2000 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG F1

The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition is the world’s first roadgoing automobile equipped with an ultra-high-performance ceramic braking system. The engineers at DaimlerChrysler AG and Mercedes-AMG GmbH developed internally ventilated brake discs made from fiber-reinforced ceramics for this unique high-performance coupe. The use of ceramic brakes in the CL was part of a pilot project offering this technology early next year as optional equipment for the S and CL 55 AMG models. The model on which this stunning special edition was based is the CL 55 AMG safety.

The new front brake discs of carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramics are approx. 60 percent lighter in weight than comparable brake discs of conventional cast iron. This significantly reduces the unsprung masses, with a noticeable improvement in driving dynamics. By virtue of these lighter brake discs the steering of the CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition is also more responsive and precise. The significant weight advantage also has a positive effect on suspension comfort car.

However, these are by no means the only the advantages to be obtained from the high-performance C-BRAKE, which was first shown in the Mercedes-Benz SLR super-sportscar in 1999. The new material also exhibits a very high temperature stability. The maximum temperature load is up to 1400 degrees Celsius. This provides a level of safety when braking from high speeds which was previously unknown in series-production cars. The extremely low thermal expansion of the ceramic brake also reduces juddering when the brakes are hot. Brake squeal and juddering when cold – two familiar characteristics of cast iron discs – are also considerably reduced with the ceramic brake. The extremely long operating life of up to 300,000 kilometers and the low maintenance also speak for the new, absolutely corrosion-free ceramic brake discs.

But it is not only the internally ventilated ceramic brake discs that are responsible for the uniquely sensitive response and very short braking distances of the ceramic brakes of the CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition: eight-piston brake calipers which were specially developed for this fast high-performance coupe by the Formula 1 supplier Brembo reliably ensure the necessary deceleration. The design of these calipers was specifically tailored to the fiber-reinforced brake discs. The anti-lock braking system ABS, Brake Assist and the Electronic Stability Program were also carefully adapted to the new braking system.

In addition to the F1 Limited Edition lettering on the front fenders, the interior of this exclusive Mercedes coupe also features cues from the motor racing activities of Mercedes-Benz. Numerous special characteristics distinguish the CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition, which is available only in brilliant silver metallic, from its series-production counterpart:

-F1 Limited Edition lettering on the center console, with consecutive numbering – Illuminated entry sills with F1 Limited Edition lettering – Front seats of ultra-sporty design with optimum lateral support, black/silver leather upholstery and embroidered AMG logo

– AMG sport steering wheel with perforated leather wrap – Carbon decorative trim – Automatic shift lever in leather-carbon combination – Floor mats with AMG logo

Story by DaimlerChrysler, edited by Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
price $	$ $150 000 USD
engine	V8
position	Front Longitudinal
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 @ 4100 rpm
redline	6000
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	255/40 ZR19
rear tires	285/35 ZR 19
front brakes	Brembro Ceramic Vented & Cross Drilled Discs w/ABS, Power Assist, 8-Pot Calipers
f brake size	x 345 mm / x 13.6 in
rear brakes	Brembro Ceramic Vented & Cross Drilled Discs w/ABS, Power Assist, 8-Pot Calipers
r brake size	x 315 mm / x 12.4 in
front wheels	F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19.0 x 8.5 in
rear wheels	R 48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19.0 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 Auto
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	551 Cd