2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet

Featuring V8 power, dynamic ride characteristics and a high-quality standard specification, the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet is the ultimate open-top sports model in the CLK-Class range. And the four-seater with a 5.5-litre, eight-cylinder engine developing 270 kW/367 hp – 15 kW/20 hp more than previously – more than lives up to this billing. Peak torque is 510 Nm and arrives at 4000 rpm.

Given the engine’s dynamic power delivery, the five-speed automatic transmission with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT proves to be an ideal partner. Manual mode (M) gives the driver the option of using F1-style gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. In addition, the gears are not changed automatically in this mode, meaning that the driver can utilise the immense pulling power to the full, even with the throttle wide open. Other AMG-SPEEDSHIFT functions that really come into their own during sporty driving include automatic active downshifting, shift to ideal gear, torque converter lockup in any gear and shorter, more spontaneous gear changes.

Next Generation Cabriolet

In terms of aerodynamics (drag coefficient of 0.30), interior noise levels and boot volume (390 litres), the new CLK Cabriolet is a leader in it’s class. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has made further advances in the field of occupant safety by incorporating an extremely robust body structure, automatic roll-over protection, standard-fitted head/thorax bags, adaptive front airbags and belt tensioners for all four occupants. Equally exemplary is the level of comfort and convenience offered by the new Mercedes Cabriolet, which has even more interior space and standard equipment than its predecessor.

The multi-layer fabric soft-top – a new development – provides outstanding noise insulation and is supremely easy to use; it can be opened and closed fully automatically at the push of a button or by means of remote control. Four of the five available petrol engines are new to the Mercedes Cabriolet.

With its captivating lines, based on the design of the successful Coupé version, the new Cabriolet further emphasises the unique character of the CLK-Class within the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio. Each detail of the dynamically elegant body and tastefully designed interior positively exudes exclusivity.

The letters CLK have been a byword for open-top driving pleasure ever since the launch of the first model in 1998. Featuring a host of technical innovations and immense design appeal, the new CLK Cabriolet is ideally positioned to build on the success of its predecessor, which sold around 115,000 units in total.

Soft-top: Remote-Control

Soft-top: Remote-Control

The newly developed Cabriolet soft-top is available in black, blue or grey. It can be opened fully automatically – including by remote control – and disappears beneath the soft-top well lid behind the rear bulkhead within a matter of seconds. The impressive design of the soft-top well and the fully lowerable side windows are key factors in ensuring unbridled open-air pleasure. Closing the soft-top is also remarkably easy thanks to a hydraulic system which raises the roof and locks it onto the top edge of the windscreen frame automatically.

The multi-layer soft-top provides outstanding temperature insulation and minimises driving noise in the interior. Furthermore, the slender C-pillars and the large side and rear windows ensure superb rear visibility for the driver, even when the soft-top is closed. The new CLK Cabriolet achieves best-in-class figures in three disciplines: interior noise level, heat insulation and all-round vision.

When the soft-top is raised, the boot holds 390 litres (VDA measuring method) – 40 litres more than the predecessor model and a new record for a four-seater cabriolet. Like the soft-top, the boot lid can be opened by remote control.

Saftey

Further highlights of the new CLK Cabriolet include classic Mercedes innovations such as sensor-controlled roll-over bars, which deploy automatically within a fraction of a second in an accident situation, not to mention the large head/thorax bags in the front seat backrests. Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all occupants, automatic belt feeders for driver and front passenger, as well as adaptive front airbags, are also part of the standard safety equipment package. Deployment of the front passenger airbag depends on the crash situation and also takes into account the weight of the seat occupant. Rear sidebags are available as an option for the first time.

A rigid body structure lays the ideal foundations for outstanding comfort and safety. Some 32 percent of all the bodyshell panels are made from high-strength steel alloys, which minimise weight whilst maximising safety and stability. The bodyshell torsional stiffness – an important factor in ensuring exemplary handling and vibrostability – is around twelve percent higher than in the case of the predecessor model.

In terms of aerodynamics too, the new CLK-Class Cabriolet is a class leader. As well as a low drag coefficient (cd figure) of just 0.30, it also scores outstanding marks for front and rear axle lift. These aerodynamic attributes are vital for ensuring excellent directional stability, optimum low-noise operation and low fuel consumption.

Comfort

The new CLK-Class Cabriolet succeeds in providing even more open-air driving pleasure and outstanding comfort for four people than its already impressive predecessor. Thanks to a body which is larger in every dimension (71 mm longer, for example), as well as the extended wheelbase (25 mm longer), the two-door Cabriolet now offers its occupants considerably more comfort and space. Front headroom has been increased by 23 mm, rear elbow room by 30 mm and rear knee room by almost 44 mm.

A modified EASY-ENTRY system allows the rear passengers easier entry and exit. And the single bucket-style seats now fitted in the rear provide outstanding comfort, as well as being equipped with integrated automatic seat belts and height-adjustable head restraints that can be lowered almost completely at the push of a button on the dashboard.

Chassis

The dynamic driving experience is made even more enjoyable by a chassis that has been newly designed or modified in several areas. Complete with new three-link front suspension, highly precise rack-and-pinion power steering and modified multilink independent rear suspension, the CLK Cabriolet provides the ultimate blend of active safety, agility and comfort. Optional equipment includes a chassis with even sportier (i.e. harder) springs and shock absorbers as well as a lower-slung body.

AMG

The leading-edge technology at the heart of the engine and driveline is matched by the suspension and brake technology in every respect. Equipped with AMG sports suspension, AMG light-alloy wheels (18-inch) with an attractive twin-spoke design and wide-base tyres – size 225/40 at the front and 255/35 at the rear – the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet has absolutely everything it takes to ensure agile handling, dynamic cornering speeds and, in true Mercedes tradition, a high level of long-distance cruising comfort.

The generously dimensioned high-performance brakes ensure exemplary deceleration and optimum sensitivity. Four-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs on the front axle, combined with two-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes at the rear, ensure a high level of safety, whatever the situation on the road. Maximum deceleration is 10.4 m/s², a vivid indication of the brake system’s immense power reserves.

Even at just a brief glance, there is no mistaking the position of the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet as a top-of-the-range sports model. The captivating design of the open-air four-seater is made even more dynamic by the powerful AMG bodystyling: the prominent front apron with large cooling air openings and integrated fog lamps, as well as the side skirts and rear apron, harmoniously blend in with the overall design. At the rear, the chromed oval tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system provide another visual highlight. Furthermore their impressive V8 sound serves to emphasise the sporty dynamism of the car. The spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by over 50 percent. What’s more, the CLK Cabriolet from Mercedes-AMG posts an unrivalled cd figure of 0.30.

Interior Appointments

Sporting prowess and exclusivity abound in the interior of the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet. AMG door sills, AMG aluminium trim with decorative chrome strips, an instrument cluster with white dials and the ergonomically designed AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles all combine to create an extraordinary ambience without compromising on practicality. The electrically adjustable, heated AMG sports seats with multicontour function are available with single-tone leather upholstery or a two-tone nappa nubuck leather combination.

Story by DaimlerChrysler, Edited by Supercars.net

In Detail

Keyword: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet