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| Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208/A208) | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
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| Production | |
| Assembly | |
| Designer |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Body style |
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| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm (105.9 in) |
| Length | 4,567 mm (179.8 in) |
| Width | 1,722 mm (67.8 in) |
| Height | 1,371–1,382 mm (54.0–54.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,375–1,755 kg (3,031–3,869 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C124/A124) |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209/A209) |
The208-series Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a two-doorgrand touring car. It has two variants, acoupé (C208) which was produced byMercedes-Benz inBremen from 1997 until 2002, and aconvertible (A208) which was assembled byKarmann inOsnabrück from 1998 until 2003.[5][6] Based upon the202-series C-Class launched three years prior, the 208 series replaced the two-door variants of theMercedes-Benz W124 and is the first generation of theCLK-Class. 233,367 coupés and 115,161 convertibles were produced, and it was succeeded by the209-series CLK-Class in 2002.[a][5][6]
In 1993, Mercedes presented theCoupé Concept at theGeneva Motor Show, a four-seater coupé with a four-headlamp front end similar to the 1995W210 E-Class.[5] The concept also featured a panoramic tinted-glass roof and a fastback rear, extending even further than on the CLK. The Coupé Concept was equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 powerplant, rated at 320 PS (316 hp; 235 kW) and 470 N⋅m (347 lb⋅ft) of torque.[7] Design patents for the Coupé Concept were filed on 25 February 1993 in Germany and 25 August 1993 in the US.[8][9]
The CLK introduced a new market niche for Mercedes-Benz. Although the C208 used components from the W210 and its aesthetics also based on it while also maintaining a specification level higher than the W210, it was in fact based on the less expensiveC-Class (W202) platform.
Three models were initially available: the CLK 200 powered by a four-cylinder engine, rated at 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp), the CLK 200 Kompressor powered by asupercharged variant of the four-cylinder engine rated at 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) and the CLK 230 Kompressor with the engine rated at 193–197 PS (142–145 kW; 190–194 hp).
The CLK 320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) 3.2 LV6 engine.
In late 1999 for the 2000 model year, the CLK range underwent a facelift which incorporated, among other changes, a revised instrument cluster with a bigger multifunction display, steering wheel with controls for the multifunction display and radio, a Tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers, new side skirts and wing mirror-mounted turn signal repeaters.[10] The CLK 430 Cabriolet, powered by a 4.3 L 279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp)M113 V8 engine was also introduced in the same year.
The high-performance CLK 55 AMG, which was introduced first in Europe in October 1999, is powered by the 5.4 L variant of the M113 V8 engine rated at 347 PS (255 kW; 342 hp); the model was manufactured from 1999, in both the coupé and cabriolet body styles.[11][12]
From 2000, Mercedes modified theM111 in-line four engine range, detuning the 200 Kompressor model from 192 to 163 PS as anEVO engine. Some of the improvements included a reinforced cylinder block, a new cylinder head, individual coil-on-plug ignition with new iridium-tipped spark plugs for longer replacement intervals, connecting rods and pistons capable of a higher compression ratio, dual oxygen sensors and replacement of theEaton M62 supercharger with theEaton M45 unit.[13]
The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated version of theM111 engine was discontinued, while both Kompressor models received a new six-speed manual transmission as standard, as well as aSequentronic six-speed manual transmission with sequential gear shift mechanism and an automatic clutch control.[3] The rest of the range retained a five-speed automatic transmission with Touchshift as standard.[10]
Pre-facelift styling
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Post-facelift styling
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| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)* | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 | M111.945 2.0 LI4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) | 190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft) | 10.1 s / 11.5 seconds 12 seconds / 12.5 seconds | 1997–2000 |
| CLK 200 Kompressor | M111.944 2.0 LsuperchargedI4 | 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) | 270 N⋅m (199 lbf⋅ft) | 8.4 seconds 9.1 seconds / 9.2 seconds | 1997–2000 |
| M111.956 2.0 LsuperchargedI4 | 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) | 230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) | 9.1 seconds / 9.5 seconds 9.9 seconds / 10.5 seconds | 2000–2002 | |
| CLK 230 Kompressor | M111.975 2.3 LsuperchargedI4 | 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) | 280 N⋅m (207 lbf⋅ft) | 8.4 seconds 8.8 seconds / 9.1 seconds | 1997–2000 |
| M111.982 2.3 LsuperchargedI4 | 197 PS (145 kW; 194 hp) | 280 N⋅m (207 lbf⋅ft) | 7.9 seconds 8.6 seconds / 8.7 seconds | 2000–2002 | |
| CLK 320 | M112.940 3.2 LV6 | 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) | 315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) | 7.4 seconds 8.3 seconds | 1997–2002 |
| CLK 430 | M113.943 4.3 LV8 | 279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp) | 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) | 6.4 seconds 7.4 seconds | 1998–2003 |
| CLK 55 AMG | M113.984 5.4V8 | 347 PS (255 kW; 342 hp) | 510 N⋅m (376 lbf⋅ft) | 5.4 seconds 6.2 seconds | 1999–2002 |
*Acceleration times are for manual/automatic gearbox coupé (above) and for manual/automatic gearbox cabriolet (below).
The CLK 200 Kompressor model option was an export version for some European markets like Italy, Greece and Portugal for tax reasons as cars with higher than 2.0-litre of engine displacement were subject to higher rates of tax.[14] In 2000 the engine was refreshed and updated but detuned with a new supercharger.[13]
In the United States, the CLK 430 could be equipped with a "Sport Package," which gave it the external styling of the more powerful CLK 55 AMG and equipped it with the same wheels and tires as its AMG counterpart (see section "CLK 55 AMG"). This allowed it to reach up to 0.83G's of lateral acceleration, and 66.5 mph (107.0 km/h) on the slalom run.
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The CLK 55 AMG is powered by a hand-assembled 5.4-litre V8 engine with a forged steel crankshaft, forged, weight-matched connecting rods and pistons, lightweight AMG-specific chain-driven single overhead camshaft (one cam per cylinder bank) with two intake and one exhaust valves per cylinder, as well as 8 coil packs and 16 spark plugs (two spark plugs per cylinder). Its bore and stroke are 97 mm × 92 mm. The 'dual-resonance' intake manifold with tuned runners helps optimize torque and power output by taking advantage of what Mercedes calls 'resonant frequencies'. The engine has a high compression ratio of 10.5:1. These technologies help the engine produce 347 PS (255 kW; 342 hp) and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) of torque.
The five-speed automatic transmission (722.6) is fully adaptive and electronically controlled and is a stronger unit than that of the contemporary CLK 430. Also, a larger four-bolt driveshaft, measuring four inches in diameter, connects to a reinforced rear differential to keep all the extra power under control. The car is equipped with traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard which assist with stability.
The car is based on the standard CLK chassis and provides some special undercarriage components not found on the standard CLK. The four-wheel independent suspension is basically the same as the base CLK models, but AMG fitted higher-rated springs, tighter shock valving, larger diameter anti-roll bars and stiffer suspension bushings. The resulting firmer, more controlled ride is made even tighter by its high-performance ZR-rated low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. The brakes received enhancements as well. The large four-wheel discs are thicker than the other CLKs, and the rear discs are specially vented to enhance cooling. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, while Brake Assist applies full braking force in emergency situations for quicker stopping power than a human driver. The wheels are special AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, measuring 7.5" at the front and 8.5" at the rear.
TheMaster Edition was a 2001 limited edition of the coupé variant of the CLK. It was inspired by the AMG-prepared race car that participated in theDeutsche Tourenwagen Masters championship under the factoryD2 AMG-Mercedes team. During the2000 season,Bernd Schneider won six races and secured both driver's and team's championship. He then repeated this feat a year later in2001 season.[15]
The model was based on the "Avantgarde" trim with AMG-specific upgrades, including leather sports steering wheel, AMG-badged door sills, gearshift lever and floor mats with the inscription of the edition. On the exterior. front fenders included the "Master Edition" script, 17-inch light-alloy wheels designed by AMG, specific exhaust pipes with an AMG cover and a full AMG bodykit with front and rear aprons as well as the side sill panels, similar to the CLK 55 AMG.[16]
Most engine options were available for the new special model: the 2.0 or 2.3-litre Kompressor, the 3.2-litre V6 and the 4.3 litre V8. Portugal was assigned only 30 units of the edition.[17]
When the CLK Cabriolet was nearing it's replacement by the new C209 generation, Mercedes marketed an end of production limited edition called theFinal Edition. Exterior features included optional Cubanite silver gray metallic paint, 17-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels, chrome trim and "Final Edition" script on the front fenders. The interior was finished with Gray Nappa/Alcantara upholstery, wood and leather steering wheel, decorative elements in burr walnut, chrome details and floor mats with "Final Edition" script. This edition was available as a 200 or 230 Kompressor, 320 V6 or 430 V8.[18]
A specially modified version of the CLK 55 AMG was used during the1997 F1 season and1998 F1 Season as asafety car.[19] It pre-dated the production version of the CLK 55 AMG available to customers by two years.[20]
Mercedes used the instrumentation, front grille and the four headlamps for its purpose-builtV12 poweredmid-engine race car called theMercedes-Benz CLK-GTR developed for the1997 FIA GT Championship. Production of the required 25 road cars began in winter of 1998 and finished in the summer of 1999.
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TheMercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK developed for the2000 DTM season.
A CLK 55 AMG also served as the base for the further modified race car built by AMG for theTarga Tasmania rally in 2001.[21]
The following are production figures for the C208/A208 CLK:[22][23]
| Model | Coupé | Cabriolet |
|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 | 45,890 | 9,077 |
| CLK 200 Kompressor | 40,642 | 15,560 |
| CLK 230 Kompressor | 52,034 | 23,844 |
| CLK 320 | 68,778 | 44,781 |
| CLK 430 | 22,660 | 20,467 |
| CLK 55 AMG | 3,381 | 1,432 |
| Total | 233,367 | 115,161 |
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The following are the sales figures in Europe and in the United States:[24][25]
| Year | EU total | US total |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 16,708 | 1,236 |
| 1998 | 41,941 | 11,622 |
| 1999 | 57,880 | 16,714 |
| 2000 | 54,476 | 17,796 |
| 2001 | 37,377 | 19,423 |
| 2002 | 35,777 | 17,251 |
| Total: | 244,159 | 84,042 |
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