Mercedes Amg Cle 646 Spezialanfertigung Is Full Of Fahrvergnügen

In the wisdom of Mary Poppins, “It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” The word, popularized in the 1964 film, is an adjective defined as wonderful, fantastic, or amazing. In reference to Mercedes-Benz’s new performance coupe, “Driving the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung sounds like a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience.”

“For me, the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung represents the very essence of AMG. This vehicle came to life because highly rational engineers dreamed of a highly irrational car,” says Dr. Stefan Weckbach, chairman of the management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “We turned that dream into reality in the form of maximum driving dynamics and an unparalleled driving experience.”

This hand-built, road-legal, high-performance coupe is powered by an enhanced AMG M177 EVO 4.0‑liter V-8 biturbo engine that puts out 637 horsepower, 627 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 193 mph. The jury is still out on whether that top speed is faster than Mary Poppin’s flying umbrella, but let’s assume yes. The engine includes a flat-plane crankshaft built to reduce rotating mass, improve revving, and promote a quicker throttle response.

Mated to the engine is a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission that includes a dynamic shift system and an “emotional double-declutch function.” As part of the transmission’s construction, there is a torque converter that is capable of “multiple downshifts in rapid succession” to instantly access every bit of power available. To maintain top performance, the drivetrain utilizes three separate cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit for the engine, and a low-temperature circuit for charge air and transmission oil cooling.

The undercarriage features a unique coil over suspension system developed by Mercedes-AMG and KW Automotive. It includes four-way adjustable damper technology that allows the chassis to be specifically tuned to its surrounding environment. The suspension is complemented by an AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Braking System created to handle extreme loads during intense racetrack use.

With AMG Dynamic Select, the driver has a choice of a few different driving programs that can deliver rapid gear changes, smooth shifts, or Launch Control. The last one, which has been adapted to accommodate the vehicle’s exclusively rear-wheel-drive setup, can propel the car from 0-124 mph in 11.4 seconds when engaged.

The exterior is covered in an exclusive paint combination: the front is finished in Mojave Silver Magno, then it fades from the B-pillar to the rear into Obsidian Black Magno. The unique paint pairs nicely with the carbon fiber components. The bodyshell itself has been reinforced and widened to provide an additional 2.4 inches of width at the front and rear, which enhances stability, increases cornering potential, and allows for 20-inch AMG Performance forged wheels and model-specific staggered-width tires (305/30 ZR 20 front, 335/30 ZR 20 rear).

Inside, the driver and their passenger can strap into ultra-lightweight high-end racing bucket seats that sit beneath a roll bar meant to increase torsional rigidity. To maintain lightweight construction, the rear seats and acoustic insulation were removed, the comfort features were reduced, the sound system was simplified, and carbon fiber panels were installed. All told, approximately 375 pounds have been removed.

As this vehicle lacks a rear seat, Mary Poppins and Bert would have to find other ways of transporting Jane and Michael, though you can bet a spoonful of sugar that driving the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (or is that fahrvergnügen?) indeed.