November 12^th, 1999                                 

CL 55 AMG has `go' to match the `show'

Just three months after the new Mercedes CL first went on sale in Europe, 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. (No decision on right hand drive production has been made to date.)

To create the unique character of the Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG, Mercedes-AMG engineers took the current 5.0 litre 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 optimisation 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. European customers may, however, specify their CL 55 AMG without electronic 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 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.

Active Body Control combines sportiness and comfort
When it came to the suspension, the engineers at Mercedes-AMG 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.

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
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.

The CL 55 AMG naturally offers all the Mercedes innovations which have already been realised 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 currently available for the AMG variant of the flagship coupe in Europe – 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.

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: