The Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Cabriolet is the open-topped version of the CLK 63 Coupé you see leading Formula 1 cars around circuits during race safety periods - something the CLK 63 does very well, courtesy of its 6.2-litre V8.
Merc has ditched its supercharged 5.5-litre V8 in favour of this bigger, but unblown, unit in all its AMG models.
I'm not sure why because that glorious kompressed 5.5 made a lot more torque (700Nm versus the new engine's 630Nm); you don't really "need" 700Nm, but since when has the Clash of the Teutons been about need?
Whatever. The CLK 63 is still one mighty piece of hardcore German performance car that'll make hybrid-loving tree huggers choke on their lentils.
It packs 354kW and conjures G-forces of the highest adrenalin-generating order. The CLK 63 will scoot from 0-100km/h in 4.7sec at sea level, according to its makers; we measured 5.6 on the Reef.
It's also one of a small elite of cars we've tested that's gone under 14 seconds over the quarter-mile. The car's automatic, so generating such pub argument-settling figures is child's play.
No messing about with a clutch and getting the rpm right; you simply stomp on the throttle as hard as you can and hold the wheel straight - or play with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel if you really need to change gears yourself.
To harness all that power the car comes with AMG high-performance composite brakes, AMG sports suspension and thicker rubber at the rear (18" 255/35 18) than at the front (225/40), the norm with über-powerful rear-wheel drive cars these days.
The object is to quell wheelspin but those fat rears don't stand a chance when the traction control's switched off and the driver gets frisky with the throttle. There's rubber-shedding, loud squealing and lots of smoke.
And you don't want to get too cocky in the wet. I drove the CLK in the rain one day and, even with stability control engaged, those big gumballs got all aquaplaney. The Benz has the whole alphabet soup of traction enhancers and braking aids - and needs them.
The CLK has a traditional canvas roof - they're lighter and take up less boot space than a folding hard top. The boot's a decent size, even with the roof down, and so is cabin storage space.
You can hear more of the outside world through a cloth roof than a tin one but it's reasonably well padded and doesn't get too noisy at speed. It's power-operated, of course - 20 seconds either way.
The ride's firm and the lack of a solid roof allows some scuttle shake on a poor road. It's stiff but not unbearable; the super CLK handles well in fast sweeps but in tighter turns it's simply too heavy at 1.9 tons to be considered a nimble sports car (the F1 safety car has been lightened).
Proclaiming its pedigree
The car proclaims its pedigree with its spoilers, dual oval tail pipes and generally muscled-up looks. AMG badges are in no short supply: they're on the brake callipers, fenders, boot lid, door sills and front seats so nobody will ever be in doubt about what you're driving.
Sporty glamour is prevalent in the cabin with nappa leather sports seats and a speedo rated to 320km/h - although the car's electronically governed to the usual 250km/h.
The front seats are beautifully styled and nicely supportive and each is electrically adjustable and heatable. The rear ones are quite narrow and upright, underlining that this isn't a family car.
A high-end Harman Kardon audio system supplies the aural pleasure if you ever get tired of that V8 roar. Which is unlikely, as the engine is best enjoyed with the roof down and the exhaust echoing in a tunnel.
Spec levels are comprehensive, including a steering wheel with electric reach/height adjustment, and multifunction buttons for the audio system, phone and trip data computer.
Cruise control and satellite navigation are also part of the well-stocked spec sheet, as is a seat-belt feeder.
The audio includes a CD shuttle in the glove box, along with a CD holder. You can also have voice control, a TV, keyless ignition and parking sensors if you pay extra.
The computer showed 15.7 litres/100km after a combination of freeway and town driving.
SUMMARY
A car for sun-loving jetsetters, but one that has the power to match the pose. Yours for R835 000. - Star Motoring