Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

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Mercedes-Benz CLK- Class

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler
Production	1998–
Predecessor	New model
Class	Sport compact luxury car
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible
Platform	FR
Similar	BMW 3 Series Volvo C70 Infiniti G35

W208

Production	1998–2002
Platform	FR W208

W209

Production	2003–
Platform	FR W209

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a mid-size luxury rear-wheel drive coupé and is the coupe version of the C-Class model on which it is based. Major models include the CLK350, CLK550, and CLK63 AMG. The CLK63 AMG's 481 bhp V8 engine is the most powerful. Both generations of the CLK-Class utilize the Mercedes-Benz W208 chassis. There is also a convertible version of the CLK.

1 1996–2002 (W208)
2 2003–present (W209)
3 CLK GTR and CLK DTM
4 External links

[edit] 1996–2002 (W208)

Main article: Mercedes-Benz W208

The first-generation CLK was introduced in 1996, 3 years after the 1st generation (W202) C-Class model, on which the car was based on, was launched and was the final derivative of the W202 platform. The launch of the CLK also marked Mercedes' first forray into the mid-sized coupe market and was, finally, the marque's first rival to the BMW 3-Series Coupe.

Although a mid-sized coupe, and based on the mid-sized/compact executive C-Class, the CLK's styling drew very heavily on the front and rear styling cues of the latest (W210) E-Class model, itself inspired by a 1993 concept car (which the CLK eventually looked very similar to).

There was a reason for the similarities with the current E-Class. When Mercedes replaced the (W124) E-Class in 1995 the coupe version was not replaced. Instead, Mercedes decided to introduce a smaller mid-sized coupe to rival the BMW 3-Series Coupe, but in order to attract customers who previously went for the executive-class E-Class Coupe Mercedes gave the CLK the latest (W210) E-Class' styling features with the 4 headlights and rectangular tail-lights which extended on to the bootlid. This gave the impression that the (W124) E-Class Coupe was directly replaced, which was made cleverer in that the CLK was launched 12-months after the (W210) E-Class - the usual gestation time for a saloon spawned coupe by Mercedes. Even the engine range of the CLK was closer to the E-Class than the C-Class. For example, the AMG version used the 5.5 litre V8 from the E55 AMG rather than the 3.6 litre from the C36 AMG.

Less expensive than the sporty SL-Class convertibles, the first generation CLK cabriolet was the most successful convertible Mercedes-Benz ever offered; 41,520 were sold in the United States from 1999 to 2003, and more than 115,000 were sold throughout the world.

Models offered in the first generation were the CLK230 Kompressor, CLK320, CLK430, and the CLK55 AMG. All were available in both coupé and convertible form.

The CLK320 coupe was introduced in the 1998 model year, powered by a 3.2 L V6 engine. The CLK320 cabriolet and the 4.3 L V8-powered CLK430 coupe appeared in 1999. A CLK430 cabriolet joined the lineup in 2000. The high-performance CLK55 AMG coupé was introduced in 2001, powered by a 5.4 L V8. The CLK55 AMG cabriolet became available in 2002, the last year of this body style.

[edit] 2003–present (W209)

Main article: Mercedes-Benz W209

The CLK coupé was redesigned for 2003, with the cabriolet following in 2004. The current generation of the CLK-Class is 2.4 inches (61 mm) longer, 0.7 inches (18 mm) wider and 1.1 inch (28 mm) higher than its predecessor.

The CLK320 features a 3.2 L, 18-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$46,000 for the coupé and US$53,600 for the cabriolet. The CLK320 was replaced by the CLK350 for 2006.
The CLK350 features a 3.5 L, 24-valve dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$45,750 for the coupé and US$53,700 for the cabriolet.
The CLK500 features a 5.0 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$54,600 for the coupé and US$62,200 for the cabriolet. The CLK500 was replaced by the CLK550 for 2007.
The CLK550 features a 5.5L 32-valve V-8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$55,675 for the coupé.
The CLK55 AMG features a 5.5 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$69,900 for the coupé and US$82,000 for the cabriolet. The CLK55 AMG coupé was dropped in North America after the 2005 model year, though the cabriolet is still offered. The CLK55 was replaced by the CLK63 for 2007.
The CLK63 AMG features a 6.3L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet, the CLK63 boasts 481hp (354 kW) and 465 lb-ft (630 newton meters) of torque. Compared to its predecessor the CLK63 has 31% more horsepower and 23% more torque. The CLK63 is currently being used as the safety car in Formula One.

In Europe was also the CLK 200 K (1.8 R4), CLK 220 CDI (2.1 R4 diesel), CLK 240 (2.6 V6), CLK 270 CDI (2.7 R5 diesel), CLK 280 (3.0 V6), CLK 320 CDI (3.0 V6 diesel); (all standard with 6-speed manual transmission, automatic transmission is optional)

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG cabriolet

Each model seats four and includes an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. While the CLK320 and CLK500 come with 17 inch (432 mm) alloy wheels, the CLK55 AMG sports 18 inch (457 mm) wheels. The cabriolets have a remote-operated automatic soft-top and sensor-controlled roll bars. Since 2000, all come standard with a Tele Aid emergency assistance system, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, 10-way power front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Seven-channel digital surround sound comes standard. A Keyless Go system, navigation system, Parktronic system, and bi-xenon HID headlamps are all available as options. All models come with four side airbags.

[edit] CLK GTR and CLK DTM

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR was a V12 midengine race car developed for the 1997 FIA GT championships. It shared only lights and other exterior similarities with the normal CLK. Production of the required 25 road cars began in late 1998.

A special version of the CLK is the CLK DTM AMG sports car, which looks similar to the full race car for the German Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters racing series which has to use a normally aspirated 4.0 L V8, limited to less than 500 hp. 100 Coupés and 80 Convertibles were released for sale in Europe, using AMG's supercharged 5.4 L V8, now producing 428 kW (582 PS) and 800 N·m (590 ft·lbf). The front and rear track are widened by 2.9 and 4.2 inches (74 and 110 mm) respectively, and special tires and suspension modifications allow the car to pull 1.35 g (13 m/s²) of lateral acceleration. 0-100 km/h acceleration is just 3.9 seconds, and top speed is 320 km/h (199 mph). In Germany, the car cost 236,060 euro after taxes.

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM cabriolet

In addition to hard top CLK DTM AMG, 80 convertible versions of CLK DTM were made for 2006 model year, titled Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet. Compared to the coupé version, a speed limiter further reduces its top speed to 300 km/h (likely due to the top not able to withstand higher wind forces safely).

Owners of the CLK DTM Cabriolet includes former McLaren Mercedes Formula One drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Mika Häkkinen. Häkkinen is currently racing for Mercedes in the DTM championship. Former McLaren Mercedes Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen owns the hard top version of the CLK DTM.