US Debut of 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Scheduled For Chicago Auto Show
8 February 2000
North American Debut of 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Scheduled For Chicago Auto Show Fastest Production Mercedes-Benz Is Race-Bred and Street-Ready
CHICAGO, Feb. 7 -- Mercedes-Benz will debut a new limited-
production model, the 2001 CLK55 AMG, at the Chicago Auto Show. This high-
performance variant of the popular CLK coupe will become the fastest-ever
production car from Mercedes Benz when it goes on sale this fall. Modified
for Mercedes by AMG, the CLK55 will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in
just over five seconds. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will introduce the car
during its press conference on Wednesday, February 9 at 2:45 p.m. at their
exhibit in McCormick Place during press activities preceding the public
opening of the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 12-19.
CLK55 Safety Car -- The Only Formula One Car That's Never Passed!
Sharing the spotlight at the Chicago Show with the road-going CLK55 AMG is
a modified version of the car, which was the official Safety Car of the
Formula One racing circuit last year. Mercedes-Benz powered Mika Hakkinen to
his second straight F1 World Championship in 1999, and he will defend the
title on September 25 in Indianapolis when F1 racing returns to the U.S. this
year for the first time in nine years.
C-Class Special Edition for the Individualist
Further attesting to the auto company's unique ability to individualize
special cars for a wide range of discerning clients, Mercedes-Benz will also
debut special-edition versions of its popular C-Class sedan and SLK
coupe/roadster.
All C-Class Special Editions come in Brilliant Silver metallic (regularly
a $610 option) and unique black/gray leather upholstery with gray stitching
(normally $1,325 for single-tone). The package also includes a black/gray
leather sport steering wheel and shift knob, a glass sunroof, folding rear
seats, a power passenger seat, embossed stainless steel door sills, and
special floor mats.
The C-Class Special Editions also receive the Sport Package (normally
$900) which includes higher-rate springs, tauter shock absorbers, 7x16-inch
wheels, 205/55R-16 performance tires, telescopic steering column, leather
sport seats and special interior and exterior trim.
Additionally, the K2 package (normally $1,795) is included on C280 Special
Editions, combining the integrated StarTAC digital telephone and
six-disc CD changer. Ordinarily, a C-Class with all of these options would
add $4,000 - 5,000 to the price of the vehicle. However, the Special Edition
package costs $1,200 on the C230 Kompressor, and for the C280, the package
adds $1,600, representing a remarkable value on an already value-laden
automobile.
SLK limited edition - The Last Run for 2000
Celebrating a successful 2000 model year before the spring arrival of the 2001
SLK line, the limited edition SLK230 Kompressor will be produced in
special-order Obsidian Black metallic paint, with a combination
Oyster/Charcoal two-tone leather interior.
Features unique to the limited edition include six-spoke, 7.5x17-inch, EVO
II-design lightweight alloy wheels and 245/45R-17 tires; Oyster/Charcoal
leather shift knob; special badging and floor mats; and a commemorative key
chain. In addition, limited edition SLK230s will include the K2 package as
well (a digital StarTAC cellular telephone and an integrated CD changer for
the Bose audio system). Finishing the package, the exhaust is capped off by a
polished stainless steel tip. The entire package is a no-cost option --
roughly $4,200 worth of equipment for free, bringing even more value to the
affordable two-seater.
