MERCEDES-BENZ AT THE 72ND GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: WORLD PREMIERE OF THE NEW CLK-CLASS

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.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 elegant and dynamic. Pronounced stylistic features such as the uninterrupted line of frameless, 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 sophisti-cated 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.