2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 600
The CL-Class of Mercedes-Benz has in the past been a highlight of inovative technology and refined grand touring. With the next evolution of the CL comes the most powerfull version to date. For 2003 Mercede-Benz has opted to use thier Maybach V12 engine in the coupe. This powerplant will immediately launch the car to supercar status having 500 horepower on tap.
The newly developed V12 is twin turbocharged, a first for the CL range. The power figure of 500hp is an increase of 36% over its predecessor. Torque was increased 51% over the 2000 model.
In addition to the twin turbochargers the highlights of the new V12-engine include a special low-temperature circuit with two water intercoolers, three-valve technology and AC twin-spark ignition with constant ionic current measurement for optimal ignition. Thanks to this advanced engine technology and efficient emission control with two firewall-mounted catalytic converters the new Mercedes twelve-cylinder already meets the stringent EU-4 emission limits for the year 2005. says MB.
Much like the recent E-Class devlopment, the CL benfits from Adaptive Body Control. This system of active damping was premiered on the CL class back in 1999.
As you woud expect minor cosmetic updates both in and out of the car were performed by Mercedes-Benz. Such updates include newely formed switches, refined bumpers, new rear lights, seats and center console. Overall the designers at MB kept the car looking quite similar to the previous year’s CL.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| engine | V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Twin-Turbocharged |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 5513 cc / 336.4 in³ |
| bore | 82 mm / 3.23 in |
| stroke | 87 mm / 3.43 in |
| compression | 9.0:1 |
| power | 372.9 kw / 500 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
| specific output | 90.69 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 240.96 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 800 nm / 590.0 ft lbs @ 1800-3500 rpm |
| redline | 6050 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 245/45 R 18 |
| rear tires | 265/40 R 18 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS, Power Assist, ESP |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS, Power Assist, ESP |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| front wheels | F 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18.0 x 8.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18.0 x 9.0 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Variable Ratio Assist |
| f suspension | 4-Link Multi-Link w/ABC acative damping system |
| r suspension | Multi-Link w/ABC acative damping system |
| curb weight | 2075 kg / 4575 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2285 mm / 90.0 in |
| front track | 1577 mm / 62.1 in |
| rear track | 1578 mm / 62.1 in |
| length | 4993 mm / 196.6 in |
| width | 1857 mm / 73.1 in |
| height | 1398 mm / 55.0 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| 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 | ~250 kph / 155.3 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.7 seconds |
