Tags: AMG tuning Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible
High technology from the world of motorsport, handling typical of racing cars, eye-catching visual appeal and the highest level of exclusivity — the new Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet quickens the pulse of car lovers. With the 428 kW/582 hp of power from the AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine, the all-new AMG sports suspension, the optional sports tyres and wind-tunnel-optimised aerodynamics, this cabriolet — which will have a limited production run of 100 vehicles — achieves the highest level of driving performance. The AMG high-performance sports car surges from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, and its top speed is 300 km/h (electronically limited). This makes it the fastest open-top four-seater in the world.
The AMG high-performance Cabriolet was created in response to the great demand for another vehicle that was also limited to 100 units that were rapidly sold out: the CLK DTM AMG Coupé. Another source of inspiration for the Cabriolet was the most successful car in the German Touring Car Championships (DTM) — the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK, which Bernd Schneider drove to victory in the 2003 season. The appointments of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet are likewise reminiscent of the racetrack: AMG bucket seats upholstered with leather/Alcantara that guarantee optimal lateral support; a suede-covered, oval AMG sports steering wheel; and the AMG instrument cluster with a speedometer that reaches 360 km/h lend the interior pure motorsport flair.
Technology borrowed from motor racing
The design alone of the new CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet promises performance levels comparable to that of full-blooded racing cars and documents the transfer of cutting-edge technology from the world of motorsport. A low-reaching front apron with large cooling-air apertures, distinctive wheel arch flaring, 19 and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and a diffuser-look rear end with an aerofoil bring to mind the successful CLK racing car. Many of the body components are made of high-strength and remarkably lightweight carbon-fibre composites (CFCs), including the bonnet, doors, front wings, flared rear wheel arches, front and rear aprons, and rear aerofoil.
Driving performance at super sports car level
The power under the bonnet comes from the supercharged AMG eight-cylinder engine familiar from numerous other AMG models, though the engine has been carefully adapted for the Cabriolet. The changes affect the crankcase, pistons, valve system, cooling, air intake system, supercharging and exhaust system. With its 5439 cubic centimetres of displacement, the AMG V8 delivers 428 kW/582 hp of high performance at 6100 rpm, and at 3500 rpm drivers have the maximum torque of 800 Nm at their disposal.
The engine’s immediate response to a touch of the accelerator pedal, impressive torque build-up, exciting high engine speeds and incomparable V8 sound are the outstanding strengths of the AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine, which gives the new CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet its super sports car performance. From a standing start, the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, and its top speed is a breathtaking 300 km/h (electronically limited). No other open-top four-seat production vehicle can boast such impressive figures. The power transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission also provides drivers with a motorsport feeling. The five gears can be changed with a quick flick of the AMG shift paddles on the steering wheel, and the very fast gear shifting makes it possible to enjoy a particularly sporty and responsive driving experience.
Mercedes CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet
Cylinder arrangement (valves per cylinder): V8/3
Displacement (cc): 5439
Output (kW/hp at rpm): 428/582 at 6100
Max. torque (Nm at rpm): 800 at 3500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km): 13.7
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.0
Top speed (km/h): 300, Electronically limited
Newly developed adjustable suspension and limited-slip differential
And the suspension is every bit as impressive as the sophisticated power package. As is usually the case in motorsport, a height-adjustable suspension is used. The rear axle was re-engineered, with entirely new spring links and hub carriers as well as reinforced drive shafts. Uniball joints on both axles replace the rubber elements and lend the handling characteristics a high degree of precision. On the rear axle, a limited-slip differential ensures optimal traction, and the acceleration skid control (ASR) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) were tuned to match the higher performance.
Optional Dunlop sports tyres for especially good traction
Optional sport tyres by Dunlop, a DTM motorsport partner, supply the roadholding ability; the tyre sizes are 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 20 (rear). The tyres deliver outstanding traction and are mounted on twin-spoke multi-piece AMG light-alloy wheels, sized 8.5 x 19 and 10 x 20. With their filigree spokes, the wheels aren’t just an attractive visual highlight; they also ensure effective brake ventilation. Excellent deceleration is made possible by the all-new AMG high-performance composite brake system with six-piston fixed callipers in front and four-piston fixed callipers in the rear.
The interior: a functional motorsport feelThe interior of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet has a functional motorsport feeling and the healthy dose of exclusivity of a genuine AMG high-performance car. AMG bucket seats made of very lightweight CFC and covered with leather/Alcantara upholstery lend the occupants optimal lateral support. The AMG sports steering wheel is covered in textured suede, and its oval-shaped rim also gives the driver a particularly good feel for the vehicle. The interior door panels, trim parts and additional interior components are made of CFC. The newly designed centre console features silver-coloured shift gate, a start button and four rocker switches for additional functions.
Despite its motorsport-calibre dynamic handling, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet displays all the impressive qualities of a true Mercedes. Its everyday practicality, long service life, safety, quality and service also satisfy the highest standards. Customer deliveries of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet, which is limited to 100 vehicles, commenced in May 2006. In Germany, the vehicle costs € 277,820 (incl. 16 % VAT).
