2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Cabriolet - Car and Driver
The current CLK is four years old, so it's not surprising that the highlight here is the new, AMG-developed 6. 2-liter V-8 beast that is spreading throughout Mercedes' lineup of cranked-up AMG cars. It puts out 475 horsepower in the CLK63, making last year's 362-hp CLK55 AMG seem somewhat tame. The new engine comes alive right off idle, heaving the tach toward the 7200-rpm redline and singing a refined yet seductive engine snarl that is nothing short of stupendous. The urge to keep the throttle pinned is almost irresistible but will bring up extra-legal speeds in a hurry: 60 mph arrives in 4. 2 seconds, 100 in 9. 5, the quarter-mile in 12. 5 at 116 mph. 6 second quicker through the quarter than the last CLK55 coupe we tested [C/D, May 2004], despite the 4113-pound CLK63 weighing 373 more pounds. Those numbers are also within a sneeze of some intense performers, including the Ferrari F430 and BMW M5, and sufficient to humiliate the 2006 M3. Inside, the CLK63 is fitted with seriously supportive front buckets, with lumbar, thigh, and bolster... Skidpad grip is a decent 0. 86 g. But the extra-stiff AMG suspension sends noticeable tremors through the steering wheel and chassis, which makes us yearn for the more solid, sportier coupe that won't be sold here. Source: www.caranddriver.com
