Lord Will You Buy Me a Mercedes-Benz… CLK63 AMG Black Series
“Black Series” Isn’t Just a Fancy Name, It’s a Description of the Soul Living Within Its Handcrafted V8 Engine. It’s Evil, It’s Dangerous, It’s Absolutely Glorious
Cars aren’t what they used to be. Yes, if you may, please allow me to sound like a whiny old-timer for a brief moment. Technology has come a long way, and for many reasons that’s a positive. But, for many other reasons, it’s a colossal negative. Allow me to explain.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend an entire day day behind the wheel of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 Black Series. Yes, I’m talking about the model with the naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V8 engine. You know, when the “63” moniker actually stood for something. Needless to say, it’s as addictive as crack cocaine. Also, I stole that line directly from the car’s owner.
Everything in the Black Series exudes purpose. The DTM-derived carbon fiber and alcántara steering wheel is one of the most glorious I’ve ever laid my hands on — second only to a Ferrari F430 Scuderia. This flat-bottomed instrument of precision is what makes the entire Black Series experience. Regardless of the coupe’s phenomenal looks, it all comes down to the steering wheel, which allows the driver to slice through twisty roads with the utmost precision and tact. Furthermore, don’t think piloting this beast is easy work, because this isn’t your granny’s Lexus. It takes work, and it takes focus to steer this civilized Deutsche Touring Master.
The boys at Affalterbach originally squeezed 500 horsepower from the powerhouse German V8, but thanks to a RENNtech ECU upgrade and several goodies from Evosport, that figure has climbed even higher. As a consequence, the exhaust, suspension, and brakes have also been modified.
It took 10-hours behind the wheel of this Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series to realize that despite having driven most of the new AMGs, the best Mercedes-Benz on the road today is 9-years-old. Luckily for you, it’s for sale.
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Photos via: [@napcarphotography]
