The Mercedes CLK went on sale and at the same time Brabus presented its exclusive tuning program for the new coupe. The 6.1 liter increased-displacement engine turns the CLK 500 into a purebred sportscar. The displacement increase of the eight-cylinder engine, available for ¬ 24.050, is facilitated by a custom crankshaft milled from one piece with longer stroke and larger pistons. In addition the cylinder heads are remachined and fitted with custom camshafts. The sport exhaust with high-performance catalysts also contributes to the impressive power output as do reprogrammed engine electronics.
The Brabus front spoiler lends the CLK a more striking appearance and improves aerodynamic lift at high speeds. The rear valance features a custom-tailored cutout for the sport exhaust with two chrome-plated tailpipes.
Brabus also offers three different high-performance brake systems for the new CLK. The largest version features six-piston fixed aluminum calipers and 355-mm vented and slotted discs in front. The rear axle is fitted with 300-mm discs and four-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex-steel no-burst brake lines guarantee constant high brake pressure at all time.
BRABUS also offers engine tuning for the six-cylinder models CLK 240 and CLK 320.
In Detail
| engine | V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 6100 cc / 372.2 in³ |
| power | 317.7 kw / 426 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| specific output | 69.84 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 256.63 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 621 nm / 458.0 ft lbs @ 4100 rpm |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 235/35 ZR 19 |
| rear tires | 265/30 ZR 19 |
| front brakes | Vented & Sloted Discs w/6-Piston Calipers |
| f brake size | x 355 mm / x 14.0 in |
| rear brakes | Vented & Sloted Discs w/4-Piston Calipers |
| r brake size | x 300 mm / x 11.8 in |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19.0 x 8.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 48.3 x 25.4 cm / 19.0 x 10.0 in |
| f suspension | MacPherson Stuts w/Coil Springs, Gas-Filled Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Multi-Link w/Coil Springs, Gas-Filled Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1660 kg / 3660 lbs |
| length | 4638 mm / 182.6 in |
| width | 1740 mm / 68.5 in |
| height | 1413 mm / 55.6 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| gear ratios | 3.56:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~305 kph / 189.5 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.6 seconds |
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