First Generation (W208/C208; 1997–2002) Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

1 first generation (w208/c208; 1997–2002)

1.1 history
1.2 clk55 amg

1.2.1 engine
1.2.2 transmission
1.2.3 handling

first generation (w208/c208; 1997–2002)

the first-generation w208/c208 clk introduced in 1997, , based on w202 mercedes-benz c-class launched 3 years earlier. w208 coupé replaced w209 clk-class in 2002 (for 2003 model year), although convertible remained in production until 2003 when replaced c209 clk.

history

the clk introduced new market niche mercedes-benz. although w208 used components e-class (w210), aesthetic based on e-class , had specification level higher e-class, in fact based on less expensive c-class (w202) platform. 2 versions available: four-cylinder clk 200 (136 ps (100 kw; 134 bhp)) , four-cylinder supercharged clk 230 kompressor 193–197 ps (142–145 kw; 190–194 bhp).

the clk320 coupé introduced in 1997 model year, powered 218 ps (160 kw; 215 bhp) 3.2 l v6 engine. clk gtr fia gt1 racing car appeared in 1998, powered 5.9 l v12 engine; 25 road-going clk gtrs made. clk 320 cabriolet , 279 ps (205 kw; 275 bhp), m113 4.3 l v8-powered clk430 appeared in 1999. models available in both coupé , convertible form. in europe, supercharged i-4 powered clk200 kompressor available, reaching impressive 193 bhp, euro2 permissive emission specs. in late 1999 2000 model year, facelift launched incorporated, among others, revised instrument cluster bigger multifunction display, steering wheel controls multifunction display , radio, tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers , new side skirts. wing mirror-mounted turn signals not implemented until 2001 2002 year model.

in united states, clk430 equipped sport package, gave external styling of more powerful clk55 amg, , equipped same wheels , tires amg counterpart (see section clk55 amg ). allowed reach 0.83g s of lateral acceleration, , 66.5 mph on slalom run.

the high-performance clk 55 amg, introduced first in europe in 2000, powered 347 ps (255 kw; 342 bhp) m113 5.4 l v8 engine; clk55 amg cabriolet launched in 2002, last model year of body style.

clk55 amg
engine

the clk55 amg powered hand-assembled 5.4-liter v8 engine. hardware list includes super-stiff forged billet steel crankshaft, forged, weight-matched connecting rods , pistons, lightweight amg-specific chain-driven single overhead camshafts v8 (one cam per cyl bank) 2 intake , 1 exhaust valves per cylinder, 8 coil packs , 16 spark plugs (two spark plugs per cyl). bore , stroke 97mm x 92mm. dual-resonance intake manifold tuned runners helps create optimized torque , power outputs taking advantage of 2 resonant frequencies increase performance. engine features high compression ratio of 10.5:1. of these advanced technologies deliver healthy 342 hp (255 kw) , 376 lb·ft (510 n·m) of torque.

transmission

the five-speed automatic transmission adapted gearbox used in v-12 s-class models, because gearbox can take torque. adaptive , electronically controlled, , stronger unit of clk430. larger four-bolt driveshaft s 4 inches in diameter connects reinforced rear differential keep power under control. standard traction control keeps wheelspin minimum, while electronic stability program (esp) keeps clk on intended path.

handling

the standard clk chassis used, , while current version not based on new c-class platform, amg version of clk offers special undercarriage components. four-wheel independent suspension same lesser clk versions, amg fits higher-rated springs, tighter shock valving, larger diameter anti-roll bars , stiffer suspension bushings. resulting firmer, more controlled ride made tighter high-performance zr-rated low-profile tires. brakes have been enhanced well. huge four-wheel discs larger , thicker other clks, , rear discs specially vented enhance cooling. anti-lock braking system (abs) standard, while brake assist applies full braking force in panic stop faster driver could. rides on amg monoblock alloy wheels, 7.5 front , 8.5 rear, shod 225/45zr17 , 245/40zr17 michelin pilot sport tires.