Mercedes-AMG has transplanted a V8 into the CLE to create one of its most extreme cars yet in a return to its hot-rodding roots.
Called the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung - special order - it has been conceived as the most driver-focused version of Mercedes' premium coupe.
The model starts out as a CLE 53 before being extensively modified to become the 646, mirroring the production of historic AMG models before the brand became integrated into Mercedes-Benz.
Described by AMG as an engineering-led project, it was originally a test mule produced behind closed doors.
It swaps the 3.0-litre straight six found in the only current AMG derivative of the CLE, the 53, for Mercedes new M177 Evo V8 powerplant.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which made its debut in the facelifted S-Class, is boosted to 637bhp - equivalent to 646PS, hence the name - and 627lb ft. It is fitted with a bespoke Akrapovic titanium exhaust, which is said to maximise the "emotional focus" of the powerplant.
The V8-powered CLE also ditches four-wheel drive for rear-drive to maximise its performance on track, while shedding weight.
The 646 brings several other lightweighting measures traditionally reserved for track-focused machines, including carbonfibre bodywork, polycarbonate windows and even a different 12V battery. Meanwhile, the body has been reinforced to improve its rigidity, and a roll-cage has been integrated into its structure.
The revisions mean the 646 weighs 1895kg - 30kg lighter than the CLE 53, despite packing a larger and significantly heavier engine. According to AMG, 170kg was stripped from the car in total.
