Autumn 2002 model update for top Mercedes Coupé
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Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: New-look front and powerful V12 engine for the 2003 model year
368 kW/500 hp output takes the CL 600 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds
CL 55 AMG: top sports performance from new supercharged V8 engine
Active Body Control: even more precise with automatic load compensation All engine variants of the CL-Class Coupé are equipped as standard with a landmark in advanced automotive technology: Active Body Control (ABC). Developed by Mercedes-Benz, this unique system adjusts the suspension and damping settings to the current driving situation second by second and so reduces body movement - when accelerating, cornering or braking - to a minimum. Furthermore, the engineers in Sindelfingen have developed an additional system for the 2003 model-year CL-Class Coupé which constantly monitors the total weight of the vehicle. This information is taken into account in the calculations performed by the Active Body Control system. As a result, the handling is even more dynamic and is largely unaffected by the vehicle load. Safety: accident situation and passenger weight determine airbag deployment profile With safety features including a two-stage passenger airbag, windowbags and sidebags, seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters as well as automatic child-seat recognition, the CL-Coupé already represented the benchmark in the field of occupant protection in its category when it entered series production in autumn 1999. From the 2003 model year, Mercedes-Benz is extending the coupé's innovative safety equipment with the addition of two front-mounted satellite sensors which permit early detection of the severity of an accident and, as a result, the appropriate degree of inflation of the two-stage passenger airbag. Furthermore, the satellite sensors also allow the seat belt tensioners to be triggered at an even earlier stage, thereby ensuring optimum occupant restraint in an impact. Another new safety feature is the automatic weight classification of the passenger by means of a special measuring foil in the seat cushion. This ensures that the two-stage passenger airbag is triggered in accordance not only with the severity of the accident, but also with the weight of the passenger, too. Interior: stylishly enhanced details
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- Its lines express elegance and dynamism while its high-tech innovations
make driving safer and even more enjoyable - for the 2003 model year the
successful Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Coupé once again sets new standards
in the areas of design and technology. Featuring a subtly updated body, an
even more exclusive interior and state-of-the-art technology, the latest
version of this top coupé will be appearing in the showrooms of
Mercedes-Benz branches and dealerships this autumn. The most striking features
which characterise this superb coupé
are the updated twin headlamp face with its clear-lens
design and the restyled front bumper which gives the car an even more powerful
presence. The housings of the exterior mirrors have also been modified and
now include exit lighting which switches on automatically to illuminate the
area next to the vehicle when the doors are opened or when the remote-control
central locking system is activated. This feature enhances passenger safety
and comfort when getting in and out of the car. The elegant
character of the coupé is further reinforced by the tail-lamps whose
brilliance is enhanced by the redesigned glass covers.
A newly
developed twelve-cylinder biturbo engine puts the CL-Class Coupé in
the same power category as thoroughbred sports cars. The V12 powerplant in
the CL 600 generates 368 kW/500 hp and develops a maximum torque of 800
Newtonmetres from 1800 rpm with a boost pressure of 1 bar. This means that
this state-of-the-art 5.5 litre unit exceeds the power output of the previous
Mercedes twelve-cylinder engine by some 36 percent while its torque figure
is a remarkable 51 percent higher. With all this power under the bonnet,
the CL 600 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds
(predecessor: 6.1 seconds). The maximum speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h. In addition to its biturbo system, the new V12 boasts an impressive
array of technological innovations including a special low-temperature circuit
with two water-cooled charge-air coolers, three valves per cylinder as well
as AC dual ignition with continuous ionic current diagnosis for optimum ignition
functionality. Thanks to its state-of-the-art engine technology and the effective
emission control system featuring two catalytic converters mounted on the
firewall, the new Mercedes twelve-cylinder engine already meets the strict
EU 4 emission standard which comes into force in 2005. The fuel consumption
of the CL 600 is 14.7 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).
From autumn 2002, the CL 55 AMG high-performance Coupé
will be powered by the mighty 5.5 litre supercharged V8 unit developed by
Mercedes-AMG. This engine also has an output of 368 kW/500 hp and accelerates
the coupé from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds thanks to its 700
Newtonmetres of torque (from 2750 rpm). A five-speed automatic transmission
with racing-style steering-wheel shift controls completes the total sporting
experience aboard the new CL 55 AMG. The 225 kW/306 hp V8 engine for the
CL 500 remains unchanged.
From
autumn 2002 the exclusive interior of the CL-Class Coupé will benefit
from enhancements to various details within the context of a sensitive update
programme undertaken by Mercedes designers. The changes are clear as soon
as one gets into the coupé. The centre console has attractively redesigned
switches, while the size of the colour display (16:9 image format ) for the
standard COMAND unit with its integral radio and CD player has been increased
to 6.5 inches.