'03 CL55 at the track yet
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'03 CL55 at the track yet
Has anyone had their '03 CL55 at the track yet? I know those brakes are big but slowing a 4000 pound car down from 150mph every couple minutes can really take its toll.
May be going to Sebring soon.
Regards,
dr
May be going to Sebring soon.
Regards,
dr
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Re: '03 CL55 at the track yet
Originally posted by synthesis
Has anyone had their '03 CL55 at the track yet? I know those brakes are big but slowing a 4000 pound car down from 150mph every couple minutes can really take its toll.
Has anyone had their '03 CL55 at the track yet? I know those brakes are big but slowing a 4000 pound car down from 150mph every couple minutes can really take its toll.
The braking power is really incredible, as is the massive torque available while accelerating out of curves.
The only thing I'm not too happy with is the standard AMG suspension, but I already have the CLK 55 Nuerburgring suspension kit on order from AMG.
Ronald
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From: Boston
2003 CL55
synthesis
Why do you want to track a CL55 and what class would it be in? Anyone serious about racing such a car would have it heavily modified and would probably get the weight down by at least 600 or 700 lbs. If you want to race, there are much better platforms to start with that have broad competitive fields.
For everyday driving, however, the brakes are more than adequate and it is not likley that any of us who dirive our CL55's daily would get close to experiencing fade. As for the suspension, the AMG setup is far superior to my 2002 CL 500 Sport. As heavy as the CL55 is, it feels much lighter in the corners and stays flat with wheels planted even on rough surfaces thanks to the ABC.
The acceleration is remarkable, but if you want pure speed and raw power, there are faster and less expensive alternatives.
The 2003 CL55 represents an exceptional combination of dynamic, stylistic, safety and comfort characteristics without the compromises that are obvious in the vast majority of luxury vehicles.
Why do you want to track a CL55 and what class would it be in? Anyone serious about racing such a car would have it heavily modified and would probably get the weight down by at least 600 or 700 lbs. If you want to race, there are much better platforms to start with that have broad competitive fields.
For everyday driving, however, the brakes are more than adequate and it is not likley that any of us who dirive our CL55's daily would get close to experiencing fade. As for the suspension, the AMG setup is far superior to my 2002 CL 500 Sport. As heavy as the CL55 is, it feels much lighter in the corners and stays flat with wheels planted even on rough surfaces thanks to the ABC.
The acceleration is remarkable, but if you want pure speed and raw power, there are faster and less expensive alternatives.
The 2003 CL55 represents an exceptional combination of dynamic, stylistic, safety and comfort characteristics without the compromises that are obvious in the vast majority of luxury vehicles.
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Victory,
I am interested in other's experiences with the '55 on the track. I have driven many cars on the track from 911's to 1300 pound sport racers on slicks.
Just curious how the big car does. Was thinking about doing a lapping day at Sebring or Homestead.
dr
I am interested in other's experiences with the '55 on the track. I have driven many cars on the track from 911's to 1300 pound sport racers on slicks.
Just curious how the big car does. Was thinking about doing a lapping day at Sebring or Homestead.
dr
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Posts: 284
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From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
I've been driving both the CLK 55 (W 209) and the SL 55 (R 230) on race tracks multiple times and they both perform very well. In fact, you are surprised how many other sports cars can't keep up (non-turbo Porsches, BMW M3/M5, Maserati GT 4200 and even Lamborghini Diabolos).
However, AMGs were in no way developed for intensive track use: They are simply too heavy because of all the high-tech toy. Get a Porsche GT 2/3 if racing the car is your primary wish.
We are currently proposing to AMG that they will build a clubsport version of an AMG model. I really hope they will agree.
Ronald
However, AMGs were in no way developed for intensive track use: They are simply too heavy because of all the high-tech toy. Get a Porsche GT 2/3 if racing the car is your primary wish.
We are currently proposing to AMG that they will build a clubsport version of an AMG model. I really hope they will agree.
Ronald
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From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Originally posted by Paul Le Corre
Don't forget, manual or sequential gearbox is the first step!!!
Don't forget, manual or sequential gearbox is the first step!!!
There is no manual gearbox on the market that could withstand the torque in a Mercedes-Benz reliability test.
Ronald
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