Mercedes-Benz New V6 Engines

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Improved design and technology

• Extensive model update includes three new V6 engines
• CLK 280 and CLK 350 V6 models offer up to 36 per cent more output
• Six-cylinder diesel engine for coupe and cabriolet
• New coupe version of the CLK 220 CDI
• Sport Packages for even more dynamic driving enjoyment

For many years now, the letters CLK have been synonymous with fascinating coupe design and open-air cabriolet driving pleasure. The second generation of the CLK-Class has thrilled more than 200,000 motorists worldwide since it was launched in May 2002 as a coupe. A cabriolet version followed a year later. Pronounced stylistic features � such as the uninterrupted line of frameless, fully retractable side windows, the brand-typical louvered radiator grille with its central Mercedes star, the twin-headlamp face and the sweeping lines of the coupe roof � underline the self-confident character of the new CLK-Class and lend it its unmistakable character.

Beginning in early summer 2005, three all-new six-cylinder engines will make the CLK-Class even sportier and more powerful. The new CLK 350 with seven-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment (200 kW/272 hp) will succeed the CLK 320, and offer 25 per cent more output and around 13 per cent higher torque. Another new model is the CLK 280, whose 170 kW/231 hp V6 engine is 36 per cent more powerful than its predecessor, the CLK 240, while torque has been boosted by 25 per cent.

Diesel fans will also find more driving pleasure and dynamic performance in the CLK-Class in future, thanks to the new CLK 320 CDI with state-of-the-art direct diesel injection. The model’s engine output (165 kW/224 hp) and torque (510 Nm with 7G-TRONIC) are extremely impressive, as is the combined fuel efficiency of 7.5 to 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres (coupe; with six-speed transmission: 7.2 to 7.3 l per 100 km). Mercedes-Benz is also offering this state-of-the-art engine in the CLK cabriolet for the first time.

In future, the tried and tested four-cylinder diesel delivering 110 kW/150 hp will be available in the CLK coupe as well. This engine consumes only 6.4 to 6.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz will equip CLK-Class diesel models with particulate filters as standard equipment in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

And beginning in June 2005, Mercedes-Benz will be expanding the comprehensive range of standard safety features in all CLK models by introducing the all-new, crash-active NECK-PRO headrest. Other standard CLK safety features will include an automatic tyre pressure loss warning system and ISOFIX child seat mounts. As an option, customers can also purchase bi-xenon headlamps with an active cornering function.

Dynamic look: Redesigned front end and light alloy wheels

The outward appearance of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class also expresses the increased power of the extensively upgraded coupe and cabriolet. The redesigned front bumpers with their striking wedge shape and larger air intakes create a more dominant look, as does the modified radiator grille with three instead of the previously four louvers. The vehicle front ends now highlight the character of the two equipment lines as well: For example, the radiator grille louvers are in silver in the ELEGANCE line and black in the AVANTGARDE line.

This differentiation is continued along the sides of the vehicle models: In future, the CLK’s AVANTGARDE equipment line will feature 17-inch five-double-spoke light alloy wheels as standard, while the ELEGANCE line will stand out by virtue of its nine-spoke light alloy wheels (16 inch) in sterling silver. Tyres:

• AVANTGARDE:
  225/45 R 17 (front), 245/40 R 17 (rear)
• ELEGANCE:
  205/55 R 16 (front), 225/50 R 16 (rear) for CLK 220 CDI, CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, and CLK 280; 225/45 R 17 (front), 245/40 R 17 (rear) for the CLK 320 CDI, CLK 350, CLK 500

Redesigned brilliant tail lamps with a stronger horizontal division further support the powerful formal language of the CLK-Class. The cover plates in the AVANTGARDE equipment line are also dark-tinted.

Top quality down to the last detail: New colour and material concept for the interior

With their traditional attention to detail, the Mercedes designers have not only upgraded the CLK’s interior but also ensured that the various equipment lines have become even more distinct. The AVANTGARDE line vehicles, for example, are equipped with new black seat coverings as standard, with these consisting of a combination of fabric and ARTICO imitation leather. Alternatively, an all-new leather design is available as an option, whereby the seats, door centre panels and rear side panels feature contrasting colours in combinations of basalt grey, stone beige, tundra brown, flamenco red, and cappuccino brown. Mercedes customers can also choose ash wood trim in the AVANTGARDE line as an option instead of the standard aluminium trim. The interior roof lining in the AVANTGARDE line is black.

Also new is the AVANTGARDE line’s instrument panel, which stands out thanks to a matte aluminium faceplate, white dials with special lettering and chrome rings for the round gauges.

The colour and material design of the ELEGANCE line has also been comprehensively updated, with the interior’s discreet elegance accentuated by a new fabric design in black or basalt grey, new optional leather coverings in black, basalt grey or stone beige, and new decorative wood trim made of ash. In addition, the leather coverings in both equipment lines have been given a new grain that lends them a high-quality and soft character.

Even more dynamism available ex-works: Sports Packages with an extensive range of equipment

Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the wish of many drivers for even more sporty touches by introducing two new equipment packages that include not only visual features but also technical modifications that provide even better driving dynamics. The Sport Package for CLK-Class coupes and cabriolets, for example, not only includes 18-inch light alloy wheels in multi-spoke design, 225/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) broad tyres, chrome exhaust pipe covers and an exhaust system with a sporty sound for the four and six-cylinder petrol models, but also perforated brake disks, brake callipers adorned with Mercedes lettering, and a sport chassis that has helped to lower the bodyshell by 15 millimetres.

The Sport Package also provides for a sporty upgrade of the interior, with multi-contour front seats for even better occupant lateral stability, steering-wheel shift buttons (for models with automatic transmission), aluminium sport pedals and velour floor mats with a silver lining.

Mercedes customers who opt for the Sport Package AMG will enjoy additional features such as AMG styling with a redesigned front apron, an AMG spoiler edge on the boot cover, chrome AMG dual tailpipes and floor mats embroidered with the AMG logo. The Sport Package AMG also includes 18-inch, five-spoke light alloy wheels painted in sterling silver, with 225/40 R 18 (front), and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK 220 CDI:
Powerful acceleration, economical and quiet

• CLK coupe now with four-cylinder diesel engine
• Fuel consumption of only 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres
• Balancer shafts and twin pilot injection for smooth running

The CLK 220 CDI is a new addition to the CLK coupe range. Its modern direct-injection diesel engine has an output of 110 kW/150 hp and exemplary fuel consumption of just 6.4 to 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres (combined consumption). This gives it a range of over 950 kilometres on one tank of fuel.

Like Mercedes-Benz' six-cylinder diesel engines and its new V8 diesel unit, the four-cylinder engine in the CLK 220 CDI is fitted with a VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbocharger featuring guide blades with electrically variable pitch. This makes the charging process more dynamic and precise, accelerating the generation of boost pressure at low rpm and thereby providing a significant increase in engine power. Seven-hole injection nozzles provide for even finer fuel distribution in the combustion chambers as well as enhanced mixture formation, which has a favourable impact on the engine's exhaust emissions.

The common-rail system operates at a peak pressure of 1,600 bar, which is continuously available, even at low rpm. In order to reduce engine vibrations even further, Mercedes-Benz has fitted the four-cylinder diesel unit with balancer shafts. These rotate in opposite directions to one another and at twice the speed of the crankshaft. In so doing, they compensate for the inherent inertia forces that are generated as the pistons move and which can lead to irritating vibrations. In addition to achieving a substantial reduction in such vibrations, this system also significantly lowers engine noise, both of which result in a considerable increase in driving comfort.

At the same time, twin pilot injection also helps ensure exceptionally smooth running. Just a few milliseconds before actual fuel injection, two small amounts of diesel are injected into the cylinders one after the other. This fuel ignites, thus preheating the combustion chamber, which in turn reduces combustion noise following the principal fuel injection phase.

In Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland, the CLK 200 CDI is fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK 220 CDI Coupe

*Combined

The Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI:
Cabriolet now also available for the first time with V6 diesel engine

• Powerful V6 engine for dynamic coupe and cabriolet driving
• Maximum 510 newtonmetres of torque and fuel consumption of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres

The new CLK 320 CDI cabriolet is the first ever open-top diesel model from Mercedes-Benz.

With an output of 165 kW/224 hp, the new six-cylinder engine � which is also available for the CLK coupe � is one of the most powerful passenger car V6 diesel engines available in this displacement class and also delivers � in combination with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission (optional extra) � a highly impressive torque of 510 newtonmetres from engine speeds of as low as 1,600 rpm upwards. This accelerates the coupe model of the CLK 320 CDI from zero to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds (cabriolet: 7.2 seconds) and powers it to a maximum speed of 250 km/h (cabriolet: 246 km/h). Equally impressive is a combined fuel consumption of a mere 7.2–7.7 litres per 100 kilometres (cabriolet: 7.8–8.0 l/100 km).

The six-cylinder engine is fitted with common rail direct-injection technology of the third generation. In this system, the injectors, high-pressure pump and electronic valve timing all operate more efficiently, which in turn further reduces fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and combustion noise. In place of the solenoid valves formerly used, the injectors are now fitted with piezoceramics. These exploit an effect discovered in 1880 by the brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie, whereby the application of a voltage to the ceramic material causes it to alter its crystalline structure in a matter of microseconds. As a result, the specially designed valve needles at the tips of the injectors lift with a precision of just a few thousands of a millimetre, thereby ensuring an extremely fine distribution of the fuel injected into the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the piezoelectric valve needles are not only lighter but also have a response time of only 0.1 milliseconds and therefore operate at twice the speed of conventional solenoid valves.

The V6 is aspirated by means of a VNT � Variable Nozzle Turbine � turbocharger, connected up to an intercooler, which reduces the temperature of the compressed and heated air to around 95 °Celsius, with the result that a larger volume of air can be fed into each combustion chamber. In addition, installed downstream from the intercooler is an electrically adjusted butterfly valve, which is used to throttle the V6 engine when the exhaust gas recirculation is active. This valve enables the amount and mixture of the exhaust gas added to the combustion air to be controlled with extreme precision. Before being added to the combustion air, this exhaust gas is also cooled in a heat exchanger.

At the same time, an electrically controlled system in the charge-air manifold progressively reduces the cross-section of the intake port for each cylinder. This alters the swirl of the combustion air, thereby ensuring that the optimum tumble � for both combustion and exhaust emissions � is achieved in each cylinder, at every engine load and speed.

Two oxidising catalytic converters and a large main catalytic converter purify the exhaust gases of the new Mercedes diesel engine, with the result that it also meets the stringent EU 4 limits. Moreover, in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland, the CLK 320 CDI is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter system as standard, which reduces particulate emissions even further.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI

*Available from October 2005; **with 7G-TRONIC; ***Combined.
The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.