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HighestOfHigh · 06-18-2007, 10:44 AM

Benz's 6.2-liter V8 takes the classic character of a V8 and pushes the envelope. Sure, this 32-valve DOHC engine belches out 465 lb-ft of torque, but it also does so at 5,000 rpm — a higher engine speed than is usually seen in an engine with this much displacement. This relatively high torque peak gives way to an even higher power peak of 6,800 rpm, when 500 hp is at your command. And without hesitation this V8 will bounce off its 7,200-rpm rev limiter while making a sound like God's own bulldozer.

The M6 comes equipped only with a sequential manual gearbox, which is basically a manual transmission that relies on actuators and careful programming to do the work usually accomplished with a clutch pedal and the driver's left leg. Shift paddles on the steering wheel trigger each shift (or you can also toggle the gears in the traditional way with the shift lever mounted on the center console) and the automated process gives you quicker gearchanges, complete with matched revs during aggressive downshifts. There's also a completely automated mode so the transmission will perform like an automatic.

The Benz wins this test, but not just because it's quicker and handles better. Nope. When you're talking about laying down this much cash, there's more to it than performance. For this kind of green we want something special. We want attitude to go with the speed, sound to go with the looks and exclusivity to justify the cost of entry.

The CLK63 AMG does it all. And it does it in a way the haughty, if capable, M6 cannot, with fat fender flares, bad attitude and plenty of brawn to back up its trash talk.

- Comparison Test: 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series vs. 2007 BMW M6

06-18-2007, 10:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
HighestOfHigh Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 270 Thanks: 0 Thanked 32 Times in 19 Posts	CLK 63 AMG Beats M6 Benz's 6.2-liter V8 takes the classic character of a V8 and pushes the envelope. Sure, this 32-valve DOHC engine belches out 465 lb-ft of torque, but it also does so at 5,000 rpm — a higher engine speed than is usually seen in an engine with this much displacement. This relatively high torque peak gives way to an even higher power peak of 6,800 rpm, when 500 hp is at your command. And without hesitation this V8 will bounce off its 7,200-rpm rev limiter while making a sound like God's own bulldozer. The M6 comes equipped only with a sequential manual gearbox, which is basically a manual transmission that relies on actuators and careful programming to do the work usually accomplished with a clutch pedal and the driver's left leg. Shift paddles on the steering wheel trigger each shift (or you can also toggle the gears in the traditional way with the shift lever mounted on the center console) and the automated process gives you quicker gearchanges, complete with matched revs during aggressive downshifts. There's also a completely automated mode so the transmission will perform like an automatic. The Benz wins this test, but not just because it's quicker and handles better. Nope. When you're talking about laying down this much cash, there's more to it than performance. For this kind of green we want something special. We want attitude to go with the speed, sound to go with the looks and exclusivity to justify the cost of entry. The CLK63 AMG does it all. And it does it in a way the haughty, if capable, M6 cannot, with fat fender flares, bad attitude and plenty of brawn to back up its trash talk. - Comparison Test: 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series vs. 2007 BMW M6