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CL 55 AMG C215..Major update March 7th 2000
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Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG:
Super sports car exclusively styled

- Fascinating looks and unique performance characteristics
- Active suspension for great dynamics and exceptional comfort
- Luxurious interior with exquisite leather and fine wood trim

Stuttgart/Affalterbach – Just three months after the new Mercedes CL first went on sale, the CL 500 and CL 600 models have been joined by a very special addition to the range. The CL 55 AMG complements the existing models with an even sportier alternative from the Mercedes-AMG stable. The CL 55 AMG combines the exclusive character and worldwide unique technology of the new Mercedes-Benz CL with a superior power development that enables this sporty AMG variant of the elegant two-door coupe to effortlessly scale new heights of performance. This gives the CL 55 AMG a unique standing among the luxury coupes currently available on the market.
To create the unique character of the Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG, Mercedes-AMG engineers took the current 5.0 liter standard engine as their starting point. Featuring innovative three-valves-per-cylinder technology and twin-spark ignition, this advanced V8 engine offers optimum potential for performance enhancement. A modified bore-stroke ratio of 97 to 92 millimeters increases displacement to 5439 cc, providing the optimum basis for a further hike in torque.
Even when the results of this optimization are expressed dryly in plain figures, they cannot fail to impress: 265 kW/360 hp are on tap at 5500 rpm, whilst torque reaches an impressive peak value of 530 Newton meters at 3250 rpm, with 450 Newton meters already available from around 2000 rpm.
This sizable torque allows the CL 55 AMG to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6 seconds. Its top speed is governor-limited to 250 km/h. Customers may, however, specify their CL 55 AMG without electronic speed limiter.  (for next new photos update March 7th 2000 click here)
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Performance figures compared:
. CL 500 CL 55 AMG
Displacement  4966 ccm  5439 ccm
Output  225 kW/306 hp  265 kW/360 hp
Rated torque  460 Nm at 2700–4200 rpm  530 Nm at 3250 rpm
0-100km/h  6.5 sec.  6.0 sec.
Top speed  250 km/h//155mph  250 km/h*//155mph*
* Optionally available without speed limiter

To achieve these impressive engine statistics, the entire crank drive has been reconfigured. Forged aluminum pistons familiar from motor racing are featured, and the pistons are cooled by oil injection nozzles specially developed by Mercedes-AMG. A newly developed twin-pipe intake system, “built” camshafts and a specially adapted variable intake manifold ensure optimum volumetric efficiency and provide the technical prerequisites for the exemplary torque characteristics of this eight cylinder powerplant.

Reduced pollutant emissions despite high performance
A new exhaust system with a larger pipe diameter and modified mufflers keeps down both the noise level and the exhaust gas backpressure. Two bulkhead converters positioned close to the engine and two underfloor converters made of thin-wall ceramics in conjunction with the engine management system fine-tuned during extensive trials all ensure effective emission purification. Hence none of the current worldwide pollutant limits pose the slightest problem for the CL 55 AMG. Indeed it also has the technical potential to comply with future emission regulations, including the strict D 4 emission standard which will only become mandatory in Germany from the year 2005.
Engineers at Mercedes-AMG GmbH have also adapted the ratios of the electronically controlled, standard-fit five-speed automatic transmission to the sporty character of their flagship coupe.

Styling pack available as an option
The visual appearance of the CL 55 AMG may also be adapted to the car’s sporty character. A skillfully integrated, yet distinctive styling pack is optionally available. It comprises modified front air dam and rear apron as well as new rocker panels. These styling changes underscore the sporty set-up while also optimizing the car’s aerodynamic characteristics.
Since the regular version of the Mercedes coupe presents a highly exclusive design itself, the CL 55 AMG is also available with the standard styling outfit.
The reinterpreted styling of the four-headlamp front end, the sleek silhouette and the arched roofline all add a touch of typical Mercedes elegance to the dynamic accents of the two-door coupe, lending the car an exceptional and quite unique appeal.

More compact body with space comfort at the level of the S-Class
The CL 55 AMG also benefits from the new dimensional concept of the standard flagship coupe.  Although compared to the outgoing model, the body of the new coupe is 72 mm shorter, 55 mm narrower and 54 mm lower while the wheelbase has been reduced by 60 mm, the spaciousness of the two-door coupe satisfies the strictest demands. The interior dimensions for the front passengers – except for a reduction of 20 millimeters in headroom –  are at the level of the S-Class, and the room at hip level between the front and rear seats has increased to a total of 790 mm. This dimension is an indicator of the passengers' freedom of movement....(for last new photo update March 7th 2000 click here)
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Active Body Control combines sportiness and comfort
When it came to the suspension, the engineers at Mercedes-AMG GmbH decided against any technical modifications; after all the Active Body Control (ABC) of the standard model is already a milestone in dynamic handling and ride comfort. With high-pressure hydraulics and two high-performance microcomputers, this system adapts the damping of the car body to the current driving situation in a split second. As a result, Active Body Control reduces body movement during drive-off, cornering and braking. Every Mercedes-Benz CL turns corners with greatly reduced body roll, so that when it comes to maneuvering sharply to avoid suddenly encountered obstacles, this system provides much greater safety than automobiles with conventional suspension set-ups. Depending on personal choice or road conditions, the driver may select either a sporty or a comfort-oriented set-up, which tangibly changes the way the Active Body Control operates. The advantage is felt, for example, in an even greater reduction in body roll. In "Sport" mode, the roll angles are up to 27 per cent lower than the equivalent values in "Comfort" mode.
The optional 19-inch AMG wheels in exclusive five-spoke design are not only eye-catching but also optimize the dynamic driving qualities and also improve ventilation of the brake discs which, like the entire brake system, are taken straight from the 12-cylinder coupe. The front wheels are 8.5 inches wide and feature size 245/40 R 19 tires. The rear 9.5 inch wheels feature mighty size 275/35 R 19 tires.

Luxurious interior and intelligent technology
With its lavish appointments, the interior corresponds to that of the comprehensively equipped Mercedes-Benz CL thus keeping the promise of unrivalled elegance. A harmonious interaction of lines, shapes, colors and materials provides the framework for the luxurious ambience, in which fine wood and exquisite leather set the tone. The entire instrument panel, the seats, door and side trim as well as the armrest in the center console are leather-covered as standard. The interior wood trim is available in a choice of burred walnut or chestnut. As a special option, the designo program offers further individual combination options for both the interior and exterior of the CL 55 AMG.
The CL 55 AMG naturally offers all the Mercedes innovations which have already been realized on the standard model. These include powerful bi-xenon headlamps for low and high beam, integral seats complete with Easy Entry function for the driver and front passenger plus a newly developed multi-link door hinge for comfortable entry and exit. The technical innovations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are also available for the AMG variant of the flagship coupe – from the DISTRONIC intelligent autonomous cruise control to active seat ventilation, from the DynAPS dynamic navigation system to the "Keyless Go" chip-card-controlled drive authorization system.
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The customer gets a comprehensive pack which in addition to the hike of 40 kW/54 hp in output to 265 kW/360 hp also includes the following highlights:
-AMG instrument cluster with speedo range extended to 320 km/h
-AMG exhaust system
-same brake system as 12-cylinder coupe
-sporty transmission set-up

Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG
Engine
No. cylinders/arrangement  8/V. 3 valves per cylinder
Displacement  5439 ccm
Bore x Stroke  97.0 x 92.0 mm
Rated power  265(360) kw(hp) at 5500 rpm
Rated torque  Nm 530 at 3150-4500 rpm
Compression ratio  10.5:1
Carburetion  Microprocessor-controlled injection system HFM

Transmission
Transmission type  5-speed automatic
Transmission ratios  Final drive 2.82
1st gear  3.59
2nd gear  2.19
3rd gear  1.41
4th gear  1.00
5th gear  0.83
Reverse  3.16

Chassis
Front suspension  4-link front axle, "Active Body Control" (ABC) active suspension system
Rear suspension  Multi-link  independent rear suspension, "Active Body Control" (ABC) active suspension system
Brakes  Hydraulic dual circuit brakes with vacuum booster, stepped master brake cylinder, 4 disc brakes, ventilated and perforated at front, ventilated at rear, pedal-operated parking brake, ABS/ESP with ASR, BAS
Steering  Rack-and-pinion variable ratio steering
Wheels  7,5 x 17
Tires  225/55 ZR 17

Dimensions and weights
Wheelbase  2885 mm
Track front/rear  1577/1578 mm
Overall -Length  4993 mm
             -Width  1857 mm
             -Height  1398 mm
Turning circle  11.5 m
Trunk capacity  450 litres
Curb weight (EC)  1865 kg
Payload  455 kg
Gross vehicle weight  2320 kg
Roof load   100 kg
Tank capacity/Reserve  88/11 litres

Performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 6.0 sec.
Top speed 250 km/h//155 mph
Fuel consumption NEDC total 13.4 l/100km//21.09 mpg UK//17.56 mpg USA
Official pollutant class D4
.End of DaimlerChrysler press text written by Hans Schilder, Schilder + Partner, for DC, Nov. 15th `99
 Slightly revised and completed by MBEP webmaster.



For a page about the new Formula 1 Safety Car CL 55 AMG click here

Last revised: March 7th 2000  Visits since Nov. 24th '99.

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