Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a mid-size rear-wheel drive car (Coupe Leicht Kurz or Coupe/Light/Short). While it was based on the W202 and W203 platforms of the C-Class some styling cues were closer to that of the E-Class.

First generation (1996–2003; W208/A208)

The first-generation CLK was introduced in 1996, 3 years after the 1st generation (W202) C-ClaSS model.
Versions offered in the first generation were the CLK 200 (136 metric horsepowER(100 kW; 134 bhp)), CLK 200 Kompressor (163 metric horsepowER 120 kW; 161 bhp)), CLK 230 Kompressor (193 metric horsepower (142 kW; 190 bhp) and new motor with 197 metric horsepower (145 kW; 194 bhp)), CLK 320 (218 metric horsepower (160 kW; 215 bhp)), CLK 430 (279 metric horsepower (205 kW; 275 bhp)) and the CLK 55 AMG (372 metric horsepower (274 kW; 367 bhp)). All were available in both coupé and convertible form.
The CLK 320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 3.2 L V6 engine. The CLK GTR racing coupé appeared in 1998, powered by a 6.9 L V12 engine, along with the production of 25 road-going CLK GTRs. The CLK 320 Cabriolet and the 4.3 L V8-powered CLK 430 appeared in 1999. The high-performance CLK 55 AMG, which was introduced first in Europe in 2000, was powered by the "M113" 5.4 L V8 engine. The CLK 55 AMG cabriolet became available in 2002, the last year of this body style.
In late 1999 for the 2000 model year, a facelift was launched which incorporated, among others, a revised instrument cluster with a bigger multifunction display, steering wheel with controls for the multifunction display and radio, Tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers and new side skirts and side-view mirror-mounted turn signals

 Second generation (2002–2009; C209/A209)

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

• The CLK 270 CDI features a 2.7 L, 5 Cylinder engine and a five-speed tiptronic transmission.
• The CLK 320 features a 3.2 L, 18-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The CLK320 was replaced by the CLK350 for 2006.
• The CLK 350 features a 3.5 L, 24-valve dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
• The CLK 500 features a 5.0 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and, in 2005, a seven-speed automatic transmission was introduced. It received a new 5.5 L 32-valve DOHC V8 engine in 2007 (in America, it was called CLK 550 from 2007).

The CLK 55 AMG features a 5.4 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$69,900 for the coupé and US$87,000 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 6.2L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet, the CLK63 boasts 481 hp (354 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 Nm) of torque. Compared to its predecessor the CLK63 has 31% more power and 23% more torque. The CLK63 was used as the safety car in Formula One. It accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

The CLK63 AMG Black Series features a 6.2L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Only available in Coupé, the CLK 63 BS delivers 507 hp (373 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 Nm) of torque. It accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Other features include removed rear seats, an upgraded rear axle, and a fully adjustable suspension system.

In Europe there was also the CLK 200 K (1.8 R4), CLK 220 CDI (2.1 I4 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).

Each model seats four and in the US this includes an all-leather interior with burled walnut trim. For Europe the models are available as "Elegance" or "Avantgarde" versions, basically Luxury or Sport specification where the Elegance uses burled walnut trim and polished alloy wheels the Avantgarde uses alloy trim and wider, sportier wheels. The price and specification for European models is otherwise the same. The 4 cyl. cars wear 16" wheels While the CLK320, CLK350 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 US cars 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. European cars differ considerably and are usually down-specced depending on the buyer's needs.