1998 Mercedes Benz CLK Press Release VIS www.autopricing.com

MERCEDES-BENZ CLK: A COUP
FOR THE COUPE CATEGORY

High Performance, Emotional Design, Mercedes Luxury And Safety For Under $40,000

Just as it supercharged the roadster market with the SLK, Mercedes-Benz is set to stir up the market for luxury/performance coupes with the new CLK. With the new CLK coupe, Mercedes-Benz has wrapped an evocative, emotional design unlike anything on the road around a high-performance powertrain and a four-seat luxury interior, and combined it with Mercedes integrity and value. Powered by an all-new 3.2-liter V6 engine and with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $39,850, the new Mercedes CLK32O will be the car to watch and the car to catch in its segment. The CLK is also part of a new coupe family strategy (which includes the premium-luxury S-Class-based CL coupes) at Mercedes-Benz that designates separate classes for coupe models, rather than group them with sedans. The last time Mercedes-Benz offered a coupe in this category was 1995, the E320 coupe, which cost $23,000 more than the CLK32O.

MORE THAN A COUPE - Buy The CLK Here

Much more than a coupe, the Mercedes CLK meets the definition of a true grand touring car by artfully balancing sports car performance and response with luxury and every-day usability. To this balance, the CLK adds the core Mercedes-Benz attributes of safety and quality, with the added bonus of surprising practicality. The dramatic styling of the CLK leaves no doubt that this model is a true coupe, not a two-door sedan. The CLK was designed from the beginning as a coupe, which is quickly becoming an industry coup. Although the CLK resembles the E-Class from the front, the two models share no body panels. The CLK is lower than an E-Class, and its grill, headlights and windshield are more raked-back. And the striking design is functional - a low .31 coefficient of drag ensures a quiet ride and helps fuel efficiency.

INTERIOR - Buy The CLK Here

The CLK interior design is unique in the Mercedes-Benz line and offers true four-place seating. Each of the rear seating positions is equipped with a three-point seatbelt that automatically adjusts for height. The spacious trunk is nearly the same size as in the C-Class sedan. In addition, the standard 60/40 split folding seatback expands carrying capacity. Unlike some other luxury coupes, the Mercedes CLK is not a compromised 2+2 - there is ample leg, knee and shoulder room for two adult passengers in the rear seats. Like the larger, premium-luxury CL coupes, the CLK features an Easy Entry system that makes it easy for rear-seat passengers to get in and out of the car. The system uses the power seat mechanisms to quickly move the front seats forward, and then return them to their pre-set positions.

THE HEART AND SOUL - Buy The CLK Here

Such is the high-performance mission of the CLK that Mercedes-Benz chose to pattern its FIA-GTR race car after the CLK coupe design. The CLK-GTR has already won several victories on the track, and a street version of the car will be introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1997. At the heart of the production CLK32O is an all-new high-performance 3.2-liter V6 engine. The aluminum CLK powerplant is a part of an all-new family of Mercedes-Benz three-valve/twin spark engines that set new standards of performance, efficiency, smoothness and low emissions. With 215 horsepower and 229 Ibs- ft. of peak torque that's available from 3,000-4,600 rpm, the lean and trim CLK32O can sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds - performance that beats some V8-powered rivals. A dual-resonance intake manifold helps maximize torque at all engine speeds. Below 3,700 rpm, two flaps in the intake manifold remain closed to direct air through a longer intake route, which boosts torque at lower engine speeds. At higher speeds, the two flaps open, allowing intake air to take a shortcut - a more direct route to the cylinders for high-speed power and effciency. A counter-rotating balance shaft helps this V6 run with V8- like smoothness, while sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure quick response to the accelerator pedal.

LONG LASTING EQUIPMENT - Buy The CLK Here

The new Mercedes V6 was designed with reduced operating costs in mind. The platinum-tipped sparkplugs were designed to last 100,000 miles, and just as significant, a new Flexible Service System monitors stresses on the engine oil to determine optimal service interval. The system can tell the difference, for example, between urban driving and highway driving. With FSS, the minimum service interval has been extended to 10,000 miles (up from 7,500 miles), and some drivers may see as much as 20,000 miles between oil changes. The driver is alerted to the service interval by an instrument-panel indicator.

TRANSMISSION - Buy The CLK Here

The V6 engine in the CLK is perfectly matched to the company's acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission that not only adapts to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for climbing power and downshifting on descents for engine braking), but also to an individual's driving style. The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration. A "Winter" mode helps enhance traction by starting in second gear and upshifting at lower engine speeds.

SPORTS CAR HANDLING - Buy The CLK Here

With the CLK, Mercedes-Benz once again proves that one car can deliver both sports car handling and a smooth, luxurious ride. Making this balance possible is the same double wishbone front suspension as the SLK roadster and the same five-link independent rear suspension design used on all Mercedes passenger cars. Handling prowess is further assured by standard seven-spoke 16" x 7" forged light-alloy wheels with 205/SSHR-16 all-season tires. A full-size spare tire is standard.

SAFETY AND SECURITY - Buy The CLK Here

Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, having pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, ABS anti-lock brakes, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and traction control. All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes, full-front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. The 1998 CLK incorporates even more new Mercedes safety advances. The new Brake Assist feature is the only system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could. The standard BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, first introduced on the SLK roadster, uses transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a special infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers). Standard ASR traction control helps ensure safe travel on slippery road surfaces, whether caused by rain, snow or even gravel. This sophisticated system detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively applies the brake to that wheel to restore traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle, more quickly than the driver can react to do so. For the ultimate in vehicle control, CLK buyers can order the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This extraordinary safety system can detect an impending spin or slide and prevent it by applying selective braking (even braking one wheel) to keep the car going where the driver is pointing it.

LUXURY IS STANDARD - Buy The CLK Here

The Mercedes-Benz CLK comes equipped to be the best value in its segment. In addition to the safety and security features already described, the CLK comes equipped with a full complement of luxury features, including: leather upholstery and burl walnut wood trim; Bose 8-speaker audio system with cassette player and weatherband; dual-zone automatic climate control with a combination dust/charcoal filter and residual heat feature;10-way power-adjustable front seats with 3-position memory (driver's seat memory includes outside mirrors); express-down power windows; dual heated power side-view mirrors; anti-theft alarm system; cruise control and integrated garage door opener with "rolling code" technology for added security.

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM - Buy The CLK Here

A new electronic key called SmartKey is standard on many 1998 Mercedes models, including the CLK. Instead of the usual metal ignition key, the driver inserts the pointed tip of the remote locking unit (key fob) into the "key" slot and twists it. An infrared data exchange between the car and the remote unit electronically unlocks steering column and a quick twist and release engages the starter motor. For maximum security, the codes needed to unlock and start the car are changed each time it is used. Convenience features include programmable selective locking (driver's door and fuel flap), global locking (both doors, trunk and fuel filler flap) and summer unlocking (remotely lowers windows and opens sunroof. There's also a trunk release and a panic button. There is a metal key hidden inside the unit that can lock the trunk and glovebox before turning the car over to a valet.

AMENITIES - Buy The CLK Here

Optional equipment for the Mercedes CLK32O includes a power sliding/tilting glass sunroof, multicontour front seats, CD changer/phone package, Xenon gas-discharge high-intensity headlamps, a headlamp washing system and a ski sack/pass through feature. There are several value packages that group popular options.

WARRANTY - Buy The CLK Here

All 1998 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period. In addition, all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year, are covered by the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, mounting the spare tire or a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.

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