The 2007 Mercedes-Benz line of CLK coupes and cabriolets features two new V8-powered models – the CLK550 and the high-performance CLK63 AMG – as well as a new Sport package that sharpens both the appearance and performance of the V6-powered CLK350.
Replacing the 302-horsepower CLK500, the 2007-model CLK550 is powered by a new 5.5-litre V8 engine delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring four-valve-per-cylinder and variable valve timing, the new-generation V8 made its first appearance in the all-new 2007 S-Class. Available in both coupe and Cabriolet form, the new CLK550 provides 27 percent more power. .
AMG Racing Success Spawns High-Power Production Engine
Marking the debut of the first engine developed entirely by AMG, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Cabriolet replaces the CLK55 AMG and is one of five new Mercedes-Benz models powered by the new 6.2-litre V8, which produces 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. .
One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminium alloy, the new 6.2-litre features four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms), an 11.3-to 1 compression ratio and a variable intake manifold. .
A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. AMG engineers designed the 6.2-litre engine block with an especially rigid bedplate at the main bearings, cast-in steel reinforcements and a sturdy closed-deck layout beside the cylinder head. The engine shares no parts with Mercedes-Benz V8 engines. The new 6.2 AMG engine revs freely to more than 7,000 rpm, yet already produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at only 2,000 rpm. .
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, three-bar grille, and what appear to be four lights are actually two ellipses that form a single unit on each side. The CLK Cabriolet’s ability to carry four people and their luggage helps the car succeed in a market segment that has seen some other luxury Cabriolets disappear. .
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class offers five fun-to-drive 2007 Coupe and Cabriolet models in the Canadian market. The 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 new V8 in the CLK550 can accelerate the Coupe from 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 (Cabriolet 5.4) seconds.
With its hand-built AMG V8, 0-to-60-mph times for the limited-production CLK63 AMG Cabriolet are well under five seconds. The CLK63 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 its added performance, the CLK63 AMG has a sport suspension and more powerful compound brakes. .
High-End Luxury In Mid-Luxury Cabriolets And Coupes
All CLK models come with a stylishly sporty and well-appointed interior. The lines of the dashboard are complemented by its soft-touch surface, providing a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance.
The instrument panel uses an aesthetically pleasing mix of analog gauges and vertical LCD bar graphs for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature. .
When 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 digital dual-zone automatic climate control with a sun sensor to optimize air distribution. The 10-way adjustable power front seats are unique to the CLK line and automatically shift forward when the seatback is tipped forward to allow easier access to the rear seats. .
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 speedometre allows the driver to view the selected radio station, a personal phone book or navigation instructions when COMAND system with DVD navigation is installed. .
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 optional six-disc CD changer, leaving a lower shelf for personal items, and the centre console houses two cup-holders and a storage compartment. .
High-Tech Optional Features
Complete with a 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. .
COMAND display integrates controls for DVD-based navigation, the audio system and cellular telephone. Other 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 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 latest version of the patented five-link design used on all Mercedes cars. .
If any of the CLK’s air bags or seatbelt tensioners deploy, the optionalTele Aid system automatically 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 colour 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 18 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 17 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 17,567 vehicles in 2006, 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.
