My Ardit Car: Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series : 2008

Mercedes-Benz revealed the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, a street legal version of the Official F1 Safety Car. The Black Series is a 500 horsepower version of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, with 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph. It uses a seven-speed automatic with manual control, and features just two carbon fibre bucket seats instead of the usual 2+2 configuration.

The new Black Series model can be easily identified by its carbon-fiber flared fenders that are filled with larger, staggered-width wheels and tires. New AMG forged aluminum wheels (9x19 front, 9.5x19 rear) are shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tires (265 / 30 R 19 front, 285 / 30 R 19 rear). Larger vented and perforated composite disc brakes can be seen through the AMG wheels; front discs are 14.2 inches in diameter, with 13.0-inch discs at the rear.

Also obvious from the outside is a new front apron with carbon cooling air intakes under the front bumper and lateral air outlets in the front fenders, which feeds extra air to a larger radiator and a second transmission oil cooler. Redesigned side skirts under the doors lead to its flared rear fenders and a new rear apron with carbon-fiber air diffuser fins.

High-performance parts from the F1 Safety Car include an AMG sports exhaust, a limited-slip rear differential and a separate oil cooler for the rear final drive, which uses a thermostatically controlled cooling fan to limit temperature peaks. On the trunk lid, a carbon-fiber spoiler airflow helps reduce aerodynamic lift forces at high speed.

The chassis of the CLK63 AMG Black Series features adjustable suspension with new spring links, wheel carriers, thrust arms and camber and torque struts. For driving on the track, technicians can adjust the car's ride height and also the compression and rebound characteristics of the shock dampers, as well as camber and toe-in. An extra measure of chassis stiffness during hard cornering is provided by strut braces in the engine compartment and trunk. Additionally, its ASR traction control and ESP stability control systems are specially calibrated for the demands of more intense track driving.

(source: leflanenews).

Designed after the Official Formula 1 Safety Car, the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a finely-tuned, technologically advanced automobile. Delivering performance and innovation, its essence is its racing heritage.

The low and wide stance of the CLK is highlighted by flared fenders and an ultra-light carbon fiber reinforced plastic rear apron.

The four chrome-tipped tailpipes hint at the special AMG sports exhaust. This exhaust system has been specially designed for low exhaust back pressure which results in enhanced engine performance at high engine speeds. The subtle carbon fiber rear spoiler and diffuser application leave a lasting impression on those that cannot keep pace.

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a synergy of racecar performance and roadcar driveability. Less obvious but nevertheless key to this car’s impressive performance is the addition of two lower brace struts – one underneath the engine hood and one in the trunk. Other key technical features include an additional transmission oil cooler, a high-performance steering oil cooler and rear axel differential lock with an active differential oil cooler.

True performance cars are measured by acceleration, handling and braking. The CLK’s impressive stopping distance comes courtesy of the AMG high-performance braking system, which features cross-drilled composite brake discs, measuring 14.1 inches in the front and 13.0 inches in the rear. The 19-inch AMG forged aluminum wheels are fitted with 265/30 R 19 tires at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear 3 to ensure optimal grip under high-speed cornering.

Every detail of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine was developed in Affalterbach. Like all AMG engines, this engine is assembled at AMG by an expert engineer using the “one man – one engine” principle. One of the many highlights of this powerplant is the optimized air intake system, which features a magnesium dual stage intake manifold with two internal butterfly valves. The result is spellbinding agility and unbelievable response.

Thanks to innovative racing technology the CLK 63 AMG Black Series has impressive road holding ability. The use of wider axles, a new steering gear and high performance tires ensures steering precision, response and agility. When you add the standard rear axle differential lock and modified ESP programming to the equation, you can be sure of controlled cornering even when approaching the vehicle’s limits. The AMG adjustable coil-over suspension allows adjustment of vehicle ride height, camber and toe-in, compression and rebound stages of the dampers. This allows the most discriminating driver to customize the CLK 63 AMG Black Series to meet his or her demands.

The bucket sport seats in the CLK 63 AMG Black Series are derived from AMG racecars. Upholstered in black Nappa leather, these seats ensure maximum comfort and support in all driving conditions.

The interior of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series is repleate with details that highlight AMG’s racing heritage. Carbon fiber trim surrounds the occupants and the cool touch of the aluminum AMG shift lever reminds the driver of the task at hand. Aluminum shift paddles mounted to the AMG 14.1 inch DTMstyle performance steering wheel allows for fast and ergonomically maximized gear changes. Add to that the AMG 7-speed SPEEDSHIFT transmission with three driver selectable modes, and the satisfaction is complete.

(source: Mercedes-Benz)