2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series

(from DaimlerChrysler Press Release) From motor sport to pure culture: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series based on the Official F1™ Safety Car – the high-performance AMG vehicle that has been providing Formula One safety since 2006. The coupe, optimized for the racing circuit, is powered by an AMG 6.3-liter V8 with its performance boosted to 373 kW/507 hp and 630 Newton meters of torque. Top-rank handling is assured by the sophisticated AMG threaded suspension with 19-inch AMG forged wheels, new steering and the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance brake system with its composite disks. Visually, too, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series clearly shows its descent from the Official F1™ Safety Car: its striking front apron with large cooling intakes, flared wheel arches, diffusor-type rear apron and carbon-fiber airflow breakaway edge, all demonstrate the car’s sporting and pur sang pedigree.

The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is technically and visually oriented towards the Official F1™ Safety Car and thus addresses all sports-car enthusiasts who value high competitiveness. An output upgraded by 19 kW/26 hp accelerates the CLK 63 AMG Black Series from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – thus 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model with 354 kW/481 hp. The top speed (electronically limited) is 300 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG engineers achieved the increase in power to 373 kW/507 hp by completely redesigning the intake and exhaust systems. The high-revving, naturally-aspirated AMG engine, with its 6208 cc displacement, gets its fresh air via larger-dimensioned intake ducts. The new AMG sports exhaust system with full-length twin pipes stands out with its unmistakable, pleasant AMG V8 sound. Together with a newly calibrated engine control unit, these measures ensure not only efficient load change behavior, but also let this eight-cylinder unit respond to the accelerator with even greater alacrity.

Power is transmitted through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC. Compared to the standard CLK 63 AMG, the rear-axle ratio of the pur sang special series has been made about six percent shorter – to confer even more agility in acceleration in all speed ranges. For maximum sporting dynamics, the transmission has only the “M” and “S” driving programs; the comfort-oriented “C” is deleted. The driver can switch between the seven gears by using the AMG aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, while an indicator in the instrument cluster shows the gear selected at any given time.

In the “M” manual program, shift times are about 20 percent shorter than in “S”. Moreover, in the “M” program the driver benefits from the great tractive power of the V8, since there is no automatic downshifting under full load and kickdown; the transmission always remains in the gear selected. When the engine-speed limit is reached, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT does not shift up automatically in the manual drive program – and in this way supports a dynamic driving style on the race track. A visual upshift icon on the AMG main menu signals the recommended gear change.

Optimized Cooling for Top Stamina

The visual appearance of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series shows its racing inspiration. The redesigned front end is descended 1:1 from the Official F1™ Safety Car, and its generously dimensioned cooling-air intakes hint at the sophisticated cooling measures. For greater stamina under extreme operating conditions, a larger main radiator and an optimized power steering cooler, as well as an additional transmission cooler are built into the left front wheel arch. The engine oil cooler is located in the right wheel arch. The cooling measures are complemented by optimized air ducts with lateral openings in real carbon in front of the front wheels. The front fenders are made of high-strength and yet lightweight carbon-fiber composite material. On their flank, a “6.3 AMG” badge hints at the exceptional power of the naturally-aspirated V8. Redesigned side skirts extend to the broad rear fenders, which are in turn connected by a newly developed rear apron. The components taken over from the Official F1™ Safety Car include not only the carbon diffusor fins and the integrated chromed dual tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, but also a cooler for the heavily stressed rear axle. The separate oil cooler has an active extraction-type fan, which is particularly effective in suppressing temperature peaks. On the trunk lid, a new airflow breakaway edge, also made of carbon, is responsible for reducing lift forces on the rear axle.

Adjustable AMG Sports Suspension for Best Track Performance

Like its counterpart in the Formula One World Championship, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series also has a newly developed and quite special AMG sports suspension. The adjustable threaded suspension guarantees optimum road contact and maximum precision. For competitive driving, the driver can create his personal suspension setup: not only the level, but also the compression and rebound stages of the shock absorbers, front-axle track and camber, and rear-axle track are adjustable.

Both axles have newly developed components like spring links, wheel carriers, thrust arms, camber and torque struts, as well as completely reworked elastokinematics. Compared to the standard CLK 63 AMG, the Black Series has over 75 millimeters more track at the front axle and 66 millimeters more at the rear. Added stiffness under high lateral dynamics is provided by strut braces in the engine compartment and trunk. On the rear axle, a multi-plate locking differential ensures optimum traction, with 30 percent locking effect in the overrun and 10 percent under traction. Acceleration skid control (ASR) and the Electronic Stability Program ESP® are calibrated to meet more intense driving demands.

Lightweight Forged Wheels, Sports Tires for a Perfect Grip

The wheel and tire combination used forms a perfect partner for the AMG threaded sports suspension. Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tires in size 265/30 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) permit exceptional grip and amazing cornering speeds – with outstanding characteristics in the wet. The tires are mounted on handsome multi-spoke forged wheels. AMG aluminum wheels in size 9.00 x 19 and 9.50 x 19 are produced using advanced lightweight forging technology. The weight reduction results in improved response behavior from the parameter power steering, which is also modified for greater precision and agility.

AMG High-Performance Brake System with Larger Front Composite Disks

Looking through the tracery of the AMG forged wheels, you can catch a glimpse of the ventilated and perforated disk brakes. The front axle has larger 360 x 36 mm brake disks which were tested in racing. Their rear-axle counterparts measure 330 x 26 mm. Perfect deceleration, optimal apportionment of brake power and enormous fade resistance are hallmarks of the AMG high-performance brake system – even when being tested to the maximum on the track.

Interior with the Functional Feel of a Genuine Racing Car

The transfer of technology from motor sport, a Mercedes-AMG tradition fostered over decades, is equally evident in the interior of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series. This dedicated two-seater sports touring car not only dispenses with rear seats, but with its bucket-type seats, rich carbon trim and black headliner, displays the functional atmosphere of a true racing car – and thus documents 40 years of Mercedes-AMG motor sport history. The new AMG bucket-type seats come without side airbags and are covered in barely inflammable nylon velour with embroidered silver AMG logos. Carbon trim on the center console and on the inner door cladding, also with stamped AMG logos, aluminum door handles and anodized black trim strips, brings a feeling of quality to the interior. On the center console, the specially shaped selector lever and the new, matt-finish start/stop switch add further highlights.

Its diameter reduced by 15 millimeters, the new AMG performance sports steering wheel comes fitted with silver aluminum shift paddles. The steering wheel rim, 365 millimeters in diameter, is flattened on its underside to ensure that the driver of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series always has a perfect seating position and vehicle control.

AMG Instrument Cluster with RACETIMER

The carbon-embedded AMG instrument cluster with its 320 km/h scale furnishes an exclusive ambience and high functionality at the same time. The AMG main menu in the cluster is perfectly tailored to serious racing: it shows the current gear engaged, as well as an upshift recommendation in “M” mode, or alternatively engine oil temperature or battery voltage, as well as the RACETIMER. This last function enables the driver to determine his lap times on a closed course. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, average and maximum speeds, and the length of the laps.

Despite its raceworthy handling, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series retains those typical qualities that distinguish a true Mercedes-Benz: everyday practicality, longevity, safety and quality. Following in the path of the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO opened in 2006. The first units of the unlimited AMG special series will be delivered to customers starting in June.