Mercedes-Benz Showcases Five 1999 Models at New York Show
8 April 1998
Mercedes-Benz Showcases Five 1999 Models at New York Show; Preview Includes North American Debut of CLK Cabriolet and S-Class Grand Edition
NEW YORK, April 8 -- The 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet
makes its North American debut at the New York International Automobile Show,
April 12-19 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Marking the latest
development in the company's unprecedented product offensive, the six-cylinder
CLK320 Cabriolet, along with the aggressively styled V8-powered 1999 CLK430
coupe, arrives in the U.S. this fall, joining the CLK320 coupe in
Mercedes-Benz dealerships around the country. All three CLK models are on
display at the show.
Mercedes-Benz also gives New York Auto Show patrons a close-up look at
three more 1999 models, the S500 Grand Edition, the ML430 sport-utility
vehicle, and an SLK roadster with a five-speed manual transmission, as well as
the Mercedes-Benz Maybach -- a concept for the ultimate luxury car.
The sporty, elegant CLK Cabriolet from Mercedes-Benz is based on the
fun-to-drive CLK coupe, which was designed from the beginning as a true coupe
rather a two-door sedan. The new Cabriolet features a power 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. Designed for safe,
comfortable year-round driving, the CLK Cabriolet top is fully lined and
insulated, and features pop-up rollbars as well as a large glass rear window
with an electric defogger.
The new Cabriolet goes on sale in the fall at a price in the upper-$40,000
range. The V8-powered CLK430 coupe, which comes standard with an AMG-designed
Sport package, is also expected to be priced in the upper-$40,000 range. The
V6-powered CLK320 coupe went on sale in September 1997 at $39,850.
S-Class Grand Edition Celebrates Leadership
With the limited-production 1999 S500 Grand Edition, Mercedes-Benz
celebrates its leadership in the premium luxury segment. Only 600 of these
truly grand S-Class sedans will be offered, every one painted obsidian black
with unique Artline Black wood trim inside. Super-large AMG "Monoblock"
wheels and 255/45ZR-18 tires sharpen the car's already responsive handling.
The Ultimate in Luxury: The Mercedes-Benz Maybach
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach Design Concept on display at the New York Auto
Show is in essence a prototype for a new super-luxury Mercedes. While the
styling is classic, its technology is 21st century, including lightweight
composites for the chassis and body, a new-generation V12 engine with cylinder
cutout, active suspension and a level of luxury never before seen in a
passenger car. For example, the glass roof appears clear but reacts to
sunlight to keep heat out and can be adjusted to control the amount of light
entering the car.
Rear passengers are treated to large reclining seats with thigh and foot
rests. On-board business and entertainment features include three telephone
lines, a portable computer, a television and a hot and cold bar that can be
hidden in the center console until needed. The company will soon announce
whether it will offer a production version of the incredible Mercedes-Benz
Maybach.
Year of The V8
In many ways, it's "the year of the V8" for Mercedes-Benz. The
Mercedes-Benz ML430, which is powered by a new-generation 268-horsepower
4.3-liter V8 engine, is the second model in the award-winning M-Class
sport-utility vehicle line. Just as the $33,950 Mercedes ML320 shook up the
center of the premium SUV segment, the V8 ML430 will set new standards for
performance, safety, quality and value at the top of this segment. To be
priced under $45,000, the high-performance four-wheel drive sport-utility
vehicle will include even more standard equipment than the well-equipped
ML320.
In addition to the 1999 CLK430 coupe and ML430 sport-utility models
previewed at the New York Auto Show, two new V8 performance models -- the E430
luxury/performance sedan and limited-production C43 sedan -- have already
joined the 1998 model line. The new-generation Mercedes V8 produces more low-
end torque for better response and is lighter, even cleaner and more
fuel-efficient.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
