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