CLK Black Series on the way

Mercedes-Benz will import limited numbers of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series for the Australian and New Zealand markets. 50 of the cars will arrive here at the end of the first quarter of 2008, Mercedes-Benz and AMG having resolved an outstanding ADR compliance issue involving the car's ground clearance.

The specially equipped CLK (more here), which is based on the specification of the Formula One safety car introduced in 2006, has been announced in time for AMG's 40th anniversary celebrations and the 50th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz in Australia.

A unique plate, a certificate of authenticity and a letter of provenance signed by AMG and Mercedes-Benz will be supplied with each vehicle sold.

Although the introduction of the car has only just been announced, Mercedes-Benz dealers have been taking orders since the middle of November and half the country's allocation is already spoken for, doubtless convincing the company to go ahead with the limited edition model for Australia.

The Black Series CLK is fitted with the same engine as the standard CLK 63 AMG, but developing 373kW (an extra 19kW) of power and 630Nm of torque. Improving the power and torque figures for the Black Series has also cut the 0-100km/h acceleration time by 0.3 seconds, now 4.3. Top speed is electronically limited to 300km/h.

To find the extra go, Mercedes-Benz reprogrammed the engine management ECU, enlarged the air intake ducts and fitted a new exhaust system with reduced back-pressure. Despite these changes and the car's consequent performance, it passes Euro 4 emissions requirements.

Providing a further aid to acceleration, the final drive ratio is lower than the standard car's. The transmission remains the AMG-modified 7G-Tronic automatic with seven forward speeds and paddle-shift sequential gear selection.

At the front, the apron and airdam styling has been revised in line with that of the official safety car's and feeds the larger radiator and coolers for the power steering and automatic transmission. Other styling changes include side sill panels and diffuser fins in the rear apron. The lip spoiler on the boot lid is constructed from carbon-fibre.

Suspension has been comprehensively revised with new links and arms for 75mm greater track at the front and 66mm more at the rear. Optimal traction is provided by means of a limited slip differential and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, measuring 285/30 R19 at the rear (265/30 R19 at the front). The tyres are mounted on AMG's own design of light alloy wheels measuring 9.0x19 (front) and 9.5x19 (rear).

Going hand-in-hand with the added performance, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series offers improved braking with composite material technology. The brake rotors measure 360x36mm at the front and 330x26mm at the rear.

Inside, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a dedicated two-seater only. The seats are AMG-designed buckets trimmed in flame-retardant material (nylon velour) and are complemented by the carbon-fibre trim pieces for the centre console and doors. Aluminium door handles complements the black anodised trim. Other enhancements include a unique sports gearshift lever, a stop/start button in a matt finish, the smaller diameter flat-bottom steering wheel and the 320km/h rated speedometer.

Recommended retail price of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series is $299,000.

 » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz CLK

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