World Premier of the New CLK-Class

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz at the 72nd Geneva Motor Show:

• Exciting coupé with top-flight design and technology
• Up to 27 hp more output with six percent lower fuel consumption
• New, high-performance V8 models CLK 500 and CLK 55 AMG
• New CLK 200 CGI with direct petrol injection and supercharger
• More extensive standard appointments with more than 2800 Euro added value
• Public premiere of the new A 210 EVOLUTION

Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long coupé tradition with an excitingly styled and technically sophisticated new model series at this year's Geneva Motor Show (March 7 to 17, 2002): the new CLK-Class. 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. This two-door car represents an autonomous model series within the Mercedes-Benz product range, and emphasises this role with a new design right down to the last detail, making for an appearance which is both ele-gant and dynamic. Pronounced stylistic features such as the uninterrupted line of "pillarless", fully retractable side windows, the louvred radiator grille typical of the brand with its central Mercedes star, the reinterpreted twin-headlamp face and the sweeping lines of the coupé roof underline the self-confident character of the new CLK-Class. Seven engines with outputs ranging from 163 hp to 367 hp With a newly developed suspension, more powerful engines and highly sophisticated optional equipment, the new Mercedes coupé offers a driving experience that is unique in this vehicle class. Mercedes customer have a choice between seven engines, three transmission variants, two design and equipment lines and numerous attractive colour combinations. Six of the seven engines are new or have been further developed, and generate up to 20 kW/27 hp more output and up to 15 percent more torque than previously. At the same time the fuel consumption of the CLK-Class models has been reduced by an average of six percent versus the preceding series. The CLK-Class range is headed by two V8 models whose performance figures match those of typical sports cars: the CLK 500 (225 kW/306 hp) and the CLK 55 AMG, whose further enhanced power unit now develops an impressive maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp. With these powerful engines the new CLK-Class Coupé accelerates to 100 km/h from rest in only 6.0 (CLK 500) or 5.2 (the CLK 55 AMG) seconds. Direct-injection petrol engine with 16 percent lower fuel consumption In addition, a new generation of four-cylinder engines is celebrating its premiere whose unique TWINPULSE system sets new standards in this displacement class in terms of output and torque characteristics, smooth running and fuel consumption. Two four-cylinder models are available: the CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR (120 kW/ 163 hp) with conventional fuel injection and the CLK 200 CGI (125 kW/170 hp) with direct petrol injection. The TWINPULSE system features a combination of different technologies which ensure a high level of driving pleasure together with a low fuel con-sumption and the smoothness of a six-cylinder engine: balancer shafts, supercharger, intercooler, variably adjustable camshafts and four-valve technology. In the new CGI engine Mercedes-Benz combines the TWINPULSE system with a pathfinding direct petrol injection system which reduces fuel con-sumption to just 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption). This is a reduction of approx. 16 percent versus the preceding model. The new CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR has a fuel consumption of 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption) and is therefore approx. 8.5 per-cent more economical than before. Mercedes-Benz has extended the range of six-cylinder models in the new CLK-Class with the well-proven 2.6-litre engine generating 125 kW/170 hp. The potent 3.2-litre V6 power unit (160 kW/218 hp) remains unchanged. A new entry in this coupé class is the powerful diesel model CLK 270 CDI, whose bonnet conceals an ultra-modern five-cylinder diesel engine with common-rail fuel injection. This has an output of 125 kW/170 hp and is one of the most economical engines in its class with a fuel consumption of only 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption). More rigid bodyshell, outstanding Cd value and exemplary safety Mercedes engineers have achieved further progress in the field of body-shell technology, particularly with respect to safety and aerodynamics. They have improved the torsional rigidity of the body by 40 percent while almost doubling the proportion of high-strength steel alloys, which ensure maximum strength with low weight. The Cd value of the new CLK-Class Coupé is just 0.28, a new benchmark in this vehicle class. The new Mer-cedes Coupé is equipped with the most up-to-date occupant protection systems as standard: adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, sidebags, windowbags, as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all the seats. For the first time the weight of the seat occupant is also taken into consideration when activating the two-stage front passenger airbag according to impact severity. Accordingly the CLK-Class completely reflects the practice-oriented Mercedes safety concept while passing the most stringent crash tests. The new CLK-Class Coupé is 71 millimetres longer, 18 millimetres wider and 42 millimetres higher than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been increased by 25 mm to 2715 millimetres. The occupants benefit from these larger dimensions with even greater spatial comfort: in terms of the distance between the seats, headroom, kneeroom, elbow room and shoulder width the interior of the new CLK-Class has literally gained in stature.