MERCEDES-BENZ CLK RANGE EXPANSION - GERMANY

The 4.3-litre V8 engine is available for the CLK cabriolet from mid-August. The powerful open-top CLK 430 offers the perfect combination of athleticism and elegance. With a rated output of 279bhp, the engine can accelerate the four-seater from 0 to 62mph in a mere 7.4 seconds. Try and keep your hats on for that... The 400Nm maximum torque is developed between 3000 and 4400rpm. In spite

of this, the new model consumes uses only 12.2 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined fuel consumption).

The standard equipment of the top-of-range cabriolet includes a five-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control, low-profile tires (225/45 WR 17) on 17-inch light-alloy rims, and a memory switch for the electrically adjustable front seats, exterior mirrors and steering column. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ventilated disk brakes (330mm diameter at the front, 300mm at the rear) and a modified chassis round off the impressive technical package.

To mark the production start of the new CLK 430 cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz has significantly upgraded the design, technology and equipment of the entire CLK range. Both coup� and cabriolet models will offer enhanced handling, safety and driving comfort by incorporating the same technical innovations found in E-Class models to be produced from the year 2000 onwards. In upgrading the standard equipment package for the CLK, Mercedes-Benz has remained faithful to its "price-value" strategy. The benefit to the customer amounts to around DM 2500.

The highlight of the CLK model range is the new CLK 55 AMG. Available from August 1999, the chassis and drive system of the CLK 55 AMG are based on the design of the current safety car used in Formula 1 motor racing. The heart of this high-performance coup� is the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine with 347bhp(!!) and a torque rating of 510Nm developed between 3000 and 4300rpm. The engine accelerates the CLK 55 AMG from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds. A mere 24.3 seconds are required to cover a kilometre.

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