2000 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG

The exterior appearance of the CL 55 AMG can be matched even more specifically to the sporty character of the vehicle by means of the skilfully integrated yet striking optional AMG styling package. The styling package comprises modified front and rear aprons, as well as new side mouldings. Also optionally available are 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. With their exclusive five-spoke styling they are not only eye-catching but also improve the handling dynamics and the venting of the brake discs which, like the entire brake system, are taken from the 12-cylinder CL 600 coupe. The rims at the front are 8.5 inches wide and are fitted with size 245/40 R 19 tyres. At the rear, size 275/35 R 19 tyres are fitted on 9.5-inch rims.

When it came to the suspension, the engineers at Mercedes-AMG GmbH had no reason to make modifications. After all, the active suspension system Active Body Control (ABC) fitted in the standard model represents a milestone in dynamic handling and ride comfort. Using high-pressure hydraulics and a high-performance control unit, it adapts the damping of the car body to the current driving situation with split-second speed in order to reduce body movement during take-off, cornering and braking. The Mercedes-Benz CL rounds bends with greatly reduced roll and can take evasive action at high speed much more safely than cars with conventional suspension technology. To suit the road or the mood of the moment the driver can switch from sporty to more comfort-oriented suspension, which tangibly alters the characteristics of the active body control. Cornering roll is cut by up to 27 per cent in Sport mode compared with the Comfort mode.

The following items are also part of the standard equipment of the Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG: AMG instrument cluster (speedometer scale reading up to 320 km/h), AMG exhaust system, The brake system of the CL 600, Sporty transmission tuning.

Story by DaimlerChrysler

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	SOHC 3 Valves / Cyl
displacement	5439 cc / 331.9 in³
bore	97 mm / 3.82 in
stroke	92 mm / 3.62 in
compression	10.5:1
power	264.0 kw / 354.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	65.09 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	189.61 bhp per tonne
torque	530.12 nm / 391.0 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm
redline	6000
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	245/45YR18
rear tires	275/40YR18
front brakes	Vented & Cross Drilled Discs w/ABS & Hydraulic Power Assist
f brake size	x 345 mm / x 13.6 in
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/ABS & Hydraulic Power Assist
r brake size	x 315 mm / x 12.4 in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 18.0 x 8.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18.0 x 9.5 in
steering	Speed Sensitive Rack & PInion w/Power Assist
curb weight	1867 kg / 4116 lbs
wheelbase	2885 mm / 113.6 in
front track	1577 mm / 62.1 in
rear track	1578 mm / 62.1 in
length	4994 mm / 196.6 in
width	1857 mm / 73.1 in
height	1397 mm / 55.0 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.59:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1, :1
final drive	2.82:1
top speed	~249.4 kph / 155.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.7 seconds
drag	Cd