REPORT: Mercedes says it has no plans for new CLK63 AMG
In a move sure to make shoulders slump and people ask "Why is this happening?", Mercedes will not produce a CLK63 AMG -- which would actually be an E Class Coupe AMG. The axing is due to the CLK moving from the C Class platform to the E Class, and Mercedes' view that a hotted up E Coupe with the 6.3-liter would be too close to the CLS 63 AMG "both in positioning and price."
A similarity in price is easy to digest, but the overlap in positioning sounds more like Mercedes is afraid sales of the E-Class Coupe AMG would cannibalize sales of the CLS63 AMG. Even if that's the case, it's a shame that Mercedes won't even consider a limited run, since such a car would be sure to sell just as well, if not better than the E63 AMG Wagon. The decision also vaporizes an E Coupe AMG Black series, and that would have been something special.
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick Vrana 9:35AM (4/14/2009)
Know what the best thing about an AMG Mercedes is?
How fast it depreciates! You can grab a mid-mileage 2005 CL65 for sub $50k, that's less than half, and it has a biturbo V12 making 600+hp and massive amounts of torque. Runs the quarter in 11.5 stock.
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Geeky1 1:08PM (4/14/2009)
There's a reason for that.
Don't get me wrong, I love the cars, but there's a reason why they depreciate as fast as they do, particularly the V12s. Two words: maintenance costs.
The older CL65s and S65s may be $50k cars now, but they were $150-200k cars when they were new, and they still cost $150-200k car money to fix when they break.
For instance, it's 11.5 billable hours, if memory serves, to replace both valve cover gaskets on the M137 V12 (the naturally aspirated, 36 valve engine used in the W220/C215 before they got the twin turbo engine; I'm sure it's even higher for the M275/285). And it's about $600, iirc, for an accelerator pedal assembly-which contains the position sensor for the drive by wire system-for a C215 CL600. And that's just the part cost.
These are cars where a really good extended warranty (the ones that say they cover *everything* except routine maintenance) will almost certainly pay for itself in a few years.
Papi L-Gee 10:13AM (4/14/2009)
E-Class Coupe - 2 doors.
CLS - 4 doors.
Different markets, different set of buyers. I'm not following M-B's logic here.
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Nathan 10:36AM (4/14/2009)
Exactly. The CLK63, which in its "black" form is Jeremy Clarkson's current favorite car, is an absolutely amazing performance beast. To suggest that would-be buyers of a CLK63 replacement would opt for the bloated 4-door CLS instead is insane. I refuse to believe this is true because if so Mercedes just willingly gave sales to the RS5 and M3.
Eddie 10:37AM (4/14/2009)
If anything shouldnt the E63 sedan be hurting CLS63 sales, not the E coupe? The E63 and CLS63 are closely priced, had the same chassis and same amount of doors.
Nate 12:16PM (4/14/2009)
I think the writer meant CLK63, not CLS63. The article doesn't make sense otherwise. It starts out with them axing the CLK63 due to the E coupe and then switches to the CLS63. I think the CLS63 is safe...for now.
Avinash machado 9:59AM (4/14/2009)
At least they did not blame it on the recession.
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André 10:29AM (4/14/2009)
In fact, a CLS is very easy to be a victim of cannibalization, due to its extreme ugliness.
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JDMlover 10:38AM (4/14/2009)
I love the way this car looks. The stance is just right.
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Shiftright 2:31PM (4/14/2009)
Ditto, the CLS is one of the best looking Benzes in a long while. The CLK was dull dull dull. Take off the badges and it could be anything.
Khalid 11:32AM (4/14/2009)
;Hope the autocar report is BS. Anyone care to explain this
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Your-spyshots/Mercedes-E63-Coupe-reader-spy-photos/
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Mike 11:53AM (4/14/2009)
What exactly do these cars do then??
SL600 - V12 - 510hp
SL63 AMG- V8 518hp.
You don't think that these 2 cannibalize each other??? I would get rid of the V12 if anything in their lineup.
At least these cars are both 2 doors, both hardtop convertibles etc.
The CLK63 VS CLS63 would be different beasts. Mercedes really wants the CLS to have 2 doors.. why not just make it with 2 doors then???
BTW Mercedes does have too many letters etc.. too confusing.. and I'm into cars. I can't help but think what the average buyer does when they go into a Mercedes Dealer - "Uhh.. I want a CELKS 500 AMG something or other. Something that looks nice and expensive!"
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Eddie 12:35PM (4/14/2009)
The 600s are supposed to be luxurious and soft with effortless power. Whereas the 63 AMGs are harder, more sporty and require more revs to get power.
Hike15 12:03PM (4/14/2009)
Mercedes really does have their mind set that the cls is a coupe and they wont let that go...
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PJ 12:22PM (4/14/2009)
Wake me when they offer a real transmission :-)
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RLQ 8:40PM (4/14/2009)
There are enough awesome AMGs already.
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