2003 CLK AMG
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
2003 CLK AMG
What will the AMG model of the 2003 CLK be like? Will it be a V6 or V8? Will it still have the usual 350bhp like all AMG's? Will it be a 5.5 (5.4) Liter or will it be a 3.2, or mabye even a 4.3? I was thinking it would be a 3.2L V6 like on the C32 AMG since the new CLK will be using the chassis on the new C.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Any insight would be appreciated.
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From: Boston, MA and Hong Kong
E350, S320, Mini Cooper S
Read it somewhere that said that next AMG CLK is going to be a V6, similar to the one in C32 now. I will try to find the link or magazine where I read it from.
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
If so, then I highly doubt it will pack an 80k price tag, probably more close to a C32 sticker.
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From: Northern Virginia-Washington DC
2004 S500 4MATIC AMG SPORT PKG. - 2002 RANGE ROVER
Hmmm
It will be a shame to have a CLK AMG version in the V6 format.
I would be very surprised if MB would go backwards in CLK from V8-55 to V6-32.
I thought they are trying to compete with the new BMW 6 Series Coupe coming out. It will be very different than what we all expect.
For one:
New CLK will be coming to US in CLK350, CLK500 versions, which changes from CLK320 to CLK430, where as C Class doesn't have a V8 option.
Lets wait and see...
I would be very surprised if MB would go backwards in CLK from V8-55 to V6-32.
I thought they are trying to compete with the new BMW 6 Series Coupe coming out. It will be very different than what we all expect.
For one:
New CLK will be coming to US in CLK350, CLK500 versions, which changes from CLK320 to CLK430, where as C Class doesn't have a V8 option.
Lets wait and see...
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From: Bay area
'01 CLK 55
This is not the first time MBZ has gone "backward" in their engine displacement and made it sound like an advantageous move. In 1982(?) they went from "450" to "380", before going back up to "500" in 1985. BMW also has a similar track record with the 3 series (325 to 323) As for the possibility of a AMG blown V6 to "complement" their prospective normally aspirated engined CLKs; - as long as the horsepower and performance eclipses the larger V8s in the line, this should keep the average buyer happy.
Furthermore, why should MBZ put one of their hottest engines in a "lesser" model line, allowing it to outperform models like the SL 55 or perhaps the new AMG E class? I would think that MBZ would like to see the consumer "pay up" for maximum performance. If the blown V6 is the designated powerplant for the new CLK AMG, imho the "old" CLK 55 is destined for collector status.
Furthermore, why should MBZ put one of their hottest engines in a "lesser" model line, allowing it to outperform models like the SL 55 or perhaps the new AMG E class? I would think that MBZ would like to see the consumer "pay up" for maximum performance. If the blown V6 is the designated powerplant for the new CLK AMG, imho the "old" CLK 55 is destined for collector status.
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
If the blown V6 is the designated powerplant for the new CLK AMG, imho the "old" CLK 55 is destined for collector status.
_________________________________wrote Brian Yee
Deep down, I think that you have a point.
From what I have seen for the CLK 2003 and Ambassador Maff's preliminary report on the next generation CLK, I think that you are right.
My own thinking is this re 2003 CLK55:
It was just introduced in 2001. I just do not think it plausible to have the AMG 55 engine in the CLK for only two years.
Corvette and Viper have been adding more HP. Porsche just added 25 to the Carrera.
Hence, I would speculate that the new CLK AMG will offer at least the same - 342 HP, if not more, in order to stay competitive.
After all, the USA is the largest export market for MB!
_________________________________wrote Brian Yee
Deep down, I think that you have a point.
From what I have seen for the CLK 2003 and Ambassador Maff's preliminary report on the next generation CLK, I think that you are right.
My own thinking is this re 2003 CLK55:
It was just introduced in 2001. I just do not think it plausible to have the AMG 55 engine in the CLK for only two years.
Corvette and Viper have been adding more HP. Porsche just added 25 to the Carrera.
Hence, I would speculate that the new CLK AMG will offer at least the same - 342 HP, if not more, in order to stay competitive.
After all, the USA is the largest export market for MB!
Last edited by karl k; Dec 9, 2001 at 11:20 PM.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
For the answer to your question, look no further than the awesome C43 AMG (202). That car and the CLK are based on the same platform. The C43 had the 113-series V8 engine, as does the CLK430 and the CLK55 AMG. The AMG version of the new C-class took a small step "backwards" with the supercharged 112-series V6. Considering the new CLK is going to be based on the 203's platform, I expect to see an identical step "backwards." I would expect the new CLK AMG to have a supercharged V6, just like its C32 sister. The 113-series V8 won't fit in the 203, so I could almost guarantee it won't fit in the new CLK. This is all just my assumption, I could be wrong.
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From: Boston, MA and Hong Kong
E350, S320, Mini Cooper S
Hope MB will come up with a V8 version of CLK AMG.
By paying over 60K for a CLK 55, V8 would be nice
Is the cost of producing a blown V6 cheaper or a V8?
By paying over 60K for a CLK 55, V8 would be nice
Is the cost of producing a blown V6 cheaper or a V8?
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
I'm sure the price will be very similar to the price of a C32 AMG.
I also have the same question as runer, when is the latest a 2002 CLK 55 can be ordered?
I also have the same question as runer, when is the latest a 2002 CLK 55 can be ordered?
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From: Seattle
2005 SLK55
It looks like the new E will be getting the same engine as the SL according to this...
http://translate.google.com/translat...language_tools
So the chances of the CLK getting the same engine should be higher. Luckily, I am waiting for a SL55.
http://translate.google.com/translat...language_tools
So the chances of the CLK getting the same engine should be higher. Luckily, I am waiting for a SL55.
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
It's always been a tradition for Lexus to copy Mercedes... but Mercedes is now copying Lexus!
Looks like that GS400 or whatever the hell they call it! lol.
Looks like that GS400 or whatever the hell they call it! lol.
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From: Bay area
'01 CLK 55
I don't know if this applies, but I think CAFE(?) standards are in play here. As emission and mileage standards become ever more stringent, it is necessary for MBZ to shuffle the engine displacement across the line in order to meet these standards with minimal exposure to excessive fines. I think this is the reason for the possible "step back" for the CLK. Despite the fact that we enthusiasts enjoy and hope for a progressively higher level of performance, it needs to play second
fiddle to the tighter regulations that come with each passing year. MBZ will/is taking this into consideration and so is every other manufacturer. Food for thought.
fiddle to the tighter regulations that come with each passing year. MBZ will/is taking this into consideration and so is every other manufacturer. Food for thought.
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From: Southern CA
Originally posted by accord
It's always been a tradition for Lexus to copy Mercedes... but Mercedes is now copying Lexus!
Looks like that GS400 or whatever the hell they call it! lol.
It's always been a tradition for Lexus to copy Mercedes... but Mercedes is now copying Lexus!
Looks like that GS400 or whatever the hell they call it! lol.
nice...MACH430...
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From: So Cal
Originally posted by accord
It's always been a tradition for Lexus to copy Mercedes... but Mercedes is now copying Lexus!
Looks like that GS400 or whatever the hell they call it! lol.
It's always been a tradition for Lexus to copy Mercedes... but Mercedes is now copying Lexus!
Looks like that GS400 or whatever the hell they call it! lol.
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From: U.S.A
CLK320, Carrera S
Just a few other thoughts.
For 2001 MBUSA positioned the CLK55 as the fastest production car from MBUSA and tended to compare it more closely to the E class than the C.
I read somewhere that the CLK500 would be a V8 so MB could make the next generation CLK AMG into a CLK58 or even CLK63.
Coupes & Cabs command a significant premium over 4 door cars and to continue to command a significant premium over the C then the CLK will need a little more magic, a V8 will provide the required magic!
If MB goes with CLK350 and CLK500 with the AMG CLK32 then I would be more inclined to go for the CLK500 than the CLK32.
I guess we will have to wait and see!
For 2001 MBUSA positioned the CLK55 as the fastest production car from MBUSA and tended to compare it more closely to the E class than the C.
I read somewhere that the CLK500 would be a V8 so MB could make the next generation CLK AMG into a CLK58 or even CLK63.
Coupes & Cabs command a significant premium over 4 door cars and to continue to command a significant premium over the C then the CLK will need a little more magic, a V8 will provide the required magic!
If MB goes with CLK350 and CLK500 with the AMG CLK32 then I would be more inclined to go for the CLK500 than the CLK32.
I guess we will have to wait and see!
