2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG

With an all-new 481-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 engine built solely by AMG, an AMG sports suspension, high-performance AMG brakes, and unique exterior and interior styling, the 2007 CLK63 AMG joined the Mercedes-Benz lineup in 2007 as a replacement for the previous year's CLK55 AMG, and was the most powerful CLK available in the German automaker's stable of high-end performance vehicles.

For the record, AMG is Mercedes' in-house high-performance tuner, which has applied its magic to a number of the automaker's more memorable vehicles over the years. For the CLK63, AMG merged high-tech features, sports-car styling, and all the luxury appointments one expects in a car of this caliber.

The car's front apron (the area below the grille), side skirts, rear apron, dual twin chromed tailpipes, titanium grey 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and streamlined contours were all designed to give the vehicle a more visceral appearance. The AMG shock absorbers and struts, as well as larger, internally ventilated composite brake discs, provided superb handling and stopping power.

The cabriolet was equipped with an electrohydraulic insulated all-season soft top with a heated glass rear window. By pushing a single button on the console or on the car's SmartKey remote controller, the driver could automatically raise or lower the convertible top as well as all four side windows.

Inside, newly designed AMG sports seats of Nappa leather were equipped with body-hugging side bolsters to provide comfort and maximum support even at the highest speeds. The interior also featured leather and aluminum trim for an elegant, contemporary appearance, an easy-to-read three-dial instrument cluster, and an ergonomic steering wheel with pronounced contouring and aluminum shift panels behind the wheel that enabled drivers to easily manage the CLK63's AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

Other features included rack-and-pinion power steering and an Active Body Control (ABC) self-leveling system that helped to reduce body roll to ensure a comfortable yet sporty ride.

The car's handling, styling, power, performance, and quality workmanship were all cited by drivers as positive points, as was the fact that adults could actually fit into the back seats. On the downside, drivers noted that gas mileage was not up to par, and some considered the trunk to be small.