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July 5, 2004
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG
A unique amalgamation of the powerful AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine and exceptional design
Affalterbach – Imposing performance figures and exclusive
specification: Mercedes-AMG has succeeded in creating a most desirable
car in the form of the new CLS 55 AMG. This unique four-door
coupé is driven by the powerful and refined AMG V8 supercharged
engine, which generates an output of
350 kW/476 hp and 700 Newton metres of torque from a displacement of
5.5 litres. This gives the car truly top-notch performance: the CLS 55
AMG accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and has an
electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h. The CLS 55 AMG boasts
AMG sports suspension, a high-performance AMG braking system plus AMG
bodystyling and will be making its market debut in January 2005.
As with the other AMG high-performance cars,
the engine power is transferred to the wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT
five-speed automatic transmission. This allows the driver to choose
between fully automatic or manual gear changes, the latter being
possible by using either the selector lever or the gearshift buttons on
the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel.
The powerplant is superbly complemented by
the AMG sports suspension and by the AMG high-performance braking
system. The CLS 55 AMG features AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension
with an adaptive damping system; this suspension set-up has been
specially modified for AMG by giving it tauter tuning. Large,
internally ventilated and perforated brake discs make for impressive
deceleration and high fading resistance.
Powerful-looking 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and AMG bodystyling
The car’s dynamic ride characteristics are due in part to the
wheel/tyre combination fitted – 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide 18-inch AMG
twin-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 255/40 and 285/35 wide-base
tyres. These powerful-looking wheels complement the new AMG
bodystyling, which in turn reflects the sophisticated coupé
aesthetics of the CLS-Class to perfection. The AMG bodystyling
comprises an expressive front apron with large air inlets and round fog
lamps, side skirts and a distinctive rear apron. One highlight which
appeals to both the eye and the ear is provided by the two chromed,
twin oval tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. Further
differentiation is ensured by a special radiator grille with three
imposing, silver-painted louvers and “V8 KOMPRESSOR” lettering on the
front wings; the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid adds the final touch,
as well as increasing the down-force on the rear wheels.
Comprehensive, high-grade standard equipment with nappa leather upholstery
The equipment of the CLS 55 AMG represents a pleasing combination of
exclusive, sporty styling and high-quality materials. The design of the
new AMG sports seats exhibits special AMG perforations, lateral piping,
double stitching and Alcantara panels at shoulder height. The plentiful
specification also includes luxurious nappa leather in a choice of
three colours, an AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer
scale and chromed door sill panels with the AMG logo.
The sporty and exclusive CLS 55 AMG car will be appearing at
Mercedes-Benz sales outlets and dealerships starting in January 2005.
Order books for the new four-door coupé from Mercedes-Benz now
open - CLS-Class: Four-door Coupé a generation ahead.
Stuttgart, Jun 28, 2004
Orders are now being taken for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, which
is available in two model versions. The CLS 350, equipped with the new,
powerful V6 engine and the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, is priced
exworks at 54,346 euros, while the V8 CLS 500 is being offered at
67,280 euros.
The CLS-Class is a unique vehicle concept which combines the elegance
and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and practicality of a
saloon. Its spaciousness, luggage capacity and day-to-day practicality
are at the level of a saloon, while the styling possesses the
emotionally charged character of a coupé. With this currently
unique combination, the new CLS-Class is a coupé generation
ahead of the rest.
The technical specification also points the way to the future: adaptive
front airbags, sidebags and windowbags are all fitted as standard,
while options include state-of-the-art assistance systems like
KEYLESS-GO, LINGUATRONIC, COMAND APS, bi-xenon headlamps with Active
Light System and the dynamic multicontour seat. In the top CLS 500
model, features such as standard-fitted AIRMATIC DC air suspension and
the THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control provide S-Class levels of
comfort.
As a unique synthesis of a coupé and a saloon, the new CLS-Class
offers a great deal more added value than other coupés. With
this new model, Mercedes-Benz is once again emphasising its role as a
trendsetter for new ideas in the automotive world. The sophisticated
aesthetics of this coupé design and the trailblazing technology
are particularly aimed at people who have a passion for motor cars and
motoring.
Comfort and spaciousness to saloon standards
The four-door coupé concept even allows passengers in the rear
convenient access and egress. They have the benefit of two comfortable
single seats and enjoy generous freedom of movement. There is a
distance of 829 mm between the front and rear seats, which together
with the shoulder and elbow-level width (1422 and 1464 millimetres
respectively in the rear) puts the CLS-Class firmly in saloon
territory. Newly developed seats with electric adjustment as standard
are provided for the driver and front passenger; on request they can be
equipped with active ventilation or delivered as dynamic multicontour
seats. Furthermore, the boot of the new CLS-Class holds up to 505
litres (VDA measuring method) – much more than other coupés and
even many a saloon.
Choice of powerful six and eight-cylinder engines
Both the engines available for the CLS-Class exhibit effortless
performance and exemplary torque characteristics, providing the best
possible conditions for dynamic driving pleasure. The CLS 350 is
equipped with a newly developed V6 engine which has an output of 200
kW/272 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 350 newton metres from a
mere 2400 rpm. Both are peak values in this displacement class.
The lively V6 engine harmonises with the likewise new 7G-TRONIC
seven-speed automatic transmission, which is standard equipment. This
is the world’s first passenger car transmission of this type, and makes
a major contribution to the strong acceleration and exemplary fuel
consumption of the CLS 350.
Standard appointments in the six-cylinder Coupé include
THERMATIC automatic climate control, a stereo radio, speed-sensitive
power steering, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, 17-inch light-alloy
wheels and 245/45 R 17 wide-base tyres.
With the 5.0-litre V8 engine the new CLS 500 can hold its own in a
performance comparison with thoroughbred sports cars, while offering
the eight-cylinder comfort typical of a luxury-class saloon. This power
unit has an output of 225 kW/306 hp and with 460 newton metres it gives
the CLS 500 impressive torque, delivery of which is facilitated by the
standard seven-speed automatic transmission.
The additional standard equipment in the CLS 500 (as compared with the
CLS 350) includes AIRMATIC DC air suspension, THERMOTRONIC luxury
climate control and 18-inch light-alloy wheels with 245/40 R 18
wide-base tyres.
Exclusive CLS 55 AMG available from spring 2005
From spring 2005, a 350 kW/476 hp AMG version of the CLS will be
available. The specification of this high-performance Coupé,
powered by an AMG 5.5 litre V8 super-charged engine, will include
standard-fitted nappa leather AMG sports seats, bi-xenon headlamps with
Active Light System and a five-speed automatic transmission with
SPEEDSHIFT function. The CLS 55 AMG will be priced at 96,164 euros ex
works. |
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