Edmunds CLK63 AMG cab review
04-21-2006, 02:51 PM
#1
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Edmunds CLK63 AMG cab review
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=110099
It's not completely perfect
The AMG-tuned SpeedShift transmission is aptly named. Not only does it upshift quickly, it also does so smoothly by momentarily breathing the throttle between gears. But what it doesn't do is rev-match for downshifts, even when using the new-for-'07 metal paddles in manual mode. A skilled driver can manage to do just that, however, by blipping the throttle between gears, just after requesting a downshift, so why can't the software?
Then you reach a corner and it all goes to hell. Sure, the new brakes are tremendous, the suspension is sport-bred firm (but not punishing), and the Pirelli P Zero tires maintain heroic levels of grip, but the CLK's steering rack seems to have been overlooked in the AMG upgrade.
It's not completely perfect
The AMG-tuned SpeedShift transmission is aptly named. Not only does it upshift quickly, it also does so smoothly by momentarily breathing the throttle between gears. But what it doesn't do is rev-match for downshifts, even when using the new-for-'07 metal paddles in manual mode. A skilled driver can manage to do just that, however, by blipping the throttle between gears, just after requesting a downshift, so why can't the software?
Then you reach a corner and it all goes to hell. Sure, the new brakes are tremendous, the suspension is sport-bred firm (but not punishing), and the Pirelli P Zero tires maintain heroic levels of grip, but the CLK's steering rack seems to have been overlooked in the AMG upgrade.
04-21-2006, 03:02 PM
#2
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I wouldn't say that we would not agree with their comments after driving the car BUT after meeting many auto journalists, I am not at all impressed with their ability to accurately depict what a car is doing.
With all of the seat time that they get driving the latest econo boxes and mini vans, I am suprised that they make these comments at all from the spirited driving they are used to doing.
I cracks me up when the majority of auto journalists get behine the wheel of a Ferrari, Lambo or AMG and then transform into "Super Race Driver."
Again, not flaiming ALL Auto journalist as some of them have legitamate track time but most are far better writers than drivers.
Why not pair them up with a real driver and let them articulate what is really going on.
Enjoy!
With all of the seat time that they get driving the latest econo boxes and mini vans, I am suprised that they make these comments at all from the spirited driving they are used to doing.
I cracks me up when the majority of auto journalists get behine the wheel of a Ferrari, Lambo or AMG and then transform into "Super Race Driver."
Again, not flaiming ALL Auto journalist as some of them have legitamate track time but most are far better writers than drivers.
Why not pair them up with a real driver and let them articulate what is really going on.
Enjoy!
04-21-2006, 07:20 PM
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2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupé
The rack and pinion steering disapoints, eh?
Maybe AMG should go back to the worm system used on the 208. That steering got good press reviews upon its introduciton, only to be later dissed. It seems that auto journalists owe their advertisers a duty to diss whatever has been replaced.
I find on my 208 55 CLK that the worm turns very well indeed.
True, it has a traditional MB "luxury" feel (read numb). But it is damn easy to point and shoot, leaving you to concentrate on the road and the g-forces. Kind of like the way a Colt 45 let's you concentrate on who's coming over the top of the trench.
BTW I saw the 63 at the Geneva show. The engine is awesome. But MB still has the annoying habit of shrouding half of it in plastic. It's better plastic than before, but still plastic.
Maybe AMG should go back to the worm system used on the 208. That steering got good press reviews upon its introduciton, only to be later dissed. It seems that auto journalists owe their advertisers a duty to diss whatever has been replaced.
I find on my 208 55 CLK that the worm turns very well indeed.
True, it has a traditional MB "luxury" feel (read numb). But it is damn easy to point and shoot, leaving you to concentrate on the road and the g-forces. Kind of like the way a Colt 45 let's you concentrate on who's coming over the top of the trench.
BTW I saw the 63 at the Geneva show. The engine is awesome. But MB still has the annoying habit of shrouding half of it in plastic. It's better plastic than before, but still plastic.
04-22-2006, 06:33 PM
#5
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They said it'll be around $85,000. I'm very very tempted...however, the new CLK platform should be coming out within the next 2 years...so its probably best to just wait for that and then get the AMG.
