Say sayonara to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 and hola to the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550, so named for its new 5.5-liter V8 that develops 388 horsepower and 390 ft-lbs. of torque. The outgoing CLK 500 had a 5.0-liter V8 developing 302 horsepower and 339 ft-lbs. of torque, which apparently didn't leave enough room between the midrange CLK and the "base" CLK 350 with its 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. The new CLK 550 now fits nicely between the CLK 350 and the range topping CLK 63 AMG that produces 475 horsepower from the division's thundering 6.3-liter V8.

The CLK 550 will shave .7 seconds off the outgoing model's 0-60 time by reaching that mark in 5.2 seconds, and despite the big bump in power will have the same fuel mileage. Mercedes-Benz already has the model - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, though pricing is listed as TBA.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]













Press release:

Sheer driving pleasure - CLK-Class with new V8 engine and attractive equipment package

Stuttgart, Jul 19, 2006
Bolstered by a new V8 engine developing 285 kW/388 hp, the CLK 500 Coupé and Cabriolet models now serve up sports car-esque driving pleasure. The newly developed 5.5-litre V8 engine boasts a peak torque of 530 Nm (outgoing model: 460 Nm), allowing the CLK-Class to deliver a virtuoso performance: the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds (outgoing model: 5.9 seconds), while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). Despite the 26 per cent boost in power, NEDC combined fuel consumption remains at an impressive 11.4 – 11.5 l per 100 km, matching the excellent figure posted by the previous model. Now customers can further upgrade their CLK models by adding the sports and styling package, which includes leather multicontour seats, metallic paintwork, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with shift paddles (with the automatic transmission) and aluminium sports pedals. The six and eight-cylinder petrolengined versions with an automatic transmission boast the special 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed transmission (standard in the CLK 350 and 500). In terms of exterior features, the package comprises 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling – for the front and rear apron and the side skirt panels – as well as an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid and a chromed AMG twin tailpipe. These visual enhancements lend both the Cabriolet and the Coupé an even more dynamic aura. Plus the sports suspension and perforated front brake discs make the CLK even more of a pleasure to drive. The sports and styling package is available now for € 4402.00 (incl. 16 % VAT).

mercedes have gone mad....which aint a bad thing...they are just throwin hp out there like nothing...and are improving MPG

Nice! Very predictable development and yet very welcome. Thanks for sharing.

Yup, this new 5.5 L V8 powerplant puts out more horsepower and torque than the AMG 5.4 L V8 in the C55 and SLK55.

Which means this this non-AMG CLK550 will likely be faster than the C55 AMG....

Yep all true, I think this type of hp is highly appropiate for such a car. Mercedes' often cost more than others so you should get premium power. I've said this before but all these 5.5L V8 cars especially the E550, CLK550, CLS550 and SL550 are relative bargains within the MB lineup when you think about it. Just a little more than 10 years ago you had to buy a W140 S600 to get 380+ hp in a non-AMG Mercedes. The fact that Mercedes would virtually obsolete last years n/a AMG 55 models says that they are on the move. Just wait until the 5.5L V8 gets direct injection, we'll be talking 420hp folks!

M

Hmmm... That "Sheer Driving Pleasure" sounds somehow familiar...
They couldn't come up with something more unique?

A nice car, but is still far too expensive IMO!

Here in the UK, I think it's 48k, the same price as an E550 for a car based off a C class!

killer that car will be super fast

Isn't this the new V8 that MB was working on or am I thinking about another one. I think the V8 that was a marvel was higher in liters. not sure though...

yep this is the latest V8 wich replaced the old 500 unit.. it debuted in the S class..
the next V8 they are working on should be the 450 a lower output V8..