CLK430

In this semi-new coupe based on the W202 C-class platform Mercedes has yet another special creation. Taking the six-cylinder CLK coupe introduced previously and giving it the V8 treatment transforms the car. It is still a pleasant, practical, people mover with enough room to stick a 6 footer behind a 6 footer in its cabin and have enough trunk space to carry everyone's stuff. It is just that now it performs and handles like a sports car to boot. The CLK430 shares the E430 sedan's corporate M113 4.3 liter V8. Suspension and brake improvements accompany the newfound power while 17x7.5" and 17x8.5" AMG wheels under AMG body panels round out the makeover. For about $6,500 premium over the CLK320 you get the fantastic performance, flashier looks, and exclusivity factor of having the rarer V8. With 275 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque toting around only 3400 lbs you get instant performance. Fuel mileage hardly suffers with the CLK430 turning in 18/25 EPA rating. What might not be so obvious is that you also get the understood luxury and safety of an E430 sedan with almost the utility of it.

4.3 Liter Powerplant

The M113.943 V8 displaces 4,266 cc's or 260.3 cubic inches. With the 10:1 compression ratio it makes 275 horsepower at 5,750rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque in a plateau from 3,000 to 4,000rpm. Alloy construction of block and heads, twin-plug/3 valve construction, and magnesium dual resonance intake manifold are common to the new engine family. Being both lighter and more compact helps it fit under the CLK/C-class hood. EPA ratings of 18 city/25 highway attest to this power plant's excellent power-per-gallon ratio.

*Driving Impressions*
	This is one car we liked very, very well. Excellent performance is becoming almost common these days in this league of automobile. What sets this car apart is something we have long sought in one vehicle. The synergy of right now performance combined with light, nimble, tossable, precise handling.

In this 3400-lb rocket sled Mercedes has come very close to recapturing the comfortable ride and nimble handling feel of the old 300E but has added the instantaneous torque of the new engine family. All that wrapped in the stylish AMG coupe bodywork makes the package all the sweeter. Steering feel and effort could be a tad heavy for the weak of shoulder but the car has an overall nimble and tossable feel.

The brakes are truly impressive even among Mercedes. They are so potent that you feel you can scrub off stopping distances an inch at a time from any speed. Ride quality is remarkably smooth given the nature of the 17" low profile rubber fitted and somewhat short wheelbase. It rides so smoothly you would forget you are in something this high performance until you hit the first off-ramp or switchback turn.

How close does this shot come to the bullseye of perfection? Pretty darn close... Keep in mind that we had recently driven the 2000 S-class so our standards could be skewed a bit.

All the comforts you expect from Mercedes-Benz...

...and a trunk you can actually use

With a base price of about $47,000 the CLK 430 approaches the factory hot rods in performance while remaining much less expensive and more available. For the performance minded individual that praises handling feel as much as raw power your ship has finally come in. - Lee Scheeler

Notes:

PeachParts would like to give special thanks to Rick Smith at Tysinger Mercedes-Benz in Hampton, VA, for allowing us to test drive two CLK430's.

Also, make sure the car you get is fitted with Michelin Pilot MXXX3 tires instead of the Continental Sport Contact versions. We have driven both on the same model and in our opinion the Michelin's are vastly superior