Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)

Development and launch

The C209/A209 CLK is based on the Mercedes W203 C-Class platform, and uses rack-and-pinion steering, instead of the recirculating ball design from the previous generation. It also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 61 mm longer, 18 mm wider, and 28 mm taller.

At introduction, a 3.2-litre V6, 5.0-litre V8, 5.4-litre V8, and 2.7L inline-5 diesel engine were available, which were all replaced by 2006.

Body styles

File:Mercedes-Benz CLK200 Kompressor rear.jpg|C209 coupé (Japan) File:2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Elegance Automatic 3.2 Rear.jpg|A209 convertible (United Kingdom)

Coupé (C209)

The production version CLK was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the previous generation CLK, the C209 CLK Coupé features a pillarless design with no B pillar between the front and rear side windows.

Convertible (A209)

Convertible CLK models feature a three-layered electric soft top, that can be operated via the keyfob or at speeds up to 8 km/h (5 mph) in 20 seconds. Convertible models were originally manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved to Bremen, Germany in 2004. The CLK Cabriolet was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.{{Cite web|url=https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/6---16-March-2003.xhtml?oid=4913308|title= Geneva Motor Show: world premiere for CLK Convertible|website=mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com|access-date=3 December 2023}}

Equipment

Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control. Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification. Elegance models feature green-tinted glass, a grey coloured grille, 7-spoke polished 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim, while Avantgarde models featured blue-tinted glass, a black coloured grille, 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, as well as stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and a 15 mm lower ride height.

In 2005, a Sports edition, based on the Avantgarde specification, was introduced and featured six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, and bi-xenon headlights. An AMG Sports package was also available, featuring a restyled front bumper, a spoiler lip on the boot, and 18-inch wheels. The Elegance and Avantgarde models were also updated, now featuring nine-spoke 16-inch wheels, and five spoke 17-inch wheels respectively.

Models

Petrol engines

*Note: CLK 550 was still marketed as CLK 500 in most markets.

Diesel engines

Special models

CLK DTM AMG (2004–2006)

The CLK DTM AMG is a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, built to celebrate the racing version of the CLK winning the 2003 German Touring Car Championship (DTM) season. Only 100 coupés and 80 convertibles were built for the European market only, with the coupé version produced for the 2004 model year, and the convertible version made for the 2006 model year. The road version features a supercharged 5439 cc SOHC 3 valves per cylinder V8 engine rated at 428 kW at 7000 rpm and 800 Nm at 3500 rpm of torque, with power sent through a 5G-Tronic automatic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of 322 km/h. Weighing 1,742 kg, the CLK DTM AMG goes from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Coupé.jpg|CLK DTM AMG Coupé Mercedes CLK DTM C209 3.jpg|CLK DTM AMG Convertible

CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007–2009)

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMG coupé, produced between 2007 and 2009. 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 the M156 6208 cc V8, producing 500 bhp at 6,800 rpm and 630 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. It uses Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes' SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission. Additional features also include a manually adjustable suspension system designed and manufactured by KW, a limited-slip differential, larger air intakes, bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler, diffuser, and wider fenders made of carbon fibre. The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight, and the top speed has been increased to 300 km/h.

F1 safety car

In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as an F1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as an F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

Model year changes

2004

• Handling improvements in the form of modified axle bearings and more direct steering

2005 facelift

A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:

• Exterior design changes including: redesigned front and rear bumpers, grille with three louvres instead of four, and restyled taillights
• COMAND 2.0 upgraded to DVD-based COMAND-APS system, introducing iPod integration
• Updated center console with improved layout and switches
• New 7G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the old 5G-Tronic system
• The CLK 240, CLK 320, and CLK 55 AMG are replaced by newer models

2007

• Introduction of CLK 550 and CLK 63 AMG models
• Introduction of Sports and AMG Sports package

Sales figures

The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:

Motorsports

Main article: Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM

The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that raced from 2002 DTM season and won the 2003 DTM season.

References

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