CLK 55 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet: sheer dynamism
• Powerful AMG V8 engine with an output of 270 kW/367 hp
• Steering-wheel gearshift in Formula-1 style
• AMG sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and high-performance brakes
• Sports seats with exclusive nappa/nubuck leather appointments
June 9, 2004, Beijing
V 8 power, dynamic handling qualities and a high-quality standard equipment package are what make the sporty CLK 55 AMG Coupé the flagship models of the CLK-Class line-up. The 5.5-litre, eight-cylinder powerplant at the heart of the four-seater lives up to this billing: power output has been increased by 15 kW/20 hp to 270 kW/367 hp, while the peak torque of 510 Nm is available at 4000 rpm.
Equipped with three valves per cylinder and dual ignition, the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine displays exemplary power and torque characteristics, thus allowing either dynamic acceleration or relaxed cruising in a high gear with impressive power reserves. The CLK 55 AMG Coupé accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h .
The five-speed automatic transmission with AMG SPEEDSHIFT perfectly complements the dynamic power delivery. When manual mode ("M") is selected, the driver can change gear using the Formula-1 style buttons on the steering wheel. In addition, as automatic gear shifts are disabled in this mode, the driver can make full use of the car's impressive pulling power, even at full load. The benefits of the other AMG SPEEDSHIFT features - such as active downshifting, the optimum gear function, torque converter lock-up from first gear and shorter, more responsive shifts - can really be noticed when a sporty driving style is employed.
Powered by an eight-cylinder engine which comfortably complies with the EU-4 emission standard due to come into force in 2005, the high-performance Coupé returns a fuel consumption figure of 12.3 litres per 100 km (NEDC combined consumption).
18-inch AMG wheels and powerful, harmoniously integrated AMG styling
In terms of technical excellence, the chassis and brake system live up to the high standard of the engine and drive system in every respect. With an equipment list boasting AMG sports suspension, AMG light-alloy wheels (18-inch) in attractive twin-spoke design and wide-base tyres (size 225/40 at the front, 255/35 at the rear), the CLK 55 AMG has precisely what it takes to ensure agile handling, dynamic cornering speeds and the high level of long-distance comfort typically associated with a Mercedes.
The substantial, high-performance brakes ensure exemplary deceleration rates and offer optimum sensitivity. Four-piston fixed-calliper brakes with internally ventilated and perforated discs on the front axle and two-piston fixed callipers with internally ventilated discs at the rear provide a high degree of safety in all situations on the road. The maximum deceleration rate of 10.4 m /s2 is testament to the immense reserves the brake system can call upon.
The CLK 55 AMG makes no secret of the fact that it is a range-topping sports model: the powerful AMG bodystyling adds even more dynamism to the open-top four seater's already exciting design. The striking front apron with large air dams and integrated fog lamps, the side skirts and the rear apron harmoniously blend into the overall design. At the rear, the oval-shaped chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system provide a visual highlight and emit an impressive V8 sound, thus emphasising the car's dynamic nature. The spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by more than 50 percent.
Exclusive leather interior and high-quality appointments
Sportiness and exclusivity are the predominant themes inside the CLK 55 AMG. AMG door sill panels, special AMG aluminium trim elements with chrome strips, an instrument cluster with white dials and the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel with manual-gearshift buttons create a unique ambience without compromising at all on practicality. The electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with multicontour function are heated and come with a choice of single-tone nappa leather appointments or a two-tone nappa/nubuck leather combination.
