After introducing the new CLK coupé last year, and then unleashing a whole fleet of powerful AMG machines, Mercedes-Benz has now brought in the high performance CLK 55 AMG.
After introducing the new CLK coupé last year, and then unleashing a whole fleet of powerful AMG machines, Mercedes-Benz has now brought in the high performance CLK 55 AMG.
The CLK 55 AMG range is powered by AMG’s thumping 5,5-litre V8 engine, which, for this application develops a maximum output of 270 kW at 5 750 r/min. Maximum torque of 510 N.m is developed at 4 000 r/min and Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of around 5,2 seconds. Top speed is, as expected, limited to 250 km/h, even though the speedometer reads to 320 km/h.
The engine is mated to an AMG speedshift five-speed automatic transmission with touchshift, extended to include a manual drive mode with steering gear shift.
AMG-tuned AIRMATIC DC semi-active suspension adapts to the road surface to maximise stability and grip. The sporty sound of the AMG exhaust reinforces the image of the CLK 55 AMG.
And for some visual and aural muscle, the CLK 55 AMG gets a meaty-sounding AMG exhaust and 18-inch light alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres and 255/35 tyres.
Standard safety equipment includes adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, sidebags, windowbags, as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all the seats. The weight of the seat occupant is also taken into consideration when activating the two-stage front passenger airbag.
Style-wise, the AMG has frameless, fully retractable side windows, the louvred radiator grille typical of the brand with its central Mercedes star, the reinterpreted twin-headlamp face and the sweeping lines of the coupé roof underline the self-confident character of the CLK 55 AMG. Mercedes says the specially developed AMG bodystyling of the front apron, side skirts with new profiling and rear apron, optimise the air flow around the vehicle.
There is an extensive range of optional equipment including, Distronic proximity cruise control, the access and drive authorisation system Keyless-go, Parktronic and Linguatronic voice control for the telephone and radio. A TV tuner is also available.
The CLK 55 AMG is covered by a two-year/unlimited km warranty. The normal Mercedes-Benz six year/120 000 km maintenance plan that requires staggered customer contribution as the mileage increases is included as standard as well as 24-hour roadside assistance.
And how much will this high performance coupé set you back? R800 000.
