(continued)
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class offers five fun-to-drive coupe and cabriolet models
in the U.S. market. The new CLK350 coupe and cabriolet are powered by a
268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine which propels the car from 0-60 mph in just
6.4 (coupe) and 6.7 (cabriolet) seconds. The CLK500 uses a 302-hp, 5.0-liter V8
that can accelerate the coupe from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 (cabriolet 6.0) seconds.
The limited-production CLK55 AMG is powered by a 362-horsepower, 5.5-liter
hand-built V8 engine that delivers even stronger performance. The CLK55 AMG runs
on “staggered” wheels and tires, with 71 x 18 wheels and 225 / 40 ZR 18 tires up
front as well as 81 x 18 wheels and 255 / 35 ZR 18 tires at the rear. To balance
the added performance, the CLK55 AMG has a sport suspension and more powerful
compound brakes.
High-End Luxury in Mid-Luxury Cabriolets And Coupes
The CLK interior is stylishly sporty and well-appointed. The instrument panel
uses an aesthetically pleasing mix of analog gauges and vertical LCD bar graphs
for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature.
The lines of the dashboard are complemented by its soft-touch surface, providing
a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance. The interior design, exclusive to
the CLK, is practical as well as inviting. For example, when the front occupants
close their doors, an electric motor on each side extends an arm that holds the
seat belt buckle, making it easier for the occupants to reach them. The belt
presenters retract once the seat belts are buckled or after a pre-set time has
passed. Standard luxury features include dual-zone climate control with a sun
sensor to optimize air distribution.
A harman/kardon LOGIC7 premium sound system takes high performance audio to a
new level with seven-channel digital surround sound. The 10-way adjustable power
front seats are unique to the CLK line and automatically shift forward when the
seatback is tipped forward to allow easier access to the rear seats.
The CLK steering wheel is power-adjustable for tilt and reach. Rocker buttons on
its spokes provide an easy and convenient way to control many of the car’s
systems, and the display in the center of the speedometer allows the driver to
view the selected radio station, a personal phone book or navigation
instructions when COMAND system with DVD navigation is installed.
Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers and entrance lights add an extra
layer of luxury that helps take some of the stress out of daily driving. The
two-tiered glove box accommodates the six-disc CD changer, leaving a lower shelf
for personal items, and the center console houses an adjustable-height armrest
that also doubles as a storage compartment.
High-Tech Features
Complete with a high-pressure water jet wash system, high-intensity bi-xenon
headlights with active curve illumination feature dynamic adjusters that change
the beam angle in response to the car’s body movement, helping avoid glare for
oncoming traffic.
COMAND display integrates controls for DVD-based navigation, the audio system
and cellular telephone. Other features, including Keyless-Go, iPod integration
kit, ventilated seats, an electronic trunk closer and a wood/leather steering
wheel, bring even more premium-level luxury to the CLK.
Thoroughbred Chassis
The fun-to-drive CLK line uses a strut front suspension with split lower links,
coil springs, twin-tube gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. Using two lower links
(rather than one large control arm) can provide better energy absorption in a
frontal impact. The rear suspension is the patented multi-link design used on
all Mercedes cars.
Rack and pinion steering delivers precise, direct feel and response while
providing an additional safety benefit – the steering rack is mounted on a
deformable aluminum subframe so it doesn’t impede absorption of crash energy.
The CLK also features speed-sensitive parameter steering, which provides ample
power-steering assist for easier parking and low-speed maneuvers, then reduces
the boost at speed for better road feel.
The CLK line features a full array of Mercedes active safety innovations such as
ESP stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes, straight-line ASR traction control,
and Brake Assist. The latest Mercedes-Benz safety technology includes dual-stage
front air bags, front side air bags and, on coupe models, window curtain air
bags. Cabriolets are equipped with head/thorax side bags in the front.
Rate of deceleration determines the inflation rate of the dual-stage front air
bags. The inflation rate of the front passenger air bag is further influenced by
the passenger’s size, which is determined by sensors in the seat cushion. If an
occupant in the front passenger seat is the less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the sensors automatically turn
off the front passenger air bag.
If any of the CLK’s air bags or seatbelt tensioners deploy, the standard Tele
Aid system, if activated, calls an emergency response center over a dedicated
cellular line with redundant antennas. If needed, emergency response can be
summoned immediately, with full information on the car model and color as well
as exact vehicle location (via GPS satellite transponders), for quick
recognition by emergency services.
<< Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG: Page 1
