Mercedes, BMW boost horsepower

As BMW readies the new generation M3, this time with a 4.0-liter, 420-horsepower V-8, Mercedes-Benz is preparing its answer in the form of the CLK63 Black Series.

As it debuted at the New York auto show, the CLK is essentially a street version of the F1 pace car. With a 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 500 horsepower, the CLK is capable of zero-to-60-mph times of only 4.1 seconds and top speed of 186 mph. The other competitor about to debut is Audi’s RS5, which comes in the new S5 coupe. The Audi will get its power from a 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower V-8. Another entry to the horsepower war is the upcoming Lexus IS 500F with a 5.0-liter, 400-horsepower plus V-8.

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