The CLK call derives from the German Coupé Leicht Kompakt (or Kurz), translated Coupé-Light-Short. In 2009 Mercedes ceased to apply the CLK designation transferring the section designation lower back to E-Class Coupe/Convertible instead, because it had known as this precise line of its motors formerly earlier than the CLK moniker turned into delivered withinside the 1990s.The first-technology C208/A208 CLK turned into delivered in 1997, and turned into primarily based totally at the W202 Mercedes-Benz C-Class released 3 years earlier. The C208 coupé turned into changed with the aid of using the C209 CLK-Class in 2002, even though the convertible remained in manufacturing till 2003 whilst changed with the aid of using the A209 CLK.
The CLK delivered a brand new marketplace area of interest for Mercedes-Benz. Although the C208 used additives from the E-Class (W210) and had a specification stage better than the E-Class, it turned into in truth primarily based totally at the much less luxurious C-Class (W202) platform. Two variations had been to start with to be had: the 4-cylinder CLK 2 hundred (136 PS (one hundred kW; 134 bhp)) and 4-cylinder supercharged and CLK 230 Kompressor 193-197 PS (142-a hundred forty five kW; 190-194 bhp).
The excessive-overall performance CLK fifty five AMG, which turned into delivered first in Europe in 2000, turned into powered with the aid of using the 372 PS (274 kW; 367 bhp) "M113" 5.four L V8 engine; the CLK fifty five AMG Cabriolet turned into released in 2002, the remaining 12 months of this frame style.The CLK AMG is powered with the aid of using a hand-assembled 5.four-liter V8 engine. The hardware listing consists of super-stiff solid billet metal crankshaft, solid, weight-matched connecting rods and pistons, light-weight AMG-precise chain-pushed unmarried overhead camshafts V8 (one cam according to cyl bank) with consumption and one exhaust valves according to cylinder, in addition to eight coil packs and sixteen spark plugs ( spark plugs according to cyl). Its bore and stroke are 97mm x 92mm. The dual-resonance consumption manifold with tuned runners allows create optimized torque and electricity outputs with the aid of using taking gain of resonant frequencies to growth overall performance. The engine functions a excessive compression ratio of 10.5:1. All of those superior technology assist supply a healthful 342 hp (255 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m) of torque.
The five-velocity automated transmission is tailored from the gearbox used withinside the V-12 S-elegance fashions, due to the fact that gearbox can take the torque. It is completely adaptive and electronically managed, and is a more potent unit than that of the CLK430. Also a bigger 4-bolt driveshaft it really is 4 inches in diameter connects to a strengthened rear differential to preserve all of the greater electricity below manipulate. Standard traction manipulate maintains wheelspin to a minimum, whilst its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) maintains the CLK on its meant path.
The widespread CLK chassis is used, and whilst the modern-day model isn't primarily based totally on the brand new C-Class platform, the AMG model of the CLK gives a few unique undercarriage additives. The 4-wheel unbiased suspension is essentially similar to the lesser CLK variations, however AMG suits better-rated springs, tighter surprise valving, large diameter anti-roll bars and stiffer suspension bushings. The ensuing firmer, greater managed trip is made even tighter with the aid of using its excessive-overall performance ZR-rated low-profile tires. The brakes had been superior as well.
The big 4-wheel discs are large and thicker than the opposite CLKs, and the rear discs are eparticularly vented to beautify cooling. An anti-lock braking gadget is widespread, whilst Brake Assist applies complete braking pressure in panic prevent quicker than a driving force could. It rides on AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, 7.5" the front and eight.5" rear, shod with 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR17 Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
