New CLK350 Model Features Latest-Technology V6 Engine

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz line of CLK coupes and cabriolets sport a discreet facelift that features a new grille and redesigned taillights. In addition, the new CLK350 can be identified by a redesigned front apron and new wheels. Replacing the previous CLK320 models, the CLK350 coupe and cabriolet receive a seven-speed automatic transmission and are powered by a new-generation 268-horsepower V6 engine with double-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic tumble flaps and a two-stage intake manifold – all high-tech systems that work together to produce a broad power band and impressive fuel economy.

A New Safety Feature – Active Front Head Restraints

Active front head restraints represent a significant new safety feature for all 2006 CLK models. In a rear collision, an electronic control unit triggers the front head restraints to move forward more than 44 mm (1¾ inches) and upward by more than 30 mm (1 inch), helping to support the head and reduce whiplash injuries.

Seven-Speed Transmission

The new CLK350 model is equipped with the innovative Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission, which makes shifting even smoother, while simultaneously improving acceleration and fuel economy.

Using seven gear ratios allows individual gears to be spaced closer together, for shifting ease and to ensure that the engine runs in the heart of its power range more often. At the same time, the seven-speed provides a larger overall spread between the lowest and highest gear to provide the best combination of good acceleration and fuel economy. When the driver shifts down rapidly through the gears (kickdown), the seven-speed transmission does not always select the individual gears in strict order. Instead, the transmission will skip a particular gear if necessary, switching from seventh gear straight down to fifth, and even sixth to second skipping three gears at once The CLK500 was upgraded with the seven-speed automatic last year, and CLK55 AMG uses an AMG-modified five-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift control.

Breathtaking Design and Performance Define CLK-Class

The CLK line can be identified by a now-signature Mercedes coupe/roadster design that places the three-pointed star in the centre of a low, wide grille, and what appear to be four lights are actually two ellipses that form a single unit on each side. The original CLK Cabriolet’s ability to carry four people and their luggage helped the car succeed in a market segment that has since seen some other luxury cabriolets disappear. The current CLK is even roomier and more practical than its predecessor, adding rear headroom, elbow / hip room and knee room.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class offers five fun-to-drive coupe and cabriolet models in the Canadian market. The new CLK350 coupe and cabriolet are powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine which propels the car from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 (coupe) and 6.9 (cabriolet) seconds. The CLK500 uses a 302-hp, 5.0-litre V8 that can accelerate the coupe from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 (cabriolet 6.2) seconds.

The limited-production CLK55 AMG Cabriolet is powered by a 362-horsepower, 5.5-litre hand-built V8 engine that delivers even stronger performance. The CLK55 AMG runs on “staggered” wheels and tires, with 7½ x 18 wheels and 225 / 40 ZR 18 tires up front as well as 8½ x 18 wheels and 255 / 35 ZR 18 tires at the rear. To balance the added performance, the CLK55 AMG has a sport suspension and more powerful compound brakes.

High-End Luxury In Mid-Luxury Cabriolets And Coupes

The CLK interior is stylishly sporty and well-appointed. The instrument panel uses an aesthetically pleasing mix of analog gauges and vertical LCD bar graphs for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature.

The lines of the dashboard are complemented by its soft-touch surface, providing a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance. The interior design, exclusive to the CLK, is practical as well as inviting. For example, when the front occupants close their doors, an electric motor on each side extends an arm that holds the seat belt buckle, making it easier for the occupants to reach them. The belt presenters retract once the seat belts are buckled or after a pre-set time has passed. Standard luxury features include dual-zone climate control.

The 10-way adjustable power front seats are unique to the CLK-Class line and automatically shift forward when the seatback is tipped forward to allow easier access to the rear seats. An optional Harman/kardon LOGIC7 premium sound system takes high performance audio to a new level with seven-channel digital surround sound.

The CLK steering wheel is power-adjustable for tilt and reach. Rocker buttons on its spokes provide an easy and convenient way to control many of the car’s systems, and the display in the centre of the speedometer allows the driver to view the selected radio station or navigation instructions when COMAND system with DVD navigation is installed, and various other functions.

Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers and entrance lights add an extra layer of luxury that helps take some of the stress out of daily driving. The two-tiered glove box accommodates the six-disc CD changer, leaving a lower shelf for personal items, and the centre console houses a storage compartment.

High-Tech Features

Complete with an optional high-pressure water jet wash system, high-intensity bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination feature dynamic adjusters that change the beam angle in response to the car’s body movement, helping avoid glare for oncoming traffic.

The Available COMAND display integrates controls for DVD-based navigation, the audio system and cellular telephone. Other optional features, including Keyless-Go, iPod integration kit, ventilated seats, an electronic trunk closer and a wood/leather steering wheel, bring even more premium-level luxury to the CLK.

Thoroughbred Chassis

The fun-to-drive CLK-Class line uses a strut front suspension with split lower links, coil springs, twin-tube gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. Using two lower links (rather than one large control arm) can provide better energy absorption in a frontal impact. The rear suspension is the patented multi-link design used on all Mercedes cars.

Rack and pinion steering delivers precise, direct feel and response while providing an additional safety benefit – the steering rack is mounted on a deformable aluminium subframe so it doesn’t impede absorption of crash energy. The CLK also features speed-sensitive parameter steering, which provides ample power-steering assist for easier parking and low-speed maneuvers, then reduces the boost at speed for better road feel.

The CLK-Class features a full array of Mercedes-Benz active safety innovations such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS anti-lock brakes, ASR traction control, and Brake Assist. The latest Mercedes-Benz safety technology includes dual-stage front air bags, front side air bags and, on coupe models, window curtain air bags. Cabriolets are equipped with head/thorax side bags in the front.

Rate of deceleration determines the inflation rate of the dual-stage front air bags. The inflation rate of the front passenger air bag is further influenced by the passenger’s size, which is determined by sensors in the seat cushion. If an occupant in the front passenger seat is the less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the sensors automatically turn off the front passenger air bag.

If any of the CLK’s air bags or seatbelt tensioners deploy, the optional Tele Aid system, if activated, calls an emergency response centre over a dedicated cellular line with redundant antennas. If needed, emergency response can be summoned immediately, with full information on the car model and color as well as exact vehicle location (via GPS satellite transponders), for quick recognition by emergency services.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 900 people in 22 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 18 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 35 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 15,790 vehicles in 2005, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For more information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:

JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca

Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca