Was just curious if anyone had any idea what changes were coming to the 05 CLK? From the CLK DTM pics its apparent that the new interior will definitely be coming, but will it be on the 05's? Curious as you've seen Mercedes went ballistic on showing off their newly revamped C-Class, but not a word on the CLK! Also as mentioned in a previous post, the 350 engine.. when will it arrive? An E350 & C350 have been rumored for quite some time now, and the SLK350 is already here. Considering the CLK is the sportier counterpart to the E-Class (price-range wise) it definitely needs the boost because their 0-60 time is a little depressing [:(].
First of all, the CLK as you say is the sporty version of E class and NOT C class because price wise is closer to E class. Even the design, quality and material used in CLK are very close to E class.
Regarding the new 350 engine with 275 HP I talked to several Mercedes reps and here is the bottom line. They say if they would come with a CLK 350 with 275 HP, that would make the CLK 500 with 308 HP no more appealing because the CLK 500 would only have 33 HP more the CLK 350. Right now the difference between 320 and 500 are almost 100 HP which is a lot.
On the other hand I am thinking, did they design the new 350 with 4 valve per cylinder just for SLK? That doesn't make sense to me. Who knows may be a few years from now they would come with CLK 600 and CLK 350.
I dont remember where but I read somewhere they're increasing the output of the 500 engines (making them the non-supercharged 55 engine?) and the AMG based one should still be the supercharged one. Just to accomodate what you were saying about the 350 and 500 engines being too close.
Well, I really doubt they would come with a CLK 500 with more horse power because then you get close or equal to SL 500 and I think Mercedes doesn't want to create competition in his own house! Another factor is the raising gas prices. Considering all Mercedes consume premium fuel, I doubt the demand for a super charged CLK 500 would be strong. Already now we are headed for over $3.00 a gallon for premium gas.
But having said all the above, who knows may be they do it.
I have ordered a '05 CLK 320 Cabriolet black/stone with DVD Navigation, Lighting Package, 6 disk cd changer, active ventilated seats, multi contour driver's seat and Keyless go. I should be receiving within 30 days. I found a site that shows all the differences between the '04 and '05 models, it is
http://www.beckimports.net/PDF%20Files/CLK-Class_MY05.pdf
In 30 days? Where do you live? And AWESOME job on the info. Just as most of us suspected, but a few new bits of info (such as the apperance package now being standard) are music to my ears [:)]
I've been looking all over to see what was going to be new for '05. Nice to finally know what's coming down the pipe. I still hope they drop in the 350 engine.
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