2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK

Mercedes AMG is to offer the new AMG sports package for the latest CLK Class Coupé and Cabriolet models. Aimed at CLK customers with a penchant for sporty design, the AMG sports package comprises visual and technical features such as characteristic AMG bodystyling which includes an AMG spoiler lip, a chrome-plated AMG twin tailpipe, 18 inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres, perforated brake discs and sports suspension. Interior enhancements range from front multicontour seats and steering-wheel gearshift buttons (if an automatic transmission is specified) to aluminium-look sports pedals and AMG floor mats.

The flagship, high-performance CLK 55 AMG model also gets the CLK Class model update treatment, with both the Coupé and the Cabriolet sporting an updated look as well as an extensive standard equipment package.

Powerful AMG bodystyling – including a new front apron boasting a more pronounced wedge shape, striking side skirts and a muscular rear apron – injects even more dynamism into the design. At the rear, the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces rear axle lift. A further visual highlight here is provided by the chromed AMG twin tailpipe (not available for four-cylinder and CDI models). The 18 inch AMG light-alloy wheels – painted in sterling silver and featuring a new five-spoke design – are also sure to draw admiring glances. Furthermore, the wide-base tyres (225/40 R 18 at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear) improve roadholding significantly. Silver-painted brake callipers with Mercedes Benz lettering and perforated brake discs ensure impressive stopping distances whilst the sports suspension boosts dynamic performance and optimises overall road feel.

Multicontour seats and other valuable assets

The sporty and stylish distinctiveness of the AMG sports package also enhances the interior of the Mercedes Benz CLK Class. Inflatable air cushions concealed in the multicontour seats allow both the driver and the front passenger to adjust the seat contours to suit their individual requirements. Also included in the standard equipment package are a leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons (if an automatic transmission is specified), aluminium-look sports pedals with black rubber studs and specially designed velour floor mats displaying the AMG logo.

Many of the attractive features that make up the new AMG sports package are not available individually. Prices for the package, due to be launched in June 2005, range from € 4,756 to € 5,220, depending on the engine version. The AMG sports package is available for all CLK Class Coupé and Cabriolet models, whichever of the two design and equipment lines is specified.

Complete contents of the AMG sports package at a glance:

Exterior

AMG bodystyling comprising front apron, rear apron and side skirts

AMG spoiler lip

18 inch AMG 5 spoke light-alloy wheels painted in sterling silver

Wide-base tyres, size 225/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear)

Perforated brake discs, silver-painted brake callipers with Mercedes Benz lettering

Lowered sports suspension

Chromed AMG twin tailpipe

Interior

Multicontour seats

Aluminium-style sports pedals

Velour floor mats with AMG logo

Steering-wheel gearshift buttons (in conjunction with automatic transmission)

CLK 55 AMG with new front section and enhanced standard specification

The CLK 55 AMG is a further beneficiary of the extensive CLK Class model refinement package. Model year 2005 Coupé and Cabriolet models are distinguishable by the new AMG front apron whose pronounced wedge shape and circular fog lamps ringed in chrome exude even greater drive and dynamism than before. In keeping with the rest of the CLK Class model series, the flagship AMG V8 model developing 270 kW/367 hp is now equipped with new-look, high-brilliance tail-light clusters that feature a more pronounced horizontal split between the individual elements as well as dark-coloured glass.

NECK PRO crash-responsive head restraints and tyre pressure loss warning system

Mercedes Benz has added newly developed NECK PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the front seats, an automatic tyre pressure loss warning system and ISOFIX child seat attachments to the already extensive standard equipment package. Bi xenon headlamps featuring the Active Light System are available as optional extras.

CLK 55 AMG customers will be able to order an optional black ash trim instead of the standard-specification aluminium trim whilst the roof lining is now available in black.

by Mercedes-Benz

Coupe
Chassis number: WDB2093421F132322

Germany's Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) has produced some of the best drivers in the world and some of the highest level of competition. Part of the sport's appeal is that the cars are production-based examples with similar appearances to road-going cars. Since 2000, Mercedes-Benz has won the Constructors' Championship nine times. To commemorate Bernd Schneider's championship in 2003, they built a limited-production DTM-inspired road car called the CLK DTM AMG. 80 cabriolets and 100 coupes were built and were closely modeled after the championship-winning CLK.

Power was supplied from a 5.4-liter M113 engine offering 582 horsepower and 590 lbs-ft of torque. Pistons, crankcase, valve gear, cooling system, intake ducting, supercharger, and exhaust were all revised, and the engine reportedly delivers 86% of its peak torque from only 2,000 RPM. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 3.9 seconds with the top speed electronically limited to 199 mph.

The CLK DTM AMG was given a five-speed speedshift paddle-actuated transmission, upgraded suspension, wider performance tires, and ceramic-composite front brakes. A carbon-fiber composite was used on the hood, doors, and other areas of the exterior, which featured flared wheel arches, a deep front valance, and rear wing. The interior was given one-piece carbon fiber bucket seats and drilled alloy pedals.

This particular example was purchased in 2016 under the Show and Display exemption and currently has just over 4,900 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan