers

[AMG Merc]

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

Not all of us Sir!

[AMG Merc]

Great motor - this "new" CLK 63 will be perfect in three years time @ £35,000 - can't wait!

[timberman]

AMG Merc said:

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

Not all of us Sir!

same here

[bridgland]

timberman said:

AMG Merc said:

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

Not all of us Sir!

same here

Top Trump, you ought to run for Government - "The home of sweeping and unqualified statements".

......

[markbe]

Top Trump said:

Pointless when you consider that Merc drivers are the probably the slowest and most hesitant drivers in the world.

You Have got that a little WRONG Trumpy.

Mark.>

Edited by markbe on Monday 7th August 11:07

[Top Trump]

Yeah alright! So the odd Kleeman or Brabus gets used a bit vigourously but on the whole Merc AMGs, Brabus etc clutter up the West End of London and never do much else. Alas, the majority end up in the hands of Sloaney birds and their husbands or middle-aged Richmondites surgically attached to the middle lane.

It's a very different story in Germany though! Autobahn stomping Germans love stretching their V8s and engaging in rapid turbo thrustage!

[Top Trump]

Btw guys. I do love the sheer 'audaciousness' of the badass Mercs. I remember the time a guy at college (as a Postgrad student) took me out in his SL65 (old shape) through London... Talk about Torque... Wow! Titanic low rev urge - I was impressed.