| Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209/A209) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2001–2007)Daimler AG (2007–2009) |
| Production | |
| Assembly | |
| Designer | Gorden Wagener |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
| Length | 4,638–4,652 mm (182.6–183.1 in) |
| Width | 1,740 mm (68.5 in) |
| Height | 1,400–1,415 mm (55.1–55.7 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,540–1,875 kg (3,395–4,134 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208/A208) |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207) |
TheC209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of theMercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of grand tourers, produced between 2001 and 2009. There were two body styles available: a 2-doorcoupé (C209) and a 2-doorconvertible (A209). The latter being assembled at theKarmann plant inOsnabrück. It was also the last complete car made by Karmann before closing the facility.[4]
It was replaced by theMercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010.[5]
The C209/A209 CLK is based on theMercedes W203 C-Class platform, and usesrack-and-pinion steering, instead of therecirculating ball design from the previous generation.[6] It also uses athree-link front suspension, and aluminium rearmulti-link suspension.[6] Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider, and 28 mm (1.1 in) taller.[7]
At introduction, a 3.2-litreV6, 5.0-litreV8, 5.4-litreV8, and 2.7Linline-5diesel engine were available, which were all replaced by 2006.[8]
The production version CLK was unveiled at the2002 Geneva Motor Show.[9] Unlike the previous generation CLK, the C209 CLK Coupé features apillarless design with noB pillar between the front and rear side windows.
Convertible CLK models feature a three-layered electricsoft top, that can be operated via the keyfob or at speeds up to 8 km/h (5 mph) in 20 seconds.[10] Convertible models were originally manufactured byKarmann inOsnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved toBremen,Germany in 2004.[11] The CLK Cabriolet was unveiled at the2003 Geneva Motor Show.[12]
Standard equipment includesantilock brakes,electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.[13][14] Models were also offered inElegance andAvantgarde specification.[15]Elegance models feature green-tinted glass, a grey coloured grille, 7-spoke polished 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim, whileAvantgarde models featured blue-tinted glass, a black coloured grille, 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, as well as stiffer springs, thickeranti-roll bars, and a 15 mm (0.6 in) lower ride height.[16]
In 2005, a Sports edition, based on theAvantgarde specification, was introduced and featured six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, and bi-xenon headlights.[17][18] An AMG Sports package was also available, featuring a restyled front bumper, a spoiler lip on the boot, and 18-inch wheels. TheElegance andAvantgarde models were also updated, now featuring nine-spoke 16-inch wheels, and five spoke 17-inch wheels respectively.[19]
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 Kompressor | 2002–2006 | M271 E18 ML 1.8 L superchargedI4 | 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | 9.9 s |
| 2007–2010 | 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm | 9.1 s (8.8 s manual) | ||
| CLK 200 CGI | 2003–2005 | M271 DE18 ML 1.8 L supercharged GDII4 | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 5,300 rpm | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm | 9.2 s |
| CLK 240 | 2002–2005 | M112 E26 2.6 LV6 | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm | 9.5 s |
| CLK 280 | 2005–2010 | M272 E30 3.0 LV6 | 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | 7.4 s |
| CLK 320 | 2002–2005 | M112 E32 3.2 LV6 | 165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) at 5,700 rpm | 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–4,600 rpm | 7.9 s |
| CLK 350 | 2005–2010 | M272 E35 3.5 LV6 | 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–5,000 rpm | 6.2 s |
| CLK 500 | 2002–2006 | M113 E50 5.0 LV8 | 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) at 2,700–4,250 rpm | 5.7 s[20] |
| CLK 550* | 2007–2010 | M273 E55 5.5 LV8 | 285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) at 2,800–4,800 rpm | 5.2 s |
| CLK 55 AMG | 2002–2006 | M113 E55 5.4 LV8 | 270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 5.2 s |
| CLK DTM AMG | 2004-2006 | M113k 5.4 L SuperchargedV8 | 428 kW (582 PS; 574 hp) at 6,100 rpm at 7,000 rpm | 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm | 3.9 s |
| CLK 63 AMG | 2006–2010 | M156 E62 6.2 LV8 | 354 kW (481 PS; 474 hp) at 6,800 rpm | 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm | 4.6-4.5 s |
| CLK 63 AMG Black Series | 2007–2009 | M156 E62 6.2 LV8 | 373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp) at 7,200 rpm | 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,250 rpm | 4.3-4.1 s |
*Note: CLK 550 was still marketed as CLK 500 in most markets.
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 220 CDI | 2005–2009 | OM646 DE22 2.1 LI4 | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 4,200 rpm | 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 10.4 s (10.2 s manual) |
| CLK 270 CDI | 2002–2005 | OM612 DE27 2.7 LI5 | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 4,200 rpm | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,800–2,600 rpm | 9.4 s |
| CLK 320 CDI | 2005–2010 | OM642 DE30 3.0 LV6 | 165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) at 3,800 rpm | 510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) at 1,400 rpm | 6.4 s (6.9 s manual) |
The CLK DTM AMG is a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, built to celebratethe racing version of the CLK winning the 2003German Touring Car Championship (DTM) season.[21] Only 100coupés and 80convertibles were built for the European market only, with the coupé version produced for the 2004 model year, and theconvertible version made for the 2006 model year.[22] The road version features asupercharged 5,439 cc (5.4 L; 331.9 cu in)SOHC3 valves percylinderV8 engine rated at 428 kW (582 PS; 574 bhp) at 7000rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm oftorque, with power sent through a5G-Tronic automatic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).[23] Weighing 1,742 kg (3,840 lb), the CLK DTM AMG goes from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.9 seconds.
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The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMGcoupé, produced between 2007 and 2009.[24] 500 examples were produced in total, with 349 headed to the United States and only 120 examples built with right-hand drive. It is powered by theM156 6.2 L (6,208 cc)V8, producing 500 bhp (507 PS; 373 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. It usesPirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes'SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission.[25][26] Additional features also include a manually adjustable suspension system designed and manufactured byKW, alimited-slip differential, larger airintakes,bucket seats, 19-inchalloy wheels, aspoiler,diffuser, and widerfenders made ofcarbon fibre.[27][28] The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight,[29] and the top speed has been increased to 300 km/h (186 mph).[30]
In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as anF1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as an F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.[31]
A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:
The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:[38][39]
| Year | EU total | US total |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 35,777 | 17,251 |
| 2003 | 54,305 | 19,230 |
| 2004 | 47,690 | 22,556 |
| 2005 | 34,601 | 18,227 |
| 2006 | 27,547 | 16,415 |
| 2007 | 22,117 | 15,009 |
| 2008 | 14,520 | 10,844 |
| 2009 | 8,416 | 7,150 |
| 2010 | 221 | 585 |
| Total: | 245,194 | 127,627 |
TheMercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that raced from2002 DTM season and won the2003 DTM season.
