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2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK Preview

Many Under the Skin Upgrades

With over 135,000 sold worldwide since its second generation update in 2002 (May, 2003 for the convertible model), the Mercedes-Benz CLK has been an unequivocal success within its luxury sports coupe and convertible categories. Classically proportioned styling, powerful but refined drivetrains, and accommodations that are among the marques best, are standard fare.

With the foundation set Mercedes-Benz has gone ahead with an update of the CLK, concentrating mainly on its ride, handling and general driving dynamics. The modifications made to the CLK are almost exclusively internal, concentrating on raising quality,

Since its update in 2002, the Mercedes-Benz CLK has been an unequivocal success, and its about to get even better. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

comfort and performance attributes, in the hopes of a CLK that edges closer to the benchmark BMW 3-Series.

The top-tier CLK500, equipped with M-Bs five-liter V8 motor featuring twin-spark and variable intake and valve timing, makes 306 horsepower, but it drives through a brand new transmission. Slowly, one by one Benz is dropping its older five-speed

The 7G-Tronic transmission is now available on the CLK 500, while adaptive headlights are now an option. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

automatic for the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Benz claims two bold new performance figures for the CLK equipped with the new transmission, the first being acceleration tests from standstill to 60 mph which at 5.8 seconds show a 0.1 second improvement over the outgoing car. Secondly, fuel consumption has decreased up to 0.9 mpg on the mixed cycle. Like the CLK55 AMG, drivers can swap the gears themselves in a manual mode with buttons mounted on the back of the steering wheel.

Visual changes inside the CLK are so minor, youd be hard-pressed to notice. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.) align="justify">Like many modern cars, the CLK will now be fitted with adaptive headlamps, a staple on vehicles such as the Lexus RX330 and BMWs 5-Series. The CLK also gets bi-Xenon headlamps with the benefit of 65 additional degrees of coverage and an extra 98 feet of illumination at speeds up to 25 mph.

On the inside, three new audio systems are now available including a basic in-dash CD player, a twin-tuner featuring a 4.9-inch color display with navigation, or M-Bs proprietary COMAND system integrating a full color map. Eventually, the German brand will offer Linguatronic voice recognition system, which will

Better brakes, sharper steering and a stiffer ride a all part of the new CLK 55 update. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

allow for easy vocal input of addresses for the navigation system. Revised "push-push" switches for the Thermatic and Thermotronic electronic climate control system make for easier use while most interior surfaces are finished in a new leather-grain pattern.

While the revised switchgear and new transmission are important, the big story about the CLKs update is what Benz has done to breathe a bit of extra life into the cars handling dynamics. Model year 2005 marks the addition of a Direct Control technical package, which includes a steering ratio that is six percent more accurate, optimized torque strut bearings for the front axles, larger spring link bearings for rear axles and a reprogrammed ESP. On cars equipped with the six-speed manual

The AMG model now boasts 13.39 inch ventilated composite cast iron brakes with six piston calipers in front. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

transmission, the throw between gears has been shortened for ease of shifting, subsequently improving feel. Benz claims that these changes will maintain the comfortable ride M-B owners appreciate while optimizing performance for executing twisty roads and bends - a sort of final polishing of the cars chassis.

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