Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Updated
5 October 1999
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Updated; CLK430 Cabriolet Model Added; Refinement, Elegance and Optional V8 Power Fill Out The 2000 CLK Family MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-CLASS UPDATED WITH MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT The CLK-Class enters 2000 with turn signal repeaters on side-view mirrors, new instrumentation and Touch Shift manual control for the automatic transmission. TeleAid emergency cellular contact and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also standard on all CLKs. CLK320 models (above) receive new body-color rocker panels and rear aprons and new 7-spoke alloy wheels, while CLK430s have new Black Hematite window trim and Black Birdseye Maple wood trim. (PRNewsFoto)[KC] MONTVALE, NJ USA 10/04/1999 MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 4 -- Not content to let the praised CLK
rest on its laurels, Mercedes-Benz has just introduced the 2000 model year CLK
family. Building on the foundation laid by the original CLK320 coupe,
Mercedes-Benz now offers a total of six CLK variants. The original CLK320
coupe returns with body and trim revisions, as does the CLK320 Cabriolet. The
CLK430 coupe is now coupled with the sporty and elegant CLK430 Cabriolet.
This V8-powered Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet makes for a very quick, agile, yet
truly luxurious Mercedes-Benz. Both CLK430 models are powered by the refined
and clean 275-hp, 4.3-liter V8 engine. In addition, two special designo
Editions with unique paint, interior upholstery and trim join the CLK lineup:
Slate Blue and Espresso.
(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991004/NYM005 )
A variety of design updates grace all 2000 CLK models, such as turn signal
repeaters on the side-view mirrors on the outside, plus a host of standard
equipment features. Among the improvements inside are a new instrument
cluster, Tele Aid emergency cellular contact, a multifunction steering wheel
and Touch Shift manual gear selection for the five-speed automatic
transmission. Mercedes' innovative COMAND system which centralizes control of
the audio, travel computer and navigation computer (and adds other features)
is optional. Also, Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) is now standard on
every CLK, as is free required maintenance for the standard warranty period.
Maintaining Grace
Among the specific appearance changes, CLK320 models gain new front and
rear aprons around the perimeter of the body in body color (1999 CLK320 models
had black aprons). All CLK320s also now receive new sculpted rocker panels
and protective side rub strips, both in body color. In addition, CLK320s now
have new-design, 7-spoke, 7x16-inch alloy wheels.
Mercedes-Benz gives all CLK430 models AMG-designed Sport aerodynamic
enhancements, plus new body-color door handles (without chrome), new Black
Hematite window trim, Black Birdseye Maple wood trim (in place of the previous
Burl Walnut), light gray gauges and blue tinted windows for 2000. In addition
to the 275-hp V8 engine, the CLK430 features a "staggered" tire setup with
AMG's thin-spoke Monoblock wheels at 7.5x17- and 8.5x17-inches front and rear.
Tires are wider and lower-profile on the rear, as well (225/45ZR17 in front
and 245/40ZR17 in the rear).
The CLK structure was designed from the beginning to accommodate coupe and
convertible bodies; the Cabriolet is not a coupe with the roof cut off. In
fact, except for modified doors on the Cabriolet, the two models share very
little structure and no body panels behind the A-pillars.
The CLK interior design is unique in the Mercedes-Benz line. In both
coupe and Cabriolet forms, it offers true four-place seating. Unlike some
luxury coupes, the Mercedes CLK is not a compromised "2+2." There is ample
leg, knee and shoulder room for two adult passengers in the rear seats. The
CLK features an Easy Entry system that makes it simple for rear-seat
passengers to get in and out of the car. The system uses the power seat
mechanisms to quickly move the front seats forward, and then return them to
their previously-set positions.
The spacious trunk in the CLK is nearly the same size as that in the
C-Class sedan. In addition, the standard 60/40 split folding seatback (coupes
only) expands carrying capacity. The CLK320 Cabriolet offers 9.5 cubic feet
of cargo space with the top up, and preserves 60 percent of that when the top
is lowered.
High-Performance, Low-Emission Engine Family
Each CLK model is powered by an aluminum powerplant using Mercedes-Benz'
twin-spark/three-valve-per-cylinder concept that set new standards of
performance, efficiency, smoothness and low emissions when introduced in 1998.
Developing 215 horsepower and 229 lbs.-ft. of torque from 3,000-4,600 rpm, the
trim CLK320 coupe can sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds C
performance on par with many V8s. The CLK430 coupe, meanwhile, can do the
same 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.1 seconds. Its 4.3-liter, 275-hp V8 sustains
295 lbs.-ft. of peak torque over a large plateau from 3,000-4,400 rpm, giving
the CLK430 tremendous midrange punch.
With both the Mercedes V6 and V8 engines, a dual-resonance intake manifold
helps maximize torque at all engine speeds. Below 3,700 rpm, flaps in the
intake manifold remain closed to direct air through a longer intake route,
which boosts torque and efficiency at lower engine speeds. At higher speeds,
the flaps open, allowing intake air to take a shortcut, which is a more direct
route to the cylinders for high-speed power.
Sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control
ensure progressive response to the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the
3.2-liter V6 employs a counter-rotating balance shaft to help it run with the
smoothness of a V8.
Both Mercedes V6 and V8 engines were designed with reduced operating costs
as a focus. The platinum-tipped sparkplugs are made to last 100,000 miles.
Just as significant, its Flexible Service System uses an oil quality sensor to
monitor actual wear in the engine oil to determine the optimal service
interval. The system can tell the difference, for example, between urban
driving and highway driving, and can even account for oil top-ups. An
instrument-panel indicator tells the driver when service is due. With FSS,
the minimum service interval has been extended to 10,000 miles (up from
7,500 miles), and some drivers may see as much as 20,000 miles between oil
changes.
A Transmission That Responds To Road and Driver
A significant advance in automatic transmission operation is now standard
on every CLK, and it comes from the groundbreaking new 2000 S-Class. Touch
Shift allows the driver to manually select all five gears by pushing the gear
lever slightly left to downshift or right to upshift, all while in the Drive
selector position. A gear indicator on the dash (below the tachometer) shows
what gear is selected. It isn't necessary to move the lever to another gate
or selector position to make manual gear changes. Also, though all five
forward gears of the transmission can be selected, computer control prevents
downshifts that would cause the engine to overrev.
Once the driver has used Touch Shift to manually select a gear, simply
pressing and holding the lever to the right returns it to fully automatic
Drive mode. The gear indicator on the dash will then indicate "D."
When not shifting manually, Mercedes' acclaimed electronic five-speed
automatic transmission not only adapts to changes in road grade (delaying
upshifts on ascents for climbing power and hastening downshifts on descents
for engine braking), but also to an individual's driving style while in fully
automatic mode. The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for
leisurely driving with smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver
who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the
transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration. In addition,
the Mercedes "Winter" switch remains next to the shift lever on the selector.
Winter mode engages second gear from a standstill and instructs the
transmission to upshift at lower engine speeds, enhancing traction in slick
conditions.
Sharp Responses, Smooth Manners
With the CLK, Mercedes-Benz once again proves that one car can deliver
both sports car handling and a smooth, luxurious ride. Making this balance
possible is a double wishbone front suspension and the renowned and patented
five-link independent rear suspension design used on many Mercedes passenger
cars. On the CLK320 models, sharp handling is further assured by new
seven-spoke 7x16-inch forged light-alloy wheels with 205/55R16 all-season
tires. A full-size spare tire is standard.
Standard-equipment full-range ASR traction control helps ensure safe
travel on slippery road surfaces. This sophisticated system detects when one
rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively applies the brake
to that wheel to restore traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR
will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle more quickly
than the driver can. Mercedes' acclaimed Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
is now standard on every CLK variant. ESP can help prevent slides and spins,
especially in slippery weather. ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and
prevent it by applying selective braking (braking one wheel) to keep the car
going where the driver points it.
New Tele Aid Contact Is Standard
The new Tele Aid system provides both convenience and emergency services
at the touch of a button through a special cellular connection. Tele Aid
offers three distinct services. For emergency help, an "SOS" button above the
rear-view mirror will immediately establish voice contact with Protection One
-- a provider contracted by Mercedes-Benz -- which can dispatch local police
or other emergency services. This also transmits crucial information
including the precise location of the vehicle (through GPS tracking), the
model of car and its color (to help emergency services locate the car
quickly). If a collision deploys any airbag, the system automatically
establishes contact with Protection One, relaying all pertinent information.
If voice contact is not established (e.g., the driver is unable to respond),
local emergency services can also be dispatched. The onboard transmitter is
crash-secure and has access to redundant antennae.
Tele Aid includes two other features for non-emergency use, both accessed
from inside the center console. One button marked with the symbol of a wrench
puts the client in contact with Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. Another
button marked with the letter "i" connects users with the Mercedes-Benz Client
Assistance Center, a facility that can answer questions about the car. For
example, the driver can request help with details on the audio system or
optional telephone. A fourth benefit of Tele Aid is vehicle theft tracking,
which can actually help authorities locate the car once the owner reports it
stolen. Tele Aid eliminates the need to dial a phone number, use a cellular
access code, juggle a handset or locate street names during an emergency.
Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to make emergency calling like this a
standard feature. Moreover, the standard Tele Aid system does not require
that the client purchase a cellular phone or service -- it operates on its own
cellular system.
First in Safety and Security
Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, having
pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, supplemental
restraint systems (SRS), anti-lock brakes and traction control. All
2000 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes,
dual front airbags and door-mounted side airbags.
In addition, all 2000 Mercedes-Benz models come equipped with Brake
Assist, the first system in the auto industry proven to reduce stopping
distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an
emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied and then,
with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could.
Combining ESP, ASR, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, a naturally well-balanced
chassis and the 5-speed automatic's "winter" mode, every CLK makes driving in
poor weather that much more secure.
The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, also standard on
all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, uses transponder technology to
deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a special
infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers).
For vehicle security, an electronic SmartKey is standard on many Mercedes
models, including the CLK-Class. Instead of the usual metal ignition key, the
driver inserts the end of the remote locking unit (key fob) into the "key"
slot and twists it. An infrared data exchange between the car and the remote
unit electronically unlocks steering column and a quick twist and release
engages the starter motor. For maximum security, the codes needed to unlock
and start the car are changed each time it is used.
Luxury Is Standard
All CLK models come equipped with a full complement of luxury features.
These include leather upholstery with fine wood trim, 10-way power front seats
with 3-position memory (includes outside mirrors), dual-zone automatic climate
control with dust/charcoal filtration, a Bose sound system, express-up and
-down power windows, dual heated power side-view mirrors, anti-theft alarm
system and an integrated garage door opener with "rolling code" technology for
added security.
All 2000 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty,
which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period.
Regularly scheduled maintenance during the vehicle's entire warranty period is
also now free of charge. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance program covers all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year. This
peace of mind can include a free jump-start, a few gallons of fuel or mounting
the spare tire, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.
