Wild new Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 brings 637bhp V8

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, an extreme, V8-powered version of its premium coupe aimed at returning AMG to its hot-rodding roots. Built as an extensively modified CLE 53, the project swaps the 3.0-litre straight-six for Mercedes’ new M177 Evo 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, rated at 637bhp (646PS) and 627 lb-ft. The car ditches four-wheel drive for rear-wheel drive, removes weight using measures such as carbon-fibre bodywork and polycarbonate windows, and adds a roll cage with a reinforced body for rigidity. It weighs 1,895kg, 30kg less than the CLE 53. Performance includes 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds and carbon-ceramic braking.