Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

The CLK introduced a new market niche for Mercedes-Benz. Although the W208 used components from the E-Class (W210), aesthetic based on the E-Class and had a specification level higher than the E-Class, it was in fact based on the less expensive C-Class (W202) platform. MB returned to the same approach in 2023 with the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Two versions were initially available: the four-cylinder CLK 200 (136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp)) and four-cylinder supercharged CLK 230 Kompressor 193–197 PS (142–145 kW; 190–194 bhp).

The CLK 320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp) 3.2 L V6 engine. The CLK GTR FIA GT1 racing car appeared in 1998, powered by a 5.9 L V12 engine; 25 road-going CLK GTRs were made. The CLK 430 Cabriolet and the 279 PS (205 kW; 275 bhp), M113 4.3 L V8-powered CLK 430 appeared in 1999. All models were available in both coupé and convertible form.

In late 1999 for the 2000 model year, a facelift was launched which incorporated, among others, a revised instrument cluster with a bigger multifunction display, steering wheel with controls for the multifunction display and radio, Tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers and new side skirts. Wing mirror-mounted turn signals were implemented in 2001 for the 2002 year model.

In the United States, the CLK 430 could be equipped with a "Sport Package," which gave it the external styling of the more powerful CLK 55 AMG, and equipped it with the same wheels and tires as its AMG counterpart (see section "CLK 55 AMG"). This allowed it to reach up to 0.83G's of lateral acceleration, and 66.5 mph on the slalom run.

Although the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet didn't officially release until the following year, in 2001 the CLK 430 Cabriolet could be equipped with all the AMG options as a special order from the AMG factory with the full 55 AMG setup, which includes the CLK 55 AMG engine and transmission, AMG suspension, AMG brakes and full set up as a factory option. Making it the first 2001 CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet. Although only a very few were built.[3]

The high-performance CLK 55 AMG, which was introduced first in Europe in 2000, was powered by the 347 PS (255 kW; 342 bhp) M113 5.4 L V8 engine; the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet was launched in 2002, the last model year of this bodystyle.

Pre-facelift styling

• 
  C208 Front (CLK 320)
• 
  C208 Rear
• 
  A208 Rear (CLK 320 Sport)

Post-facelift styling

• 
  C208 Front (CLK 200 Elegance)
• 
  C208 Rear (CLK 320 Elegance)
• 
  A208 Rear (CLK 430)

The CLK 55 AMG is powered by a hand-assembled 5.4-litre V8 engine. The hardware list includes super-stiff forged billet steel crankshaft, forged, weight-matched connecting rods and pistons, lightweight AMG-specific chain-driven single overhead camshafts V8 (one cam per cylinder bank) with two intake and one exhaust valves per cylinder, as well as 8 coil packs and 16 spark plugs (two spark plugs per cylinder). Its bore and stroke are 97 mm × 92 mm. The 'dual-resonance' intake manifold with tuned runners helps optimize torque and power output by taking advantage of what Mercedes calls 'resonant frequencies'. The engine has a high compression ratio of 10.5:1. These technologies help provide 362 hp (270 kW) and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) of torque.

The five-speed automatic transmission (722.6) is adapted from the gearbox used in the V-12 S-class models, because that gearbox can take the torque. It is fully adaptive and electronically controlled, and is a stronger unit than that of the CLK 430. Also a larger four-bolt driveshaft that's four inches in diameter connects to a reinforced rear differential to keep all the extra power under control. Standard traction control keeps wheelspin to a minimum, while its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) keeps the CLK on its intended path.

The standard CLK chassis is used, and while the current version is not based on the new C-Class platform, the AMG version of the CLK offers some special undercarriage components. The four-wheel independent suspension is basically the same as the lesser CLK versions, but AMG fits higher-rated springs, tighter shock valving, larger diameter anti-roll bars and stiffer suspension bushings. The resulting firmer, more controlled ride is made even tighter by its high-performance ZR-rated low-profile tires. The brakes have been enhanced as well. The huge four-wheel discs are larger and thicker than the other CLKs, and the rear discs are specially vented to enhance cooling. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, while Brake Assist applies full braking force in panic stop faster than a driver could. It rides on AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, 7.5" front and 8.5" rear, shod with 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR17 Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR was a V12 mid-engine race car developed for the 1997 FIA GT Championship. It shared only the instrumentation, front grille and the four headlamps with the normal CLK C208. Production of the required 25 road cars began in winter of 1998 and finished in the summer of 1999.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK developed for the 2000 DTM season.

A specially modified version of the CLK 55 AMG was used during the 1997 F1 season as a safety car.[4] Which also served as the bases for the further modified version of the CLK 55 AMG race car built by AMG for the Targa Tasmania Race in 2001. [5]