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Mercedes-Benz W208

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG cabrioletThe Mercedes-Benz W208 coupes and convertibles were produced from 1998 to 2002. They were sold under the CLK-Class model names. The W208 models were the CLK 200 4-cylinder, CLK230 4-cylinder, CLK 320 V6, CLK 430 V8 and CLK 55 AMG. All models were available in both coupe and cabriolet form.

The CLK introduced a new market niche for Mercedes-Benz. Although the W208 used components from the E-Class and had a specification level higher than the E-Class, it was in fact based on the C-Class platform.

The CLK features a number of innovative accessories and systems, such as tow-away protection and an emergency transmission mode.

The W208 was succeeded by the W209, also called the CLK.

W208 CLK55 AMG Details

Engine: V8
Valvetrain: SOHC 3 Valves / Cyl
Displacement: 5439 cc / 331.9 cu in
Bore: 97 mm / 3.82 in
Stroke: 92 mm / 3.62 in
Compression: 10.5:1
Power: 258.8 kW / 347 bhp (259 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Hp Per Litre: 63.8 bhp per litre
Bhp/Weight: 1 bhp (1 kW) per 9.9 lb
Torque: 510 nm / 376.2 ft·lbf @ 3000 rpm
Redline: 6000
Drive Wheels: Front Engine
Front Brakes: Vented Discs w/ABS & Power Assist
Front Brake Size: 335 mm/13.2 in
Rear Brakes: Vented Discs w/ABS & Power Assist
Rear Brake Size: 300 mm/11.8 in
Front Wheels: F 43.2 x 17.8 cm / 17.0 x 7.0 in (ET 37)
Rear Wheels: R 43.2 x 21.6 cm / 17.0 x 8.5 in (ET 34)
Front Tire Size: 225/45ZR17 (Can go to 235 on these Rims)
Rear Tire Size: 245/40ZR17 (Can go to 255 on these Rims)
Steering: Recirculating Ball w/Power Assist
Curb Weight: 3,444 lb
Wheelbase: 2690 mm / 105.9 in
Front Track: 1506 mm / 59.3 in
Rear Track: 1488 mm / 58.6 in
Length: 4567 mm / 179.8 in
Width: 1722 mm / 67.8 in
Height: 1371 mm / 54.0 in
Transmission: 5-Speed Auto Speed Shift
Gear Ratios: 3.59:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1
Final Drive: 2.82:1
Top Speed: 250 km/h / 155.3 mph (ECU Limited)
0-60 mph: 4.89 seconds
¼ Mile: 13.48@106.3
600 Foot Slalom: 62.9
60-0 Braking: 112 feet (34 m)
Drag: 0.31
EPA City/Hwy: 17 / 24 mpg

W208 CLK55 Summary

Engine- The CLK AMG is powered by a hand-assembled 5.5-liter V8 engine. The hardware list reads like that of a race car: super-stiff forged billet steel crankshaft, forged, weight-matched connecting rods and pistons, lightweight AMG-specific camshafts churns inside the pressure-cast aluminum block of this chain-driven single overhead-cam V8 with two intake and one exhaust valves per cylinder, as well as 16 coils and 16 spark plugs (two spark plugs per cy). Its bore and stroke are nearly the same, which makes it an ideally balanced engine. The complex dual-resonance intake manifold with carefully tuned runners helps create an explosive compression ratio of 10.5:1 which is is mostly what delivers the healthy 342 horsepower (255 kW) and 376 ft·lbf (510 N·m) of torque.

Transmission- The five-speed automatic transmission is adapted from the gearbox used in the V-12 S-class models, because that gearbox can take the torque. It is fully adaptive and electronically-controlled, and is a stronger unit than that of the CLK430. Also a larger four-bolt driveshaft that's four inches in diameter connects to a reinforced rear differential to keep all the extra power under control. Standard traction control keeps wheelspin to a minimum, while its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) keeps the CLK on its intended path.

Handling- The standard CLK chassis is used, and while the current version is not based on the new C-Class platform, the AMG version of the CLK offers some special undercarriage components. The four-wheel independent suspension is basically the same as the lesser CLK versions, but AMG fits higher-rated springs, tighter shock valving, larger diameter anti-roll bars and stiffer suspension bushings. The resulting firmer, more controlled ride is made even tighter by its high-performance ZR-rated low-profile tires. The brakes have been enhanced as well. The huge four-wheel discs are larger and thicker than the other CLKs, and the rear discs are specially vented to enhance cooling. An anti-lock braking system is standard, while Brake Assist applies full braking force in panic stop faster than a driver could. It rides on AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, 7.5" front and 8.5" rear, shod with 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR17 Michelin Pilots.
2001 Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG (u know da one wit da bubble eyes out dat 1999 Cash Money video, shout outs to Lil' Wayne) is considered a W208
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