MERC'S BLACK BEAUTY GEARED FOR THE TRACK

+ Click to Enlarge SERIOUSLY SPECIAL: Mercedes' new Black Series includes an even hotter version of the CLK63 AMG that's based on the Formula 1 pace car and is not just another AMG tweaked to function at tolerances bordering on combustible potential.

August 28, 2007

By Daniel Cobb

First things first: the new CLK Black Series is not just another AMG tweaked to function at tolerances bordering on combustible potential. It is the most intriguing Mercedes of recent years.

The smorgasbord of scoops, wings, fins and numerous air intakes found on the exterior of this fine piece of engineering is a promise of the treasure within.

It's apparent from the outset that Mercedes's tuning division has been tinkering with more than just the engine. Step inside, look over your shoulder: the removal of the two rear seats leads you to suspect that Christmas might have come early this year... and you would be right.

This is a limited-edition based on the Formula 1 pace car. As such, it has been geared more towards performance on the track than on the road. It's lighter than its CLK stablemates, it has more power where it counts (an extra 20kW on the standard CLK 63 AMG); it has larger brakes and tyres, a limited-slip differential and sports suspension.

Strangely, though, from the driver's perspective, little has changed in the way of comfort and switchgear from any other top-specced CLK. The odd smattering of carbon and aluminium trim and a pair of super-supportive front seats enhance the racing theme; these adornments would, in most cases, be enough of a reminder of this car's origins.

But it's the sound of the huge quad tail pipes that really gives the game away. Start the 6.3-litre V8 and the sound of a racing heritage brings everything to life. Rumbling up from the depths, the gentle burble you would expect from this silhouette appears to pass through some cacophonous multiplication until it's expelled in a crescendo of explosive pops, growls and grumbles.

This is no ordinary Merc.

You're almost goaded into instant use of the accelerator as you hear the rumble but that's just the start of things. The exhaust note is, in fact, the mouthpiece for the rest of the car.

It's the first Mercedes I've driven for a very long time that has a personality; there's real character here and it's hard to ignore. The quivering reaction to the turn of the key, as fingers and toes tremble in excitement, is tempered only by the realisation that this car would have little compunction in showing you its full and mighty wrath should you treat it with disrespect.

Treat it as you would any other Mercedes at your peril. Gentle pressure on the accelerator will grab you by the neck before streaking past 100km/h faster than you can get through the opening bars to the "Ride of The Valkyries".

Elitism doesn't come cheap

But, 0-100 in just over four seconds aside, does this make it a great car? Almost. Without doubt it is totally bonkers. The chances of parking next to another one are tiny - only 500 will be produced each year and 350 are destined for the US.

That makes it elite though, not excellent, and elitism doesn't come cheap.

At £100 000, it is nearly £40 000 more expensive than the standard CLK 63 AMG. I expect those willing to fork out the extra will be doing so for one of two reasons.

Driving an exclusive Mercedes is all part of an unacknowledged willy-waving contest. It's pure "mine's bigger than yours" syndrome (other road users will deem it to be a display of gross public indecency). On the other hand, there will be some buying a Black Series who keep their zips firmly closed.

Ferocious tarmac-chewing

They'll be buying this car only because they want to compete in it. Not surprisingly, the racetrack is where the Black Series feels most at home. There is no alternative to the seven-speed paddle-shift auto gearchange and those who enjoy stirring the cogs the old-fashioned way may be a tad disappointed.

That aside, the Black Series chews up the tarmac ferociously.

Some will question whether it's worth paying £40 000 more for this model over the standard CLK 63 AMG. The truthful answer is that, if you're never going to take it further than the motorway and you don't have any desire to be prosecuted for indecent exposure, then no.

Save the cash. - The Independent, London