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