Mercedes-Benz at the International Motor Show:

→ New S Class
→ New R Class
→ New ML 63 AMG
→ Viano X-clusive
→ Mercedes SLR McLaren
→ Mercedes DTM CLK Cabriolet

The new S Class will be taking centre stage at the Mercedes-Benz presentation for the 61st International Motor Show. The motor show in Frankfurt will see the world premiere of this luxury saloon, which features around a dozen pioneering innovations that will make it the benchmark for future passenger car developments. Other new products which Mercedes-Benz will be presenting to the public for the first time are the European version of the R Class and the ML 63 AMG high-performance off-roader.
The new S Class that will be hitting showrooms at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and sales partners this autumn will boast unparalleled levels of safety and comfort as its hallmarks. With the anticipatory Brake Assist PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity-controlled cruise control and the Night Vision system it offers the latest technology for accident prevention. Mercedes-Benz combines these innovations with the preventive occupant safety system PRE-SAFE® to create a unique safety system, which goes into action before a threatening accident has a chance to happen.


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Just as pioneering as the safety systems are the Mercedes innovations for ensuring the highest levels of long-distance comfort. These features include an all-new dynamic multi-contour seat with massage function, the AIRMATIC air suspension and the newly developed automatic climate control system. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has further improved the Active Body Control (ABC), with which it achieves an unprecedented level of driving comfort and handling.

The new S Class’ technological superiority is evident at first glance, and the flagship model’s design expresses its confident, powerful and simultaneously elegant nature, which makes every kilometre a consummate driving experience.

The output of the S Class engines ranges from 173 kW/235 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. Three of the four engines are new developments, offering up to 26 per cent more performance and up to 15 per cent more torque, while at the same time cutting fuel consumption by up to nine per cent.

At its market launch in autumn 2005, the luxury saloon will initially be available with a new eight-cylinder (285 kW/388 hp) and a V6 petrol engine (200 kW/ 272 hp), which are among the most powerful and simultaneously fuel efficient engines in their displacement classes. In the first quarter of 2006, the engine line-up will be rounded off by the new S 320 CDI and the top-of-the-range S 600. The six-cylinder diesel engine develops 173 kW/235 hp and generates a peak torque of 540 Nm starting at 1,600 rpm. This performance enables the saloon to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The combined fuel consumption rating of the S 320 CDI ranges from 8.3 to 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Twelve-cylinder S 600 generates more power and consumes less fuel

Sports-car-like performance is offered by the flagship model of the new S Class, the S 600. With its enhanced Mercedes twelve-cylinder engine, whose output has been boosted to 380 kW/517 hp, the saloon can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Compared to the predecessor model, the engine’s maximum torque has been increased from 800 to 830 Nm, which is available from 1,900 rpm. Despite the increase in power, the car’s fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 litres to 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The V12 model is equipped with the very best technology as standard, including Active Body Control.

More spacious car body for even more comfort

Compared to its predecessor, the brand’s new top model has grown in every dimension. Two different body shells measuring either 5,076 or 5,206 millimetres in length are available, an increase of 33 and 43 millimetres on the former S Class. Likewise, the wheelbase has increased by 70 and 80 millimetres to 3,035 and 3,165 millimetres, respectively.

In addition, the body shell is now 16 millimetres wider and 29 millimetres higher than that of the predecessor.

The new dimensions create the conditions for an interior layout that provides every passenger with first Class comfort. Interior parameters such as shoulder room and elbow width have increased by up to 39 millimetres, while headroom has been further improved by up to five millimetres. The effective legroom, which is a key factor for determining seating comfort, has been increased by five millimetres at the driver’s and front passenger’s seat, and by 24 millimetres for rear-seat passengers. In the long wheelbase version, rear-seat legroom has even grown by 52 millimetres. The boot capacity has meanwhile increased by 60 litres to 560 litres (VDA measuring method).

The very finest standard equipment

As standard, the new S Class comes with numerous new and improved high-tech systems that improve safety and comfort, including the ADAPTIVE BRAKE braking system, second-generation PRE-SAFE®, AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system, electrically adjustable 12-way seats, COMAND with DVD player, DIRECT SELECT gearshift and automatic climate control system.

Exquisite fine wood and chrome trim, stylishly shaped aluminium controls and carefully coordinated colours provide the interior with an incomparable ambience in which drivers immediately feel themselves at home and know their way about. Contributing to this user-friendly environment is the all-new operating concept, which was purposefully designed with a number of redundant features in order to allow the driver to quickly access frequently used functions. Depending on the driver’s habits, he or she can operate the car radio, TV receiver, CD/DVD changer, car phone, navigation system and climate control by using conventional switches, pushing buttons on the multifunctional steering wheel, or with the enhanced COMAND system.

The chief control element is the new COMAND Controller on the transmission tunnel. It is used to select the COMAND system’s main and sub-menus and to activate the desired functions. If the car comes with a pre-installed car phone, the soft armrest behind the Controller can be opened to reveal the phone’s keypad. The COMAND system’s large, rotatable colour display is positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster and is therefore excellently placed in the field of vision of both the driver and front passenger.

With its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA), the new S Class will take over from its successful predecessor model, which has won numerous awards as the world’s best car. Approximately 500,000 units of the previous S Class have been sold, making it the best-selling luxury saloon of all time.

Bodystyling and light-alloy wheels from Mercedes-AMG for the S-Class:
Powerful and dynamic AMG outfit for new S-Class

Two optional extras from Mercedes-AMG are now available to give the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class an even more personal touch: AMG bodystyling and AMG light-alloy wheels. The air of poise and self-assurance that surrounds the powerful yet elegant Mercedes flagship model is taken to even greater heights by these AMG components.
The AMG bodystyling package comprises front and rear aprons as well as side skirts, all sporting the trademark AMG look: at the front, the restyled front bumper with its large cooling air intakes, black honeycomb grille and fog lamps with chrome surrounds produces a sportier feel at the same time as giving the new S-Class à la AMG a wider, lower-set appearance. The lines of the front bumper are mirrored in the side skirts whose distinctive sculpting in turn blends into the rear apron. The bodystyling is rounded off in dynamic fashion by the eye-catching rear bumper. Two large, oval AMG tailpipes with a chrome finish (except on S 320 CDI and S 600) add the final touches.

Striking AMG light-alloy wheels in 19 and 20-inch sizes

Extra sporty flair is also available by opting for the new 19-inch and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels which come in two different 5-spoke designs. At the front, the high-sheen 19-inch AMG wheels measure 8.5 J x 19 and are shod with 255/40 R 19 wide tyres while 275/40 R 19 tyres mounted on wheels measuring 9.5 J x 19 are fit-ted at the rear


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The 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted in sterling silver which are due to be-come available in spring 2006 measure 8.5 J x 20 at the front and 9.5 J x 20 at the rear and are shod with 255/35 R 20 and 275/35 R 20 tyres respectively.

Quite apart from filling out the wheel arches perfectly and adding an extra dash of sportiness to the car's looks, the AMG light-alloy wheels also enhance the handling capabilities of the new S-Class even further.

Both the unmistakable AMG bodystyling and the exciting AMG light-alloy wheels are available for all of the different engines as well as both body variants in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class range.

R Class: Premiere of the European version of the Grand Sports Tourer

The IAA in Frankfurt will also serve as the backdrop for the world premiere of a special European version of the new Mercedes-Benz R Class. This car is 235 millimetres shorter than the recently unveiled long wheelbase version of the Grand Sports Tourer, whose unique vehicle concept combines the advantages of several different automotive categories, such as the sport saloon, estate car, van and sport utility vehicle (SUV), to create a new, distinct vehicle class focusing on design, dynamism and dimensions.



The Grand Sports Tourer concept is the answer for contemporary-minded people who are looking for an automobile that is both versatile and agile. As such, the new R Class also offers a spacious interior, unparalleled safety and the very best in comfort for up to six occupants in its European version. In addition, this Mercedes-Benz model captivates passengers with its formal aesthetics, its sumptuous nature and, last but not least, its dynamic driving pleasure.

The body of the European version of the R Class measures 4,922 millimetres in length, corresponding to that of a premium saloon, but significantly outperforming it in terms of its spacious interior. The latter is primarily the result of the advanced vehicle concept and its carefully conceived interior layout that has been thought through down to the very last detail. The first and second row of seats are 860 millimetres apart, for example, corresponding to the distance in a luxury saloon. But the European Grand Sports Tourer also stands out with regard to headroom, which amounts to 1,014 millimetres in the second row of seats and 935 millimetres in the third row. The width of the interior also exceeds that of other upper-range automobiles, with elbowroom of 1,550 millimetres in the front and 1,557 millimetres in the rear.

In typical Mercedes style, the new R Class fulfils the desire of sport- and leisure-oriented families for a versatile car that can quickly and easily be modified to perform different transport jobs: The four rear seats fold down individually, allowing the amount of loading space to be increased to about 1,950 litres (VDA measuring system). Cargo can be easily loaded or unloaded, thanks to the 1.98-metre long level loading surface and the large EASY-PACK hatch with its optional remote-control operation.

Six and eight-cylinder engines ranging from 165 kW/224 hp to 225 kW/306 hp

Powerful six and eight-cylinder engines provide the kind of driving pleasure and comfort that is typical of Mercedes. The dynamic V8 drive can accelerate the R 500 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 245 km/h. The vehicle’s engine programme also includes an all-new six-cylinder diesel with third-generation common-rail direct injection. At as little as 1,600 rpm, the V6 engine already delivers its maximum torque of 510 Nm, the highest value in its displacement class. The R 320 CDI has a combined fuel consumption of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres. A diesel particulate filter is offered as standard equipment in several European countries.

Meanwhile, the new V6 petrol engine (200 kW/272 PS) can propel the R 350 from zero to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 230 km/h.

All of the engines work in tandem with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which comes as standard equipment. Another special feature is DIRECT SELECT, an electronic gear-selection system that enables the engineers at Mercedes to dispense with the usual automatic selector lever in the centre console and instead fit a transmission lever on the steering column. Additional steering-wheel gearshift buttons allow the driver to manually preselect the seven gears in order to fully exploit the capabilities of the six- or eight-cylinder engine in all driving situations.

Permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP® team up to offer peerless driving safety and keep the new R Class safely on course, even in very bad road conditions. These systems all make up part of the vehicle’s standard specification, as does air suspension on the rear axle. Mercedes customers also have the option of AIRMATIC all-round air suspension, which is combined with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) so that motorists can raise the car body by 50 millimetres when driving along bumpy roads. At speeds above 120 km/h, AIRMATIC automatically lowers the body by 20 millimetres to reduce wind resistance.

Other standard equipment features providing safety and comfort are the automatic climate control, stereo system, speed-sensitive steering, sidebags for driver and front passenger, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats, windowbags and light-alloy wheels.

“Vision R 63 AMG”: Grand Sports Tourer with AMG technology

Making its debut along with the series-production version of the Mercedes-Benz R Class is the “Vision R 63 AMG”. With its long wheelbase, avant-garde appearance and extravagantly styled interior, this vehicle from Mercedes-AMG is the trendsetter among dynamically sporty vehicles. The show car is a near-series-production version of a particularly dynamic interpretation of the new R Class. The vehicle’s heart is the all-new, independently developed 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine generating 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm. As a result, the “Vision R 63 AMG” promises to offer a unique combination of unparalleled sporty driving pleasure, spaciousness and top comfort for up to six occupants.

ML 63 AMG: Taking the pole position in the off-road segment

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is the new benchmark for sporty off-roaders. With its 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine, the new top-of-the-range M Class model is the frontrunner in its competitive field. The all-new Mercedes-AMG off-roader is the very embodiment of a sporty and dynamic automobile and its exclusive range of equipment fulfils even the highest expectations. The ML 63 AMG will be celebrating its world debut at the International Motor Show and be introduced to the market in the second quarter of 2006.


→ Click picture to read more about the new ML 63 AMG

Beneath the bonnet of the ML 63 AMG is a high-performance powerhouse: the new 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5,200 rpm, the drive unit is the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated series-produced eight-cylinder engine in terms of specific output and specific torque. As such, it ensures a sports-car-like performance, accelerating the off-roader from zero to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and giving it a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The AIRMATIC air suspension is equipped with AMG-specific spring struts and a specially tuned Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The self-levelling suspension automatically lowers the car body at high speeds. Polished 19-inch light-alloy AMG rims with a five-spoke design and wide tyres measuring 295/45 R 19 ensure that the vehicle always has a firm grip on the road.

The new ML 63 AMG’s unique standing is emphasized by its broad, powerful and crouching appearance — just as though it were ready to pounce. The high-performance off-roader’s powerful design is characterised by the eye-catching AMG styling with front and rear aprons, an AMG-specific radiator grille, wider wings, stainless steel side running boards, and dimmed rear lights.

The vehicle’s sporty nature is also apparent in the car’s interior. The exclusive interior finishings include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery; Alcantara inserts at shoulder level; heated multi-contour seats; the ergonomic, leather-covered AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons; AMG doorsills; and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber knobs. and standard equipment includes the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®; the crash-responsive NECK-PRO headrests in the front seats; adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger; sidebags for the front seats; windowbags; and seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats.
 

Viano X-clusive study: Exciting technology and appearance

The Mercedes-Benz Viano is the ideal platform for a high-end MPV with a unique combination of attributes. The developers of the Viano X-clusive study benefited from the wide range of assemblies in the Mercedes-Benz production range. Both in terms of its exterior features and interior appointments, the study also represents a new standard for a top Class business and VIP vehicle.
The five-litre M 113 V8 engine has an output of 225 kW (306 hp) and a maximum torque of 460 Nm, accelerates the Viano to 100 km/h in only 6.8 seconds and gives the study a maximum speed of around 240 km/h. A specially developed, high-performance braking system with six brake pistons on each front wheel and four at the rear ensures that the Viano V8 comes to a halt very quickly. The brake disc diameter is 355 mm at the front and 350 mm at the rear. Including response time and pressure build-up, the braking distance is consistently below 40 m, and therefore at the level of sporty passenger cars. The resulting level of performance and braking characteristics are outstanding for an MPV.


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While the brakes are specially made to cope with the Viano’s gross vehicle weight of 2.77 t, the developers opted for tried-and-trusted units when selecting the powertrain components. The V8 engine is a series-production unit which is used in numerous Mercedes-Benz models. The cooling system has been adopted from the E 500 Saloon and the five-speed automatic transmission from the G 500 off-roader.

Dynamic exterior in the style of a sports saloon

The outstanding powertrain of the Viano X-clusive study is accompanied by packaging which is no less attractive. External design features include integral spoilers at the front and rear, illuminated door sills with blue LED lighting and chrome trim on the bottom edges of the windows, on the door sills and on the tailgate. Matt chrome exterior mirror housings, a radiator grille painted in sterling silver and matching roof rails are further eye-catching details. The Viano runs on 18-inch wheels fitted with size 245/45 R 18 tyres. The chassis has been lowered by 20 mm; bi-xenon headlamps and cornering lights ensure that the driver has an excellent view of the road.

Interior appointments of a top Class business van

The seat upholstery, side panels and door panels in the interior of the Viano X-clusive are in high-quality black leather, attractively contrasted with light-coloured topstitching and the Alcantara roof lining. The silhouette of the Viano is embroidered into the seat backrests. Multi-contour seats can be finely adjusted to suit the requirements of the driver and front passenger. Two electrically operated sliding doors ensure that passengers in the rear are able to enter and leave the vehicle in comfort. A sound system which has been perfectly configured for the interior geometry of the Viano provides a listening experience at the highest level. Instruments with chrome surrounds, integral “V8” lettering and dark bird’s-eye maple inserts in the instrument panel discreetly remind the driver that this is a very special vehicle indeed.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren:
Expanded range of individualised equipment for high-performance sports cars

Customers who choose the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a two-seater high-performance sports car with striking gull-wing doors and style elements from the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, are expressing a preference for extraordinary automobiles. The car evokes the mystique of the legendary 1950s SLR race cars in combination with the very latest sports car technology. And thanks to the SLR UNLIMITED individualisation programme, every customer can also have this 21st-century Gran Turismo customised according to his or her personal specifications. The selection of rims, paints, leather varieties and colours, and other extras specially developed for the SLR lend every Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren a highly individual character. And to better satisfy the customers’ wishes, Mercedes-Benz is continually expanding the spectrum of combinations that customers can choose from.
A palette of 13 exclusive paint colours are available, for example. These hues can either display the rich tone of the monochrome “Pure” paint or the deep, textured effect of the “Crystal” paints. Special metal particles in these water-soluble, environmentally friendly metallic paints produce a surface structure with a particularly intense effect characterised by captivating depth and fascinating brilliance. Because the proportion of metal varies from colour to colour, the characteristic carbon fibre structure of the body surface can be visible depending on the vehicle colour — especially at high temperatures or high humidity. This attractive effect is inherent in the technology and concept.

Ten-spoke or turbine look

The standard equipment for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren includes striking 18-inch light alloy wheels with ten spokes. The wheels are fitted with different size tyres in the front and rear. Large 19-inch wheels with an asymmetrical turbine look that strongly emphasises the dynamic character of the Gran Turismo are available as optional equipment. With these rims, the easily visible brake calipers are painted either red or gold, for a striking focal point.

A stylish combination of practicality and luxury

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a unique combination of exquisite luxury and pure sports car surroundings that creates an incomparable, captivating atmosphere. Aluminium and carbon stand for practicality and a focused concentration on the functionality of a classic Gran Tourismo. And in the vehicle’s two-colour interior concept, they form a stimulating contrast with the high-quality leather upholstery in semi-aniline, rich Alcantara and fine pearl velour.

As an alternative to the standard equipment package, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren customers can opt for the untreated, Silver Arrow leather exclusively developed for the SLR, with its unique quality and availability in a wide range of colours. In addition to having a fascinating structure, this untreated leather is inviting to touch, remarkably soft and breathable, and resistant to slipping. It lends the interior the sensual, tactile quality and fragrance of the finest leather, ensuring a very special ambience. A total of 16 leather colours are available. All together, this means customers can choose from a total of 76 possible combinations of paints and colours.

The exquisite equipment, which combines the highest levels of practicality and luxury, harmonizes beautifully with the modern sports car technology of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In the interest of achieving perfect driving dynamics and high braking stability, the high-performance vehicle was conceived as a front-mid engine sports car. Supported by a robust aluminium frame, the powerful V8 engine is installed in a low position, which contributes to the low centre of gravity needed for agile manoeuvrability.

Developed by Mercedes-AMG, the car’s supercharged V8 engine generates 460 kW/626 hp from 5.5 litres of displacement and powers the sports car from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 334 km/h. A water/charge air cooling system, dry-sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters are also among the highlight features of this powerful engine.

Like the Formula 1 racing car produced by McLaren-Mercedes, the new SLR also has a body made of lightweight carbon-fibre materials with an outstanding degree of energy absorption, thus providing maximum safety to the driver and passengers. The SLR is the world’s first series-produced automobile with a front crash structure that consists entirely of carbon fibre. The ESP® Electronic Stability Program, adaptive airbags, newly developed knee and head/thorax airbags, seatbelt tensioners, highly robust ceramic brake disks and an automatically activated air brake in the boot cover round off the safety equipment of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which now sets standards in this class.

→ Download three wallpapers: SLR I :: SLR II :: SLR III

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet:
The world’s fastest open-top four-seater

High technology derived from motorsport, the handling dynamism of the racetrack, a sensational visual appearance and the utmost exclusivity – the new Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is guaranteed to make the hearts of true car lovers beat faster. A limited edition of 100, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is capable of a fulminating performance with its 428-kW/582-hp AMG 5.5-litre, supercharged V8, a newly developed AMG sports suspension, optional sports tyres and aerodynamics refined in the wind tunnel: this high-performance AMG sports car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). This makes the new high-performance AMG Cabriolet the world’s fastest open-top four-seater.
The great demand for the CLK DTM AMG Coupé, which was likewise a limited edition of 100 and rapidly sold out, provided the initial impetus for the development of the powerful high-performance AMG Cabriolet. It was also modelled on the most successful car in the German Touring Car Masters – the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK with which Bernd Schneider was able to win the DTM championship in the 2003 season. The equipment of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet also takes its lead from the racetrack: AMG sports bucket seats with leather/Alcantara upholstery guarantee optimal lateral support, while the buckskin-covered, oval AMG racing steering wheel and the AMG instrument cluster with its 360 km/h speedometer scale lend an unmistakable motorsport touch to the interior.


→ Download wallpapers: DTM CLK I :: DTM CLK II

The exterior design of the new CLK DTM AMG already suggests outstanding performance at the level of thoroughbred sports cars, and demonstrates the transfer of top-class technology from the world of motor racing: a deep-drawn front apron with large air inlets, prominently flared wheel arches, 19 and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the diffuser-look rear end with its aerofoil are reminiscent of the successful CLK racing tourers from the DTM. Numerous body components are made from particularly strong and lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRP), for example the bonnet, doors, front wings, flared rear wheel arches and aerofoil.

Performance at the level of a super sports car

The Cabriolet is powered by the supercharged AMG eight-cylinder engine, which is familiar from other AMG cars but has been specifically reengineered with modifications to the crankcase, pistons, valve gear, cooling, intake manifold, supercharger and exhaust system. The AMG V8 engine generates a maximum output of 428 kW/582 hp at 6100 rpm from a displacement of 5439 cubic centimetres, while the maximum torque of 800 Newton metres is available at 3500 rpm.

Instant response to movements of the accelerator, a powerful surge of torque, exhilarating liveliness and an unmistakable V8 sound are the particular strengths of this ultra-powerful, supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 unit, which gives the new CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet the sort of performance levels found in super sports cars. the 100 km/h mark is reached from standstill in just 4.0 seconds, and the top speed is 300 km/h (electronically limited) – no other open-top four-seater in regular production can match these figures. A racing touch is also provided by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission: the five gears are changed by briefly pulling the shift paddles on the steering wheel, with extremely short shift times guaranteeing a particularly sporty and direct driving experience.

Newly developed torsion suspension, limited-slip differential

The suspension is fully the equal of the high-performance engine. In line with usual motor racing practice, a height-adjustable torsion suspension system is used. The rear axle has been redesigned with completely new spring links and wheel carriers, as well as reinforced drive shafts. The usual rubber elements are replaced by uni-ball joints on both axles to produce outstandingly precise handling. A multi-disc limited slip differential on the rear axle ensures optimal traction, while acceleration skid control (ASR) and the Electronic Stability Program ESP® have been adapted to suit the increased performance potential.

Optional Dunlop sports tyres for particularly good grip

Outstanding road contact is provided by the optional sports tyres by the DTM motorsport partner Dunlop; these size 225/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 20 (rear). These tyres have particularly good grip and are fitted to multi-piece 9 x 19 and 10 x 20-inch AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. These elegant spokes are not only an eye-catching feature, but also ensure effective ventilation of the brakes. Superb deceleration is provided by the newly developed AMG high-performance composite braking system with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

Functional racing atmosphere in the interior

The interior of the CLK DTM AMG is characterised by a functional motor racing atmosphere, with a judicious touch of the exclusivity expected of a genuine AMG high-performance car. AMG sports bucket seats of ultra-light CRP with leather/ Alcantara upholstery provide the occupants with outstanding lateral support, while the AMG sports steering wheel with its oval rim is covered in high-grip buckskin and gives the driver an excellent feel for the vehicle. Like the instrument cluster, the door linings and other interior components are of lightweight CRP. The silver-coloured shift gate, starter button and four rocker switches are eye-catching features on the redesigned centre console.

Despite a performance potential worthy of the racetrack, the CLK DTM AMG has all the virtues typical of any Mercedes model: everyday suitability, durability, safety, quality and standards of service to satisfy even the most demanding requirements. The fast AMG Coupé is hand-assembled in close cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and H.W.A. GmbH. The latter is one of the most successful touring car racing teams, and is also responsible for assembly and operation of the current C-Class DTM cars. The first of the limited-edition CLK DTM AMG Cabriolets will be delivered to customers during the first half of 2006. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is responsible for marketing, sales and service.

 

Source: Daimler Chrysler - ©Pictures: Daimler Chrysler

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