Mercedes have always been pretty badass cars, however they have not really been my flavour lately. The AMG cars I have had experience with seem to be nothing more than monsterous engines in wet noodle chassis, which is all fine and dandy, but they have lacked any sense of finesse.

A couple years ago, Mercedes came out with the CLK-DTM. Thats really cool I thought, too bad there are only a handful.

Then I read some reviews on the SLK55 Black Series:
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3529.html
Journalists seemed genuinely impressed with characteristics other than the motor.

Then I read about the CLK63 Black Series which is basically the F1 pace car and a car Mercedes claim to be targeted at the 911 GT3
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3784.html
Journalists again seem very impressed, and frankly, the thing looks bad ass.

And now comes the C63 AMG, their "M3 assasin":
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0709_2008_mercedes_benz_c63_amg
Journalists again praising more than way it jumps to hyper space.

I can't wait to see this car in person. The thing reminds me of the 190E EvoII with those wheel arches.

I don't know, mercedes seems to be headed on the right track. These cars look badass, and it seems, are starting to play the part. Is mercedes back?

outside of performance alone, do you think having an AMG version of every model decrease the appeal of the badging? It seems like the black version's are what the AMG badging should have been originally, limited production hi-power versions.

Oh for sure, when you have an AMG version of the Mercedes R class minivan, the AMG badge loses some of its appeal. It seems marketing has held the reins rather than the enthusiasts for the last little while. I'm very hopefull the black series cars will bring something special back to Mercedes.

I believe they obviously dominate the upper class lux's (s class, etc.) compared to say bmw's 7 series and even the audi 8's. But with bmw's M brand keeping pretty good pace the past 10 years and growing (but not out growing the M brand like AMG) and even audi stepping in with the R8 (and rumored v10 version soon) Mercedes is missing a decent "highly expensive" market. And yeah its a very very small market to begin but with at least these limited black series can prove MB's engineering isn't just either a super lux boat s-class or a hyper exotic mclaren, mercedes is proving they can feel in between with excellent track/street cars that will hold their "Black" name very well.

I agree with you 100% on this blueeyes, and it even seems like MB is finally catching up with this crowd.

Mercedes=t3h suck

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0709_02z+2008_mercedes_benz_c63_AMG+front_thre e_quarter_view.jpg

Not the best angle.

Somewhere there's a Crossfire missing a hood. :puke:

Saw a S63 the other day... couldn't even tell from about 20 yards.. Most of the general public wouldn't even have a clue there's 600 ponies in there..

I don't like the way it looks. To aggressive for a Benz. I can see what they are trying to do but it looks more like an EVO than a luxury car. BMW's M3 will be the classier choice of the 2.

I think MB is finally heading back to where it should be.... Their AMG brand is showing signs of true life again and it seems they're once again commited to building great vehicles.

I do agree though, the day I see an AMB R class, I'm gonna be pissed.

Oh, and AMG is now responsible for helping them build their new super car as well since McLaren got the boot for the SLR not being "good enough".

i would take a CLK63 BS any day of the week.

The new C63 looks great and I'm acutally glad MB puts out an AMG version of almost everything. While an R63 is a bit crazy it's also a bit cool. I know if I had to take over family hauling I'd go for a used R63.

I do think they should continue with the limited edition super AMG's (Black Series) to give some exclusivity.

I love the CLK63BS, but its got some hefty competition at a price of around 120K (i think).

Benzes offer great performance and luxury, but the CLK63BS, doesnt have back seats. They are removed to save weight. I'm all for that, and think its cool, but all of a sudden the whole "luxury car on steroids" thing becomes more blurred. So when you start comparing it to, say 120K 2 seaters, there's just so much good competition.

The Audi R8 comes to mind....,many others....I think i'd rather have than than the Benz, even though they are both great cars.

when I saw the title of this thread- I thought you were refering to why Mercedes is having some many electrical problems that grounds their cars for weeks. I had a co-worker with an SL65 and it was in the shop all the dayum time- constant electrical problems. The Service Manager told him it's a "common problem with Mercedes-Benz these days", like it's acceptable. He sold it and got a Audi.

I grew up working on Mercedes as my uncle owned one of the Largest Mercedes shops in California.
My dad's '73 280SEL never had as many issues as S classes these days. :(

(that'll hopefully change soon)

outside of performance alone, do you think having an AMG version of every model decrease the appeal of the badging? It seems like the black version's are what the AMG badging should have been originally, limited production hi-power versions.

You are right; Mazda definitely should not do a Mazdaspeed version of everything. Especially that RX-8, we don't to ruin the wild child image for the MS3.

when I saw the title of this thread- I thought you were refering to why Mercedes is having some many electrical problems that grounds their cars for weeks. I had a co-worker with an SL65 and it was in the shop all the dayum time- constant electrical problems. The Service Manager told him it's a "common problem with Mercedes-Benz these days", like it's acceptable. He sold it and got a Audi.

All the high tech cars appear to have a lot of electrical problems. Their are horror stories all over the internet about the S class, A8 and 7 series. I personally know someone that lemoned an Audi RS6. It's a price you pay to have the biggest and baddest electronic gagetry in your car, not that it's acceptable.

I think it's blown a little out of proportion though, especially since owners rarely go to the internet to say "hey my car works fine". I know people with cars from all the big luxury manufactures and none of them have had any serious issues. I also have read a lot of rx-8 have had their engines replaced and they tend to blow up before 100,000 km.

I don't like the way it looks. To aggressive for a Benz. I can see what they are trying to do but it looks more like an EVO than a luxury car. BMW's M3 will be the classier choice of the 2.

Reminds me of this EVO:
http://www.geocities.com/nideggerh/201036b.jpg

I love the aggresiveness of the new Mercedes AMG products.

^That's the original Evo haha. 2.3L turbo in-line 4 and a screamer for it's day. It was never sold in the US, tho, was it? Can't remember

They are over teched. Too much technology in electronics. Hence failure.