Mercedes-Benz to Unveil New CLK Coupe at Geneva Show

STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 19 -- Mercedes-Benz will hold the world premiere of its new-generation CLK coupe during news media activities preceding the Geneva Auto Show, which is open to the public on March 7-17, 2002. Following a European launch this spring, the 2003-model CLK coupe is expected to go on sale in the U.S. late this summer. Initially, V6- and V8-powered coupes will be offered in the U.S. market, and a Cabriolet is likely to be added the following year.

The arrival of the sporty, fun-to-drive CLK coupe re-energized the coupe market when it was first offered in 1997. The agile, two-door CLK came to symbolize the multi-tasking young professionals who drove them, and the CLK went on to become one of the most successful model lines ever sold in the U.S.

CLK Now A Pillarless Coupe

The next-generation CLK coupe will feature an all-new ``pillarless'' body design with an uninterrupted line of frameless side windows. Its sleek, dynamic styling will also include a fresh variation of Mercedes' overlapping-oval headlights and a louvered grill incorporating the Mercedes star. The aerodynamic drag coefficient of the new CLK is an impressive 0.28 Cd -- a new benchmark in its class.

In comparison to its predecessor, the CLK body is about three inches (71mm) longer, 3/4 inch (18mm) wider and over 1-1/2 inches (42mm) higher. The wheelbase is also an inch longer, which results in noticeably more interior room.

Added Safety Technology

Mercedes engineers improved the torsional rigidity of the next CLK by 40 percent, in part by nearly doubling the amount of high-strength steel alloy used in its new body structure. The CLK coupe for 2003 will come with the most up-to-date safety systems as standard equipment, including adaptive front airbags, front/rear side airbags and curtain side airbags as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all the seats. For the first time ever, occupant weight will be factored in (as well as crash force) when the two-stage front passenger airbag is deployed. The pillarless hardtop coupe also comes with automatic seat belt feeders.

CLK Interior - A Quality Cocoon

Quality materials and attention to detail are immediately noticeable in the CLK interior. Classic analog dials are accented in chrome, while the dash, center console, door panels and seats are newly designed. The rear seats and backrests are asymmetrically divided, so that seating and cargo capacity can be varied, and folding both rear seats forward creates a nearly level cargo-loading surface.

Several innovative high-tech features are available in the new CLK for the first time, including Keyless Go, adaptive cruise control and bi-xenon headlights.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks in the U.S. Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, MBUSA employs approximately 1,500 people in 20 locations across the U.S. Through a nationwide network of over 300 dealers, Mercedes-Benz USA sold 206,638 vehicles in the U.S. during 2001, setting the highest sales volume in its history for the fifth year in a row.