Luxury carmaker Mercedes has recently debuted a 646-horsepower (hp) V8 coupe designed for serious track performance, that is capable of reaching a top speed of 192 miles per hour (mph).
Called the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, the vehicle is based on the CLE 53. It however features a more powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, a lighter carbon-heavy body, upgraded suspension, and track-focused aerodynamics.
Thenew upgraded modelweighs around 375 pounds (170 kilograms) less thanks to an extensive lightweight construction approach. It can hit up to 192 mph (310 kilometers per hour). It generates over 550 pounds (250 kilograms) of downforce at top speed.
Despite being builtfor the track, the coupe can legally be driven on public roads. It is the company’s second vehicle in its highly exclusiveMythos Series, following the PureSpeed. Only 30 models will be built across the globe. All were sold before the care made its world premiere.
Running on a V8 engine
The upgraded vehicle boasts an extensively enhanced version of AMG's M177 EVO 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. It generates 646 hp (475 kilowatts), which gives the CLE 646 its name, along with 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 revolutions per minute (rpm). The engine also features a flat-plane crankshaft that reduces rotating masses. The company also developed dedicated engine mapping for the car. Moreover, three separate cooling circuits help manage temperatures during track use and in high ambient temperatures. The custom exhaust system was developed with Akrapovič and is largely made from lightweight titanium.
Rear-wheel drive takes over
For the upgrade, the company removed the donor vehicle's Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Instead, all 646 hp is sent to the rear wheels. The change reduces the coupe's weight and fundamentally alters its driving character. In addition, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential varies the locking action between the rear wheels to improve the traction and stability. Under suitable conditions, the setup can also support controlled drifting. AMG kept the nine-speed transmission. It also adjusted Launch Control for rear-wheel drive.
Impressive acceleration
Mercedes revealed that the coupe can speed up from zero to 62 mph (100 kilometers per hour) in 3.9 seconds. It further hits 124 mph (200 kilometers per hour) in 11.4 seconds. Additionally, its top speed is 192 mph (310 kilometers per hour). The firm pointed out that the car can reach 186 mph (300 kilometers per hour) in 36.8 seconds in Track mode and 36.2 seconds in Street mode. Braking is handled by an AMG ceramic composite system with 16.5-inch (420-mm) discs and six-piston fixed calipers at the front. "For me, the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung represents the very essence of AMG," Stefan Weckbach, PhD, Mercedes‑AMG GmbH management board chairman, said.
Carbon fiber cuts weight
Mercedes' engineers used carbon fiber across the car's body. This includes the front fenders, hood, roof, side sills, rear diffuser, trunk lid, and adjustable rear wing. Meanwhile, the rear side windows and rear window are made from polycarbonate. The firm also fitted a lighter 12-volt starter battery. Inside, the rear seats and acoustic insulation have been removed. To reduce more weight, the firm added lightweight racing bucket seats and carbon-fiber door panels. The car has a DIN curb weight of 4,178 pounds (1,895 kilograms).
More room for huge tires
The CLE 646 is considerably wider than its predecessor. The company made the body 2.4 inches (60 mm) wider at the front and rear, which made more room for larger wheels and tires. Mercedes revealed that the car boasts 20-inch forged AMG wheels, which are 11 inches wide at the front and 12 inches at the rear. They are wrapped in 305/30 ZR20 front and massive 335/30 ZR20 rear tires, and use a further development of technology originally created for the AMG ONE hypercar.
Serious downforce
The vehicle's aerodynamics keep it stable at high speeds. It has a front diffuser, fender louvers, underbody modifications, side flics, and an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing. Drivers can manually move the front diffuser between Street and Race positions. When in Race mode, its inverted wing profile accelerates airflow beneath the car to increase front-axle downforce. The rear wing can also be adjusted to balance the additional front downforce. Even the nearly flat underbody features longitudinal fins for airflow.
Limited to 30 pieces
According to Mercedes-AMG , a total of 30 units of the upgraded car will be built worldwide. All have been sold before the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung was publicly premiered. "The Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung sets new benchmarks with its uncompromising presence and driving dynamics," Bastian Baudy, the firm's chief design officer, concluded. "The result is a masterpiece, full of performance and character."
