The C209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of grand tourers, produced between 2001 and 2009. There were two body styles available: a 2-door coupé (C209) and a 2-door convertible (A209). The latter being assembled at the Karmann plant in Osnabrück. It was also the last complete car made by Karmann before closing the facility.[4]
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.[10] Convertible models were originally manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved to Bremen, Germany in 2004.[11] The CLK Cabriolet was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.[12]
Equipment
Interior (facelift)
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.[13][14] Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification.[15]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 (0.6 in) lower ride height.[16]
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.[17][18] 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.[19]
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.[21] 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.[22] The road version features a supercharged 5,439 cc (5.4 L; 331.9 cu in) SOHC3 valves per cylinderV8 engine rated at 428 kW (582 PS; 574 bhp) at 7000 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) 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 (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.
CLK DTM AMG Coupé
CLK DTM AMG Convertible
CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007–2009)
CLK 63 AMG Black Series
The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMG coupé, 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 the M156 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 uses Pirelli 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 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.[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]
F1 safety car
CLK AMG 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.[31]
Model year changes
2004
Handling improvements in the form of modified axle bearings and more direct steering[32]
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[13]
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