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Open Air Fun: Mercedes-Benz Unveils New CLK Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the newest addition to its ever-growing line-up of four-seater open tops: the new CLK Cabriolet. Shown for the first time to the public at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, the Stuttgart-based company is proud of the numerous detail changes that have gone into making the CLK.

First, the structure has been stiffed by the use of a high-strength steel body. By using these new high-tensile steel alloys, the torsional rigidity has increased by 12 percent. This goes hand-in-hand with the stiffer spring and shock absorber configuration. Even the base models come now standard with 16-inch tires (205/55 R 16 in front and 225 / 50 R 16 at the back). The V8 models will get even bigger 17-inch tires, while the CLK 55 AMG gets 18s.

Under the hood are a choice of revitalized and retuned engines whose power output range from 163 to 367 bhp. All engines receive a dose of extra performance but with lower fuel consumption (some models do seven percent less). For example, the mid-level CLK 500 boasts 306 bhp, that's 27 bhp higher than the CLK 430 it replaces; but it offers 5 percent better fuel economy. The blistering quick CLK 55 AMG can do 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

Of course, a choice of six and four cylinder engines are available. The CLK 240 and the CLK 320 have 170 bhp and 218 bhp respectively. The four-bangers receive a new generation of inline-4 engines dubbed TWINPULSE. This technology combines supercharging, intercooling, variably adjustable camshafts and four valves per cylinder to provide steady progress. The CLK 200 Kompressor develops 163 bhp.

Though the new CLK has a lower co-efficient of drag (0.30), aerodynamic lift has been optimized for both front and rear axles providing high-speed stability and comfort.

In terms of dimensions, the sleeker CLK is larger by 71 mm and has a longer wheelbase of 25 mm. This significantly increases passenger room in the front head (23 mm) and elbow room (30 mm). Rear occupants will benefit from 44 mm of more knee room.

The soft top is now fully automatic and it incorporates outstanding thermal insulation by using a multi-layered material. It also keeps the noise levels inside to a minimum. Once stowed away, the canvas doesn't eat up much of the boot space. The testament to this is the CLK's 390 liters of truck space--that's a 40 liter increase over the previous model! The soft top can now be operated via a remote control.

As with all Mercedes-Benzes, the CLK comes standard with numerous airbags, pre-tensioned seatbelts, and even optional rear side-impact SRS airbags.

The standard equipment of the new CLK-Class Cabriolet also includes other systems that significantly improve ride and operating comfort: automatic climate control with outlets in the rear, Headlamp Assist, a rain sensor for the windscreen wipers, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC, a cassette radio, a reach and height-adjustable, leather-covered multifunction steering wheel with illuminated operating keys and a central display for individual settings.

Innovations adopted from the top Mercedes-Benz models make the new CLK-Class Cabriolet a high-tech automobile which is unique in this vehicle class. Optional equipment available includes the proximity cruise control system DISTRONIC, the keyless access and drive authorisation system KEYLESS-GO, the operating and display system COMAND APS, LINGUATRONIC voice control for the telephone, radio and navigation system, the intelligent automatic climate control system THERMOTRONIC with a sun sensor or powerful bi-xenon headlamps.

As in the case of the Coupé, Mercedes customers have a choice of two lines, Elegance and Avantgarde – for the new CLK Cabriolet, enabling them to satisfy their personal wishes with respect to design and equipment.

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