Cars - Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

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	Cars - Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a class of medium-sized luxury rear-wheel drive coupes and convertibles. Major models include the CLK320, CLK500, and CLK55 AMG. The CLK55 AMG's 270 kW (367 PS) V8 engine is the most powerful. Both generations of the CLK-Class utilize the Mercedes-Benz W208 chassis. The predecessors of the CLK-Class are the E-Class coupe and convertible of 1994–1995.

1998–2002 (W208)

The first-generation CLK was introduced in the 1998 model year. 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 CLK320, CLK430, and the CLK55 AMG. All were available in both coupe 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 coupe 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.

2003–present (W209)

The CLK coupe 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 5-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$46,000 for the coupe and US$53,600 for the cabriolet.

The CLK500 features a 5.0 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$54,600 for the coupe and US$62,200 for the cabriolet.

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 coupe and US$82,000 for the 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. The models 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 headlights are all available as options. All models come with four side airbags.

The CLK55 AMG coupe is not offered for the 2006 model year, but the cabriolet is still available.

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 began in late 1998, and only 25 street versions were built.

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. About 100 street cars were released for sale in Europe. These use AMG's supercharged 5.5L V8, now producing 428 kW (582PS) and 800 Nm (590ft.lbf), which is actually more than the normally aspirated 4.0L V8 of the race car which has to be limited to less than 500 hp. The front and rear track are widened by 2.9 and 4.2 inches (74 and 11 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.

In addition to hard top CLK DTM AMG, 100 convertable versions of CLK DTM were made for 2006 model year, titled Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet. Compared to the coupe version, speed limiter further reduces its top speed to 300 km/h.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class ]

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