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Mercedes Benz CLK DTM AMG Convertible
[QUOTE][url]http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=12656[/url][/QUOTE]
A limited edition of 100, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is capable of a staggering performance with its 582 bhp 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.
The car was 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 2003. The equipment of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet also takes its lead from the racetrack: AMG sports bucket seats with leather/Alcantara upholstery, buckskin-covered oval AMG racing steering wheel and the AMG instrument cluster with its 360 km/h speedometer.
On the outside, the new convertible features a deep-drawn front apron with large air inlets, prominently flared wheel arches, 19" and 20" AMG light-alloy wheels and the diffuser-look rear end with an aerofoil. 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.
The Cabriolet is powered by the supercharged AMG eight-cylinder engine, 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. 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. Gear changing is 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.
Revisions to the suspension and drivetrain include a rear axle that 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, and 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.
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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