The top-of-the-line CLK55 AMG has been improved slightly as well, with the addition of better brakes, an enhanced exhaust system and stiffer springs. Call it overkill, but the AMG model now boasts 340 mm (13.39 inch) ventilated composite cast iron brakes with six piston calipers in front and slightly smaller 330 mm (12.99 inch) vented discs with four piston calipers in rear.
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| The AMG model now boasts 340 mm (13.39 inch) ventilated composite cast iron brakes with six piston calipers in front. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
The exhaust system doesn't liberate any extra horsepower, but its revised construction creates a deeper, throatier bellow, in effect doing a better job of announcing its 367 horsepower 5.5-liter powerplant to the world.
Positive influence from the stiffer springs and seven percent sharper steering ratio (an improvement over the 3.0 turns lock to lock of the previous model) are a step in the right direction for performance enthusiasts, while the five-speed automatic AMG SpeedShift sequentially actuated transmission holds gears, preventing unwanted up and downshifts during performance driving.
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| Aside from the hardly noticeable larger discs found only in the CLK55, all external metal work remains the same. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Perhaps the most interesting bit about the hardware upgrade is that on the outside there are no changes. Aside from the hardly noticeable larger discs found only in the CLK55, all external metal work remains the same. This is unlike the C-Class sedan which received minor modifications.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced an update on 2005 CLK pricing, nor has a date been released for when the cars will be available. Expect prices to be kept within a degree of current levels, with availability made in late summer or early autumn.