oresama99

anyone have any insight as to why merc decided to fit the upcoming E55 with a kompressor and choose not to on the CLK55? the E55K has 476ps and the CLK 367ps. so i'm assuming the E55K will have essentially the same enging as the SL55k. just curious as to why they decided to have different engines for each.

are they trying to separate the two? my perception of the current two models is that they are basically sedan/coupe complements, even though they are built on different platforms.....they price out to within 5k(same specs) of each other, right? the w211 E55K 211 is at 85,000 Euro but i don't have any info for price on c209 CLK55.

E55 KEV

I wondered the same. Have you seen pics of the new CLK? The W208 had the strong E-Class looks on a C-Class chassis and now the W209 is not related to the W211 at all. The CLK will truly be a C-Class related car. I think they made a mistake taking the upgraded E-Class looks from the next CLK!

oresama99

i think i see what you are saying......when i looked at the 208 there is no denying that the first thing to come to mind is w210 design. now, with the 209 i see the head lamps and think new c-class, i look at the side profile and think toyota solara or rounded out civic, i look at the rear from the side and i think hyundai sonata, from certain 3 qrtr angles i see the current CL. the drop top's *** looks like the revised maserati 3200gt's somewhat, a little more muscular.

just my opinion, but i'm sure as with most mercedes designs it will grow on me. i have to let it grow into its own and stop thinking of it in terms of other designs that are currently on the road.

E55 KEV

I think it is a bad marketing idea. Where as the W208 CLK had the upscale "apperance" of E-Class luxury, now the W209 CLK will be completely on the entry level or "near-luxury" level of the C-Class.

jco-amg

a couple of points:
MB has always said that the w209 will be move upmarket from the w208
If you examine the details and features of the car as we see it so far, it's linkage is clearly to the w211 and as a down market of the w215, it also has strong styling ties to the r230.
It's move is to appear and perform BETTER than the w208 and I predict that it will...certainly on the performance side.

The engine you will see in the w211 will be a DETUNED version of the r230 kompressor...probably around 425-450hp...as the w211 will be lighter than the SL.

Weight is probably the reason for the non kompressor motor in the w209 AMG...although I think we might see the kompressor 55 motor in the future w209 Cabriolet...again because of the weight factor...the Cab with it's vario top will be heavier and could be closer to the weight of the w211.

the w211 500 weights in almost 300lbs lighter than the r230 500
you will see a similar differential between the w209 and the w211. The kompressor motor adds about 300 lbs over normal aspirated 55 engine.

p.s. Anybody heard anything on the 4matic w211???????

oresama99

sweet, nice info.

i can't believe the kompressor adds so much weight!! wow.

E55 KEV

jco-amg:

I also expected that the W209 would be more upmarket and somewhat related to W211 in appearance and aspects, however, I just dont see it! Where is it? I do not see it in the exterior anywhere and I don't see it in the interior. IMHO, Mercedes did not deliver with the W211 aspects on the W209.

jco-amg

What can I say?...I've round and round with people about this in the CLK threads.

I think....when you actually see the car that the proportions, size and stance will have some clear linkage to the W211...I am not saying they are of the same range....MB has said that the CLK occupies a unique position in it's line, ala the CL. Obviously the chassis is still based on the C platfrom...but is vastly improved over the 208's.
What you will see in the w209 are many of the w211 ammenities, materials and technical features...and hopefully build quality.


I am defending the car because I see something different here than apparently others donot. I have no intention of buying the car as I will be getting both an E500 or E55 4matic and an SL 55.
I just think some people are jumping to conclusions about the w209...I believe it will be definite improvement over the w208...and I owned two of them...drove them hard...loved them but also found faults largely in the chassis and suspension.
From what I have seen...I like the car...and that takes nothing away from the w208.

I guess the proof will be in the pudding. Ok I'm getting off my soapbox.

Anyone else get the questionaire from MBUSA about MB trackdays and driving school?????? Send it in!!!!

Zman

Jco:
I agree mostly with you and I happen to be planning the same. I have a 2001 clk55 and I am 3rd on the list for a SL55. I will also be either getting a E500 or E55. One thing I think MB is doing wrong is that they are sharing too many looks/sides between their model lines.
Porsche did the same between the 996 and the Boxster when they first came out and after a lot of complaints they have gradually changed the front of the 996 so that they can be distinguished.

I am assuming the reason MB is doing this is to reduce costs.

Zman

C-Kompii

Just a little information, the W211 E55 AMG will have 460ps compared to 367ps on the W209 CLK55 AMG.

Source: Jes Mercedes

-G'day-