2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series - Know Your Target Market
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of AMG-tuned Mercedes, the German automaker has introduced a special edition of the CLK63 call the Black Series. Based on the official Formula 1 safety car, the Black Series CLK63 is powered by a 500HP 6.2 liter V8 capable of propelling the coupe from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph.
The new AMG coupe sports huge carbon-fiber fender flares, 19-inch wheels and tires and larger brake rotors that measure an massive 14.2 inches at the front and a still impressive 13 inches in the back. The front fascia has larger ducting that feeds air into a bigger radiator and a second transmission oil cooler. The car is also equipped with rocker panel extensions and a carbon-fiber rear decklid spoiler.
Normally a 4 seater, the Black Series has only two front seats. The rear seats have been removed to lighten the vehicle (not that it helped much since the car still weighs over 3,900 lbs). Less than 500 examples will be produced and it will be priced at $136,000.
Knowing Your Target Market
The CLK63 AMG is a good study in the important of knowing your target market. In Europe, the AMG super coupe has a no-nonsense, almost race car, interior. The seats are non adjustable (except for forward and back) and made from a carbon-fiber shell wrapped by a thinly padded cloth seating surface. The door panels are also made from carbon-fiber.
I absolutely love the above AMG interior. However, Mercedes claims their average American customer won’t go for an AMG Mercedes with non-adjustable cloth seats. It seems Mercedes sees their USA customers as fat, overweight, lazy bums. How else can you explain the interior for the USA version of the Black Series CLK63?
The USA AMG Black Series feature sofa size leather seats that even the fattest American butt will fit in. The carbon-fiber doors has been replaced with rich leather and Mercedes added a cup holder big enough to hold a Super Big Gulp! How American can you get? At least they kept the car as a two seater.
I don’t know about you but I would take the European version over the USA version any day. However, I am not an American. So I want to ask my American readers which version they like? Do you think Mercedes is playing stereotype with this car? The Black Series are supposed to be serious track ready cars. Dumbing them down for the American market seem almost like a crime to me.
- Posted in Cars
- 139 comments what's your take?
Wait John! I changed my mind!
Reply to this commentI don’t want the Audi TT anymore… I want that!
i’d love to have a benz too
Reply to this commentDon’t we all
.
Reply to this commentit’s a shame that most can not afford one
Reply to this commentAwesome car but yeah can’t afford it too
Reply to this commentEven if I could afford it, I don’t think I’ll buy this though.
Reply to this commentI agree with website copywriter, although it is a nice car, I would much rather spend that money on something else.
Reply to this commentCertainly, you can get a sweeter ride with less fluff that doesn’t cost so much.
Reply to this commentnah… Too cheap
Reply to this commentHahaha
Reply to this commentBut I still like Ferrari.
Carbon fiber anything is awesome.
Reply to this commenthmmm, i’m not sure about that
Reply to this commentfails catastrophically!
[took a course with a top-notch scientist on the Delta Rocket program years ago]
Pam Hoffman
Reply to this commentIt does indeed, but still, you have love the strength and weight.
Reply to this comment136000?! John, that’s your 10 months’ blog earnings putting together…
Reply to this commentBut with a big blue John Chow dot Com label across the hood he would get a sweet $47,600 tax write-off!
Reply to this commentwishful wish!
Reply to this commentHahaha nice one!
Reply to this commentIf I paid a $136,000 for a car I’d at least want it to go 190 MPh. What if I’m in a hurry?
Reply to this commentwhere would you drive it though?
the problem with high speed car is that there is speed limit on the road. so does it matter whether it’s 140, 160 or 190mph?
Reply to this commentTry the autobarn. It’s mad. I was on it doing 160 and got passed in a split second by a lambo.. mad!
–
Jerry
Road to Mega Millions
Reply to this commentNo matter how fast you drive, there will allways be some driving faster than you
Reply to this commentYou’re right there! I suppose it matters to someone or why not electronically limit it to 90mph?
Reply to this commentI think I’d go for a $120,000 car and throw a nice motorbike in the garage as well.
I’d even subdivide that
$75 000 will still buy a very nice car 
Reply to this commentI’m pretty sure you’ll get to your destination on time even running at less than 150.
And ALIVE, more importantly.
Reply to this commentI’m happy to hear that you’re concerned about my safety! You’d laugh if you knew how slow (limit + 10%ish) I actually drive!
Reply to this commentYou know what they say — sometimes slow IS good LOL.
Reply to this commentI think American’s just want comfort. Why spend that much money for a car and end up hating to ride in it because it’s not comfortable?
Reply to this commentLol because it feels like a F1 and for puristic drivers?
I would love the euro version. And I agree that lots of americans are FAT and LAZY!
Reply to this commentThe seats don’t look comfy at all, but what do I know right LOL. I’d take one if it’s free, that’s for sure.
Reply to this commentSeats like that are comfy when you’re pulling 2Gs in a corner and your butt’s trying to exit the vehicle.
If you just want to drive in a straight line in comfort then you should be looking for a great big Lincoln town car
Reply to this comment2 Gs around a corner — the chances of that ever happening with me behind the wheel is smaller than me buying this car LOL.
I’d take a Lincoln town car anyday.
Reply to this commentJohn, I’m proudly an American and in better shape than you. Booyah.
Reply to this commentI second that, I’m pretty sick of the “fat American” stereotype… some of us actually take care of ourselves.
But I guess statistically they say more than 50% of the country is overweight - so what can we do?
Reply to this commentYes. Us fit people must stick together!
Reply to this commentActually, I am pretty sick of the stereotype as well, but there really is nothing we can do unless all the obese people decide to do something about it.
You guys are all part of the vast minority.
Reply to this commentmake the other 50% take care of themselves too
Reply to this commentIt’s funny how this thread turned into an American’s are fat and lazy one. To bad that stereotype holds some truth. Americans as a whole are a fat nation. I personally however like many Americans are in great shape.
I personally would probably still go for the American version. I would hate to spend that kind of money on a car only to find the unadjustable seats are uncomfortable.
Then again, if you can afford that car you could buy a different car for comfort and keep this one for racing or the show-off factor.
Reply to this commentObesity levels are growing globally not just in the US.
Reply to this commentIt’s those magazine editors that are always complaining how difficult it is to climb in and out of sports cars.
I think they were smart to offer a different version for the American market. I mean honestly, how often are you going to take the car to the track? I’d prefer comfortable leather seats and a cup holder if I’m forking over that kind of money for a car.
If I wanted a race car I’d get a lambo or ferrari.
Reply to this commentThat’s what I mean about knowing your target market. And Lambo and Ferrari dumb down their cars for the US market as well.
Reply to this commentYes, they do gravely. Whenever possible, I’d suggest importing one of those directly from Europe.
Reply to this commentWhat kind of mods do Lambo and Ferrari make for their American versions?
Reply to this commentI have a question (it is not regarding to this post)
Reply to this commentJohn Chow can know your home address?
Your question does not make any sense… Are you trying to ask for John’s address?
I would personally choose the US version because I like the luxury feel more than the racing theme.
Reply to this commentno dude, i want to know if he know my address.
Reply to this commentWhy would you want to know that?
Reply to this commentI don’t think he’d give it out to any random person. If it’s not here he probably doesn’t want people to know.
Maybe he wants to mail John a beer.
Reply to this commentdudes i think you can`t read very well.
Reply to this commenti was wondering if JOHN CHOW knows MY address
Why would I want to know your address?
Reply to this commentI can read fine. I think you need to learn how to type as your comment said “your” address, indicating John’s address and not your own; otherwise you would of wrote “my” address.
Reply to this commentJohn, I know a little more than you about how this product marketing works, so I will explain. In exchange, the next time you are in the LA area, you can buy me a beer for this brief education.
It has nothing to do with Americans being fat. Yes, its true. Mercedes is simply trying to target the sweet spot of this market. The luxury/sport automobile market in the U.S. requires that a car have a luxurious interior. It has nothing to do with the fitness of Americans. Its simply what people expect in this segment. If you compromise on the interior, despite its racing attributes, you risk alienating the customer.
With that said, if Mercedes was to limit U.S. production to a very few units, I am sure that they could find buyers even with the less comfortable seats. However, demand may not be as strong as it may be with its U.S. configuration. Since the purpose of this car is to create a buzz, Mercedes is doing its best to create a car that appeals to the most possible people.
Reply to this commentSounds like a car salesman, or someone actually from Mercedes
.
Reply to this commentHah. No, I don’t work in the automobile industry, but I know a little about marketing.
If I had $130K to spend, I would choose a Porsche 911 turbo over a confused Mercedes.
Reply to this commentI agree
. I heart Porsche’s mucho.
Reply to this comment“Confused Merecedes” — I like that. As far as two-doors go, I prefer the Porsche as well.
Reply to this commentYou must be fat
Reply to this commentI must be, since I am an American.
Reply to this commenthonestly, if you’ve got 150000 to spend on the car, i’m sure you can afford to customize the car to your very specification, whether you’re far too fat or far too thin
Reply to this commentThat would defeat the purpose of being lazy in the first place…
Reply to this commentExactly what I was thinking.
It doesn’t have anything to do with weight, it’s what Americans are used to.
I’m an American, and the first interior does nothing for me…looks uncomfortable. The second one makes me want to take out a home equity loan.
Reply to this commentWith no name attached to your post, it will be hard for John to buy you a beer…
Reply to this commentI’m european, but I’d definately take the american car. To me, not being able to adjust the seets is a pretty big deal, what if I want to take a nap.
Reply to this commentAre you fat?
Reply to this commenttake a nap while you’re driving?
i know what you mean, but i’d suggest you to get a caravan, you’d get a bed and all the comfort you need
Reply to this commentNo, like if you go on road trips and you don’t want to stay in a hotel you sleep in your car. You just pop the set back. It’s actually comfortable in some cars.
Reply to this commentNo I’m not that fat, but while my cheufeur is driving I like to dose off. I like seets that can recline, thats all, it has nothing to do with weight.
Reply to this commentI think we have collectively refuted John Chow’s theory then.
Reply to this commentThis isn’t exactly a road trip kind of car.
Reply to this commentWhat is I want to take a nap? Man! If you’re in that car, the last thing you will think about is taking a nap!
Reply to this commentMaybe at 186 MPh you lose consciousness. It may be important to have a snooze at that time…if only for a few short seconds.
Reply to this commentHa ha ha!!!
Reply to this commentNice ride
Reply to this commentIt seems that 90% of the commenters forgot that this car is for people who actually drive it for fun, probably on racing tracks too.
I would love the US version if I have to use it to go to work, but this car wasn’t created for that.
Reply to this commentExactly!
Reply to this commentExactly right I think. I also think if you can afford $100k+ for a car then it wont be your only car and the other cars you own would cater for other things such as luxury, and familys etc…
Reply to this commentI fully agree. It’s simply not your average “honey, we need some milk. can you drive to the supermarket-vehicle”
Reply to this commentI think you’re reading too much into this. I’m sure there are tons of people out there just dying to blow their savings on a car like this. In that case it would be their only car.
Reply to this commentLiterally tons of them…
Reply to this commentWay to target a very small market though, don’t you think?
Reply to this commentUS version doesn’t seems to be used on the race track
Anyway, this would be fun to try on race track and also on the road
Reply to this commentDunno when i can buy this type of car by make money online
Reply to this commentWell, this might take a couple of weeks.
Reply to this commentMake that three — remember, you’ll need to purchase an equally hot house with a hot garage to match that hot car.
Reply to this commentI wouldn’t mind owning a car like that.
Reply to this commentHands down, the European version
Reply to this commentThe seats are not for me, they “look” better or more normal on the american version. When I take a friend out for a drive in my $136,000 car, the seats should look like they belong in an expensive car, not something out of a street racer.
I would take the american version not because I need the bigger seat, but because of what my friends would think about the European style seat.
Michael
Reply to this commentLol, well what your friends think depends on your friends because most of mine would probably be more impressed with the European “street look”. I am still in my teens though (and most of my friends are too), which is probably why the difference in opinion is there. But anyway, if I was spending that kind of money on a car I would buy what I want, regardless of what my friends think.
Reply to this commentMy friends would worship me if I had a car like that — I know, they’re all shallow like that.
I don’t think they’d care what the seats look like anymore LOL.
Reply to this commentexcellent piece of machine
Reply to this commentBeing a skinny assed American I would for sure go for the European interior. I’ve sat in seats like that and they are surprisingly comfortable and VERY VERY supportive.
I find those squishy American type seats comfortable for about 15 minutes. Anything longer than that and my back and legs start to feel fatigued. Not very supportive at all.
And I have no need for damn cup holders in this type of car. Anyone bringing any kind of liquid into a car like that should be shot!
The door panels are confusing though. I think the American buyer of cars like these would have thought the carbon fiber inserts were very cool indeed.
Reply to this commentYou need to give Mercedes a bit more credit, they realize that Americans that spend $136,000 on a car like that aren’t going to be race it. Real American racers that have an extra 136,000 put the money in the race car, or their $250,000 toterhomes.
Reply to this commentI’d much prefer the American version. If I’m spending that much on a car, it needs to be comfortable.
Reply to this commentI’m European and I’d take the American version. I’m not fat either
I agree it should be comfortable for that money and how often are you going to hit 120+ mph?
Reply to this commentThe comments on here reflect exactly why Mercedes changed the look and feel of the American version of the car.
Americans quite simply don’t “get” the beauty of a vehicle like this or the driving experience it offers. That’s because the vast majority of them simply want to chug down the wide roads, wobble around the gentle corners, and canter into the drive through - all without spilling any of their super size cola while on the phone to their shrink!
Europeans who bought this car on the other hand would be queuing outside the Nurburgring to put it through it’s paces faster than you can say “large Big Mac meal please”.
This car wasn’t designed to take you from A to B, it was designed to thrill you to the very outer reaches of your soul.
Reply to this commentYou still don’t get it. Read my post above about marketing.
Reply to this commentI would always prefer a BMW over a Mercedes… But this car looks terrific!
Reply to this commentI realize this is a technicality but Canada is in North America therefore Canadians=Americans.
Reply to this comment$136,000?? Why not just buy an SL55?
Reply to this commentBeautiful car! I still stick to my Audi for now, … wait, maybe after test drive, if it’s really feel good I will reconsider.
Reply to this commentWhich version I prefer depends on how rich I am. If I’m super rich and can afford to only drive the car occasionaly for fun, than I would take the more sporty European version. If I have to use it as a daily driver, I’d take the more comfortable American version.
http://blog.thetechnonaut.com
Reply to this commentI used to valet cars for several high end places and I can say with confidence that most wealthy Americans will opt for the leather. Who wants cloth in a benz!
Reply to this commentLuxury cars deserve nothing less than leather, me thinks.
Reply to this commentI like the inside of both of them, but if I had to choose I would go with the American version.
The Euro version does have a strong race car feel to it - and if you’re into that stuff then it might be for you.
But I’m not into racing, and the American version looks more comfortable - more like something I would drive around on the road.
Now John, since you are just so nice, why don’t you buy me one of those babies?
Reply to this commentAs an American, I’d say the Americans would probably want the American version. I Eupopean version would be soemthing younger Americans would be more inclined to buy. (I would rather have the euro version though).
Reply to this commentI’m American, please give me the Euro version!
Reply to this comment