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Mercedes-Benz News - Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet: The World's
Fastest Open-Top Four-Seater

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet: The World's Fastest Open-Top
Four-Seater
Frankfurt/Main, Sep 14, 2005 -- High technology derived from
motorsport, the handling dynamism of the racetrack, a sensational
visual appearance and the utmost exclusivity - the new Mercedes-Benz
CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is guaranteed to make the hearts of true car
lovers beat faster.

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet

A limited edition of 100, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is capable of a
fulminating performance with its 428-kW/582-hp AMG 5.5-litre,
supercharged V8, a newly developed AMG sports suspension, optional
sports tyres and aerodynamics refined in the wind tunnel: this
high-performance AMG sports car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.0
seconds and has a maximum speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited).
This makes the new high-performance AMG Cabriolet the world's fastest
open-top four-seater.
A D V E R T I S I N G

The great demand for the CLK DTM AMG Coupé, which was likewise a
limited edition of 100 and rapidly sold out, provided the initial
impetus for the development of the powerful high-performance AMG
Cabriolet. It was also modelled on the most successful car in the
German Touring Car Masters - the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz
CLK with which Bernd Schneider was able to win the DTM championship in
the 2003 season. The equipment of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet also takes
its lead from the racetrack: AMG sports bucket seats with
leather/Alcantara upholstery guarantee optimal lateral support, while
the buckskin-covered, oval AMG racing steering wheel and the AMG
instrument cluster with its 360 km/h speedometer scale lend an
unmistakable motorsport touch to the interior.

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet

The exterior design of the new CLK DTM AMG already suggests outstanding
performance at the level of thoroughbred sports cars, and demonstrates
the transfer of top-class technology from the world of motor racing: a
deep-drawn front apron with large air inlets, prominently flared wheel
arches, 19 and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the diffuser-look
rear end with its aerofoil are reminiscent of the successful CLK racing
tourers from the DTM. Numerous body components are made from
particularly strong and lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic
(CRP), for example the bonnet, doors, front wings, flared rear wheel
arches and aerofoil.

Performance at the level of a super sports car

The Cabriolet is powered by the supercharged AMG eight-cylinder engine,
which is familiar from other AMG cars but has been specifically
reengineered with modifications to the crankcase, pistons, valve gear,
cooling, intake manifold, supercharger and exhaust system. The AMG V8
engine generates a maximum output of 428 kW/582 hp at 6100 rpm from a
displacement of 5439 cubic centimetres, while the maximum torque of 800
Newton metres is available at 3500 rpm.

Instant response to movements of the accelerator, a powerful surge of
torque, exhilarating liveliness and an unmistakable V8 sound are the
particular strengths of this ultra-powerful, supercharged AMG 5.5-litre
V8 unit, which gives the new CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet the sort of
performance levels found in super sports cars. the 100 km/h mark is
reached from standstill in just 4.0 seconds, and the top speed is 300
km/h (electronically limited) - no other open-top four-seater in
regular production can match these figures. A racing touch is also
provided by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission: the
five gears are changed by briefly pulling the shift paddles on the
steering wheel, with extremely short shift times guaranteeing a
particularly sporty and direct driving experience.

Newly developed torsion suspension, limited-slip differential

The suspension is fully the equal of the high-performance engine. In
line with usual motor racing practice, a height-adjustable torsion
suspension system is used. The rear axle has been redesigned with
completely new spring links and wheel carriers, as well as reinforced
drive shafts. The usual rubber elements are replaced by uni-ball joints
on both axles to produce outstandingly precise handling. A multi-disc
limited slip differential on the rear axle ensures optimal traction,
while acceleration skid control (ASR) and the Electronic Stability
Program ESP® have been adapted to suit the increased performance
potential.

Optional Dunlop sports tyres for particularly good grip

Outstanding road contact is provided by the optional sports tyres by
the DTM motorsport partner Dunlop; these size 225/35 R 19 (front) and
285/30 R 20 (rear). These tyres have particularly good grip and are
fitted to multi-piece 9 x 19 and 10 x 20-inch AMG twin-spoke
light-alloy wheels. These elegant spokes are not only an eye-catching
feature, but also ensure effective ventilation of the brakes. Superb
deceleration is provided by the newly developed AMG high-performance
composite braking system with six-piston fixed callipers at the front
and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

Functional racing atmosphere in the interior

The interior of the CLK DTM AMG is characterised by a functional motor
racing atmosphere, with a judicious touch of the exclusivity expected
of a genuine AMG high-performance car. AMG sports bucket seats of
ultra-light CRP with leather/ Alcantara upholstery provide the
occupants with outstanding lateral support, while the AMG sports
steering wheel with its oval rim is covered in high-grip buckskin and
gives the driver an excellent feel for the vehicle. Like the instrument
cluster, the door linings and other interior components are of
lightweight CRP. The silver-coloured shift gate, starter button and
four rocker switches are eye-catching features on the redesigned centre
console.

Despite a performance potential worthy of the racetrack, the CLK DTM
AMG has all the virtues typical of any Mercedes model: everyday
suitability, durability, safety, quality and standards of service to
satisfy even the most demanding requirements. The fast AMG Coupé is
hand-assembled in close cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and
H.W.A. GmbH. The latter is one of the most successful touring car
racing teams, and is also responsible for assembly and operation of the
current C-Class DTM cars. The first of the limited-edition CLK DTM AMG
Cabriolets will be delivered to customers during the first half of
2006. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is responsible for marketing, sales and
service.

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