World Premiere of Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet Set for Spring at Geneva Show
9 December 1997
MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 8 -- Mercedes-Benz has announced that
the 1999 CLK Cabriolet will make its world debut at the renowned Geneva Motor
Show in March 1998. Marking the latest development in the company's
unprecedented product offensive, the six-cylinder CLK320 Cabriolet, along with
an aggressively styled V8-powered CLK430 coupe, will arrive in the U.S. next
fall, joining the CLK320 coupe in Mercedes-Benz dealerships around the
country.
The V6-powered CLK320 coupe went on sale in September 1997 at a price of
$39,850. The CLK430, slated for introduction at the Detroit auto show this
January, and the CLK320 Cabriolet are both expected to be priced in the
upper-$40,000 range.
Based on the fun-to-drive CLK coupe (which was designed from the beginning
as a true coupe, not a two-door sedan), the sporty, elegant Cabriolet from
Mercedes-Benz has the stylish front "face" of the CLK with its four elliptical
lights. Although the CLK family resembles the E-Class from the front, their
headlights are smaller and more elliptical, with the lights, grill and
windshield more raked-back. The CLK-Class is lower than an E-Class, and the
two families share no body panels.
On the rear deck of the CLK Cabriolet, small but distinctive "power domes"
-- reminiscent of the styling on some legendary race cars -- underscore its
dynamic appearance.
Of course, what really sets apart the new Cabriolet is its automatic
retractable soft top, which preserves the flowing roof lines of the CLK coupe,
then vanishes completely under the flush rear deck cover when the top is down.
Similar mechanically to the previous E320 Cabriolet, the computer-controlled
top for the CLK Cabriolet is operated electro-hydraulically, with a manual
safety latch at the windshield header.
Designed for safe, comfortable year-round driving, the CLK Cabriolet top
is fully lined and insulated and includes a large glass rear window which
incorporates an electric defroster element.
For the first time in a soft-top Mercedes-Benz, the compartment for the
top mechanism is actually part of the trunk, so that when the convertible top
is up, cargo capacity is increased by about 60 percent.
Open Air Fun, and Safe, Too
While the new Cabriolet uses the inherently strong body structure, chassis
and power train of the CLK320 coupe, cross members in the Cabriolet floor are
reinforced to ensure good body rigidity, even without a fixed roof. Its
sturdy A-pillars and windshield frame are specially designed to increase
protection in the event of a rollover.
The rear head restraints, which usually protrude only slightly above the
rear deck, pop up automatically in a split second if the car senses an
impending rollover. Conceptually like the pop-top roll bar in the SL, the
Cabriolet head restraints then double as a sturdy roll bar, providing optimal
occupant protection.
The CLK Cabriolet will come with a full complement of luxury features as
well as all the other safety equipment expected in a Mercedes-Benz, including
full front airbags, side airbags in the doors, ETR belt tensioners, and belt
force limiters for the front seats. In addition to ABS anti-lock brakes, the
new Cabriolet will be equipped with Brake Assist, the only system in the auto
industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations.
Brake Assist can detect emergency or panic braking, then automatically applies
full braking force faster than a driver could.
Mercedes-Benz last offered a four-seat convertible, the E320 Cabriolet, in
1995. With the new CLK320 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz expands on its
longstanding cabriolet tradition -- fun-to-drive, open cars with ample seating
for four -- alongside two-seat sports cars such as the SL and SLK. The new
Cabriolet represents a dynamic design full of innovative engineering features,
a car that combines the safety and interior room of a Mercedes-Benz sedan with
the joy of open-air driving.
SOURCE Mercedes Benz of North America, Inc.
