Mercedes-Benz New V6 Engines

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz CLK 280

Substantially enhanced performance and torque

• New 170 kW/231 hp V6 engine for coupe and cabriolet
• Enhanced performance with equally favourable fuel economy

The new CLK 280 delivers around 36 per cent more power and 25 per cent more torque than its predecessor, the CLK 240, which translates directly into a substantially improved performance. The CLK 280 coupe accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds (cabriolet: 7.7 seconds) to reach a top speed of 250 km/h � an improvement on its predecessor of 1.8 seconds and 14 km/h respectively. Nevertheless, combined fuel consumption has fallen by as much as 1.4 litres per 100 kilometres, with the new CLK 280 coupe consuming 9.2–9.6 litres per 100 kilometres (cabriolet: 9.5–9.9 l/100 km).

The newly developed V6 engine, which is available for both the coupe and cabriolet models of the CLK class, delivers an output of 170 kW/231 hp and generates a torque of 300 newtonmetres at engine speeds of 2,500 rpm upwards. The engine comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard; the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is also available as an optional extra.

When developing the new V6 engine, Mercedes engineers placed an equal priority on each of the following criteria: output, torque, fuel consumption, comfort and exhaust emissions. In so doing, they were able to come up with innovations that have a positive impact across a range of fields rather than merely responding to individual problems.

While the use of 24 valves (four per cylinder) in combination with four overhead camshafts already offers a very solid foundation for the engine's exceptional power, Mercedes engineers went one step further and developed a system that enables the interplay of the 24 valves to be controlled as required � in line with the exact engine load, thereby ensuring an exceptionally fast charge changing process in the cylinders: a stepless, continuously variable camshaft adjustment. Thanks to this new system, the angle of the two intake and the two exhaust camshafts can be continuously adjusted by up to 40 degrees, so that the valves are opened and closed at the most favourable time according to engine load.

Alongside this fourfold, stepless camshaft adjustment, a number of other improvements also contribute to the exemplary performance characteristic of the new V6 engine. These include intake ports designed for optimum flow and throughput, which are fitted with innovative tumble flaps; specially developed valves which, thanks to a shaft diameter of only six millimetres, have only a minimal impact on the flow in the intake ducts; compact combustion chambers to ensure high compression (10.7) and high efficiency; and a newly developed two-step controllable intake manifold.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 280

*With 7G-TRONIC; **Combined.
The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 350:
The performance of a sports car

• 350 newtonmetres of torque between 2,400 and 5,000 rpm
• From zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds
• Seven-speed automatic transmission as standard

With an output of 200 kW/272 hp and 350 newtonmetres of torque, the Mercedes six-cylinder unit in the new CLK 350 is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class. Maximum torque is available at an engine speed of just 2,400 rpm and remains constant across a wide range up to 5,000 rpm. This provides the powerful acceleration typical of a sports car and enables the rapid sprints required when overtaking. Equipped with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, the 350 CLK coupe accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds (cabriolet: 6.7 seconds) and from 60 to 120 km/h in 6.2 seconds (cabriolet: 6.5 seconds).

Variable and continuous adjustment of both the intake and exhaust camshafts reduces fuel consumption under partial load, while ensuring an optimal supply of fresh combustion gas to the combustion chambers at high engine loads. With the help of sophisticated airflow simulations, Mercedes engineers have also configured and optimised all the air intake components. These include an intake module made of magnesium. At the same time, the length of the intake manifold can be varied according to engine speed so as to achieve the best possible torque and output. As a result, the V6 engine already develops around 87 per cent of its maximum torque of 350 newtonmetres at engine speeds of as low as 1,500 rpm.

The intake ports are equipped with tumble flaps that enhance fuel intake and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. These swivel open under partial load, thereby increasing the turbulence of the gas flow into the combustion chambers. At higher engine loads, the tumble flaps are fully recessed in the intake manifold. The use of these innovative flaps reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres depending on engine speed. At the same time, engine smoothness is enhanced. Calculated in line with NEDC methods, the CLK 350 coupe consumes 9.9–10.0 litres of premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (cabriolet: 10.1–10.2 l/100 km).

In addition, an intelligent heat-management system also contributes to fuel economy. Mercedes engineers have developed a new, electronic map-controlled thermostat which is active in all engine operating situations. This controls heat flow within the V6 engine in such a way that the engine oil and coolant are always at an optimum temperature.

Both the crankcase and cylinder head of the new Mercedes six-cylinder are made of aluminium. The state-of-the-art, lightweight engine also features weight-reduced connecting rods, pistons and balancer weights, all of which contribute to the V6's exceptional smoothness. Between the cylinder walls, a balancer shaft rotates in the opposite direction to the crankshaft and thereby compensates for the inherent vibration moments of the engine. Similarly, the cylinder liners are made of a mixture of aluminium and silicon to reduce friction, distortion and weight.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 350

*Combined.
The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 500:
Eight cylinders for sporty driving enjoyment

• Smoother, quieter â€â€ÂÂ� yet more powerful â€â€ÂÂ� 225 kW/306 hp engine
• Available for coupe and cabriolet in combination with 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission

Whether it's a dynamic driving experience with high power output, or comfortable cruising at low engine speeds � the CLK 500's eight-cylinder engine offers both, and more. Depending on the driver's mood, the 5.0-litre engine can deliver a sporty ride or fulfil the passion for pleasurable open-top motoring in the CLK 500 cabriolet.

The V8 engine has a displacement of 4,966 cubic centimetres and a power output of 225 kW/306 hp, thereby lending the CLK 500 the driving dynamics and performance of a thoroughbred sports car. The eight-cylinder coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds (cabriolet: 6.1 seconds). With the help of its exemplary torque, it can also sprint from 60 to 120 km/h in only 5.1 seconds (cabriolet: 5.5 seconds). Such performance demonstrates the power of the V8 engine and how efficiently this power is utilised by the all-new, seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which comes as standard equipment in the CLK 500.

An electronically controlled intake module boosts torque at low engine speeds and ensures that the engine always responds instantly to the demands placed on it by the driver � whether on city streets or motorways. More than 400 Nm of torque is made available at an engine speed as low as 2,000 rpm. This corresponds to nearly 90 per cent of the maximum torque of 460 Nm, which the eight-cylinder unit provides from 2,700 rpm and consistently maintains up to an engine speed of 4,250 rpm.

The excellent interaction between the V8 engine and the 7G-TRONIC transmission also produces a positive effect in terms of combined fuel consumption, which totals 10.9–11.4 litres per 100 kilometres (cabriolet: 11.1–11.6 l/100 km). Along with the 7G-TRONIC transmission, the extensive range of standard equipment in the CLK eight-cylinder model includes the THERMOTRONIC climate control system, parameter steering, electrically adjustable front seats with a memory feature, and 17-inch light alloy wheels with 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear) tyres.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 500

*Combined.
Maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG:
Pure dynamism

• 270 kW/367 hp with 5.5-litre displacement
• 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds
• Five-speed automatic transmission with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT

V8 power, dynamic driving, and high-quality standard equipment � the CLK 55 AMG is the sporty and dynamic top-of-the-line model in the CLK-Class series. The 5.5-litre eight-cylinder AMG engine (270 kW/367 hp) in the coupe and cabriolet ensures that these vehicles live up to their prestigious reputation. The V8 engine, which provides its maximum torque of 510 Nm at 4,000 rpm, displays exemplary power and torque characteristics that guarantee dynamic Mercedes-AMG acceleration: The CLK 55 AMG coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (cabriolet: 5.4 seconds) and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Taking its cue from the world of motor racing, the CLK 55 AMG is equipped with aluminium forged pistons, whereby specially developed oil spray nozzles reliably cool the pistons even under the highest engine loads. A newly developed double-flow induction-pressure unit, “assembled� camshafts and a specially tuned variable induction pipe ensure that the cylinders are optimally filled at all engine speeds. They also create the technical basis for the engine’s sporty character.

The AMG sport exhaust system with enlarged pipe cross-sections is equipped with two front wall and four underbody catalytic converters. These work together with a specially constructed muffler system to achieve low exhaust gas pressure. The chrome twin exhaust pipes produce a sonorous V8 sound typical of AMG vehicles. This creates a particularly exciting sensory effect during open-top driving, without generating any annoying sounds. The CLK 55 AMG coupe has a combined fuel consumption of 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres (cabriolet: 12.3 l/100 km).

The five-speed automatic transmission in the CLK 55 AMG � with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT � offers a perfect complement to the dynamic power output development of the AMG eight-cylinder engine. Drivers can select the manual programme "M" to operate the transmission with either a tip-shift device or a push-button console on the steering wheel. Moreover, because the gears are not changed automatically, drivers can ideally exploit the engine's high torque even at maximum engine speed.

A recent model update has given the CLK 55 AMG a redesigned front apron with more prominent wedges and round, chrome-rimmed fog lamps that lend the vehicle an even more aggressive and dynamic character.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG

*Combined.
Maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.