MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-CLASS UPDATED; CLK430 CABRIOLET MODEL ADDED

Refinement, Elegance and Optional V8 Power Fill Out The 2000 CLK Family

   A variety of design updates grace all 2000 CLK models, such as turn signal repeaters on the side-view mirrors on the outside, plus a host of standard equipment features. Among the improvements inside are a new instrument cluster, Tele Aid emergency cellular contact, a multifunction steering wheel and Touch Shift manual gear selection for the five-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes' innovative COMAND system which centralizes control of the audio, travel computer and navigation computer (and adds other features) is optional. Also, Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) is now standard on every CLK, as is free required maintenance for the standard warranty period.

Maintaining Grace

High-Performance, Low-Emission Engine Family

Each CLK model is powered by an aluminum powerplant using Mercedes-Benz' twin-spark / three valve-per-cylinder concept that set new standards of performance, efficiency, smoothness and low emissions when introduced in 1998. Developing 215 horsepower and 229 lbs.-ft. of torque from 3,000-4,600 rpm, the trim CLK320 coupe can sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds 0 performance on par with many V8s. The CLK430 coupe, meanwhile, can do the same 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.1 seconds. Its 4.3-liter, 275-hp V8 sustains 295 lbs.-ft. of peak torque over a large plateau from 3,000-4,400 rpm, giving the CLK430 tremendous midrange punch.

With both the Mercedes V6 and V8 engines, a dual-resonance intake manifold helps maximize torque at all engine speeds. Below 3,700 rpm, flaps in the intake manifold remain closed to direct air through a longer intake route, which boosts torque and efficiency at lower engine speeds. At higher speeds, the flaps open, allowing intake air to take a shortcut, which is a more direct route to the cylinders for high-speed power.

Sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure progressive response to the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the 3.2-liter V6 employs a counter-rotating balance shaft to help it run with the smoothness of a V8.

Both Mercedes V6 and V8 engines were designed with reduced operating costs as a focus. The platinum-tipped sparkplugs are made to last 100,000 miles. Just as significant, its Flexible Service System uses an oil quality sensor to monitor actual wear in the engine oil to determine the optimal service interval. The system can tell the difference, for example, between urban driving and highway driving, and can even account for oil top-ups. An instrument-panel indicator tells the driver when service is due. 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.

A Transmission That Responds To Road and Driver

A significant advance in automatic transmission operation is now standard on every CLK, and it comes from the groundbreaking new 2000 S-Class. Touch Shift allows the driver to manually select all five gears by pushing the gear lever slightly left to downshift or fight to upshift, all while in the Drive selector position. A gear indicator on the dash (below the tachometer) shows what gear is selected. It isn't necessary to move the lever to another gate or selector position to make manual gear changes. Also, though all five forward gears of the transmission can be selected, computer control prevents downshifts that would cause the engine to overrev.

Once the driver has used Touch Shift to manually select a gear, simply pressing and holding the lever to the right returns it to fully automatic Drive mode. The gear indicator on the dash will then indicate "D."

When not shifting manually, Mercedes' acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission not only adapts to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for climbing power and hastening downshifts on descents for engine braking), but also to an individual's driving style while in fully automatic mode. 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. In addition, the Mercedes "Winter" switch remains next to the shift lever on the selector. Winter mode engages second gear from a standstill and instructs the transmission to upshift at lower engine speeds, enhancing traction in slick conditions.

Sharp Responses, Smooth Manners

Standard-equipment full-range ASR traction control helps ensure safe travel on slippery road surfaces. 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. Mercedes' acclaimed Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is now standard on every CLK variant. ESP can help prevent slides and spins, especially in slippery weather. ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and prevent it by applying selective braking (braking one wheel) to keep the car going where the driver points it.

New Tele Aid Contact Is Standard

The new Tele Aid system provides both convenience and emergency services at the touch of a button through a special cellular connection. Tele Aid offers three distinct services. For emergency help, an "SOS" button above the rear-view mirror will immediately establish voice contact with Protection One -- a provider contracted by Mercedes-Benz -- which can dispatch local police or other emergency services. 

   This also transmits crucial information including the precise location of the vehicle (through GPS tracking), the model of car and its color (to help emergency services locate the car quickly). If a collision deploys any airbag, the system automatically establishes contact with Protection One, relaying all pertinent information. If voice contact is not established (e.g., the driver is unable to respond), local emergency services can also be dispatched. The onboard transmitter is crash-secure and has access to redundant antennae.

Tele Aid includes two other features for non-emergency use, both accessed from inside the center console. One button marked with the symbol of a wrench puts the client in contact with Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. Another button marked with the letter "i" connects users with the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center, a facility that can answer questions about the car, For example, the driver can request help with details on the audio system or optional telephone. A fourth benefit of Tele Aid is vehicle theft tracking, which can actually help authorities locate the car once the owner reports it stolen. Tele Aid eliminates the need to dial a phone number, use a cellular access code, juggle a handset or locate street names during an emergency. Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to make emergency calling like this a standard feature. Moreover, the standard Tele Aid system does not require that the client purchase a cellular phone or service -- it operates on its own cellular system.

First in Safety and Security

Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, having pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, supplemental restraint systems (SRS), anti-lock brakes and traction control. All 2000 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags and doormounted side airbags.

In addition, all 2000 Mercedes-Benz models come equipped with Brake Assist, the first system in the auto industry proven to 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. Combining ESP, ASR, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, a naturally wellbalanced chassis and the 5-speed automatic's "winter" mode, every CLK makes driving in poor weather that much more secure.

The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, also standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, 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).

For vehicle security, an electronic SmartKey is standard on many Mercedes models, including the CLKClass. Instead of the usual metal ignition key, the driver inserts the end 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.

Luxury Is Standard