jco-amg

W209 Official Press Release


A several of cool photos of the AMG version:
:

Note the markers for the shift buttons on the steering wheel:


Driving Shot


Rear looks like the w211:

karl k

Tnx. for flattering pix of new 2003 CLK.

Great research!

JamE55

Looks nice! Might even look better in person. And that front just reminds me of

Front grille and headlights looks like it's from the new R230
lower front looks like it's came off either the C32 or SLK32

Just my opinion.

jco-amg

Several features I like about this car...and again this comes from someone who is a huge fan of the w208...which IS a classically beautiful car.

My favorite features:

1. Rack and pinion steering...MB has gotten the message and upgraded all it's range.

2. 40% stiffer chassis...my biggest criticism of the w208.

3. SL styling on the front, no more grill changes!
E styling on the back
Retained the nice GT/fastback style side profile

My disappointments:

1. No ABC suspension.
2. No Kompressor motor.

Although we may see both in the future.

3. I wish they had stopped the crease in the front fender just before the wheel well as on the SL.

I think the extra weight will not be much of a problem, because of where the weight is located: low in chassis strengthening.

There has got to be some significance to the fact that they appear to be releasing the the w209 AMG before the w211 AMG.

Any thoughts?

BigBadDad

I read through the release info, but didn't see any mention of the new cabrio. Did I miss it? I am sure MB is holding off on info about the new cabrio, but I am curious about the possibility of it being a retractable hard top vs the current canvas top.

Time will tell - John

CLK 320

Rumor has it that the W208 Cab will be retained for a year, hence the lack of information on the W209 Cab. Rumor also has it that it will have a hard top.

BigBadDad

Yeah, that's what I thought, but I was hoping/dreaming that they might leak a little info on the new cab...

As it stands, i am not 100% sold on the new CLK. I think the exterior in cab form will look great (top down). I have some issues with the new style's interior, the middle vents being one. I am also surprised that the new nav seems it will be (still) CD based. Unless some new info shows up, I am leaning towards the 2002 CLK430 cab.

-John

Blue Benz

OK, one thing that really pisses me off: Their Engine choices.
I mean come on, how long are we supposed to get the same (pretty much) 3.2L engine with any power upgrades. MB/AMG are amoung some of the best engine builders in the world (if not the best) and all they did was add only 20 HP to the CLK55? What the hell? Why? The CLK320, CLK500, and CLK55 could all eaisily be putting out way more then they are now. The CLK55 should at least be making 400 horses even without a supercharger. It seems that lately MB doesn't want to update their engines, and if they do, they hardly do anything new to it. They have gotten to conservative. I really don't understand this concept. Every other car maker updates their engines at least every 3 years, and usually they are small upgrades, but still, they add more power. I mean, if they spent all this time coming out with a new CLK, why not upgrade the engines too? Is it just not that important? I am so frustrated with this.

Other than that, the new CLK is very nice.

C-Kompii

The 4 cylinder engines they will be offering in Europe and Asia are all new. Same power as before except they save up to 40% more fuel.

The 3.2 litre V6 will be updated soon to the 3.5 litre V6

As for CLK500, it replaces the previous CLK430, power is increased by 27hp.

Unlike most of us, power of the engine is not a priority to the majority of MB buyers.

-G'day-

jco-amg

Mercedes is developing a new line of direct injection engines to be introduced gradually over the entire model line...the 200 CGI motor in the new CLK is the first of the series....We will probably see motor upgrades over the next 2-3 years...I think they feel they have gotten the best out of the current line and are focusing their investment on the new direct-injection engines...which should give significant fuel/emission and weight savings with more power.

MarcusBenz

Wow, very nice pics! I think the more I see this car (at least the AMG version) the more it reminds me of the CL. The front driver's corner shot, you have to do a double take to make sure it is not infact a CL. I really am starting to think I might have to put my money down on one, but the first drive will really be the true test for me!


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ

stormy

Very nice with AMG and F1 shifter. Does anyone know if they will produce a 2003 clk55 CAB with the old body style?

MarcusBenz

There will be no 2003 CLK55 Cab. using the old bodystyle. It has been mentioned in a few other threads in this forum. Those who want that car, be on the look out for cars currently at the dealers as supplies are disappearing as we speak.


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ

stormy

There will be no 2003 CLK55 Cab. using the old bodystyle. It has been mentioned in a few other threads in this forum. Those who want that car, be on the look out for cars currently at the dealers as supplies are disappearing as we speak.


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ [/B][/QUOTE]

I spoke to my dealer (Hoen in Carlsbad) and they said they are continue making the clk55 cab. I just bought one, how many did they MB make and how do you tell what # your car is?

MarcusBenz

The cars that are being built right now are all the cars that will be produced. They might continue the production in '04 as an '05 model when the new CLK Cab. is release, but as to my knowledge there will be no '03 CLK55 Cabs produced. If anyone has more updated info. that I, please post! AS far as production numbers go, I believe there were only 2000 made for the US.


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ