What is it?
2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG
What's special about it?
Looking for a vehicle that has classic European styling, exudes the true essence of "luxury" and possesses the performance and reliability to pace a Formula One race at 70 mph all day? Look no further than your Mercedes-Benz dealer this September when the CLK55 AMG arrives on American soil. Powered by a hand-built, 5.5-liter V8 that produces a muscular 342 horsepower and whopping 376 foot-pounds of torque from 2,700 rpm all the way to redline, this Benz really hauls the weinerschnitzle. Weighing in at a svelte (for Mercedes-Benz standards) 3,200 pounds, the CLK55 AMG cooks the zero to 60 in only 5.2 seconds. The vehicle features a double-wishbone front suspension, race-derived shocks and man hole-size, two-piece disc brakes. Combined with Mercedes' anti-squat, anti-lift geometry and AMG 17-inch wheels wrapped in ZR-rated rubber, Mercedes-Benz execs say the car handles as good as any race car -- only the ride is smoother. Pricing is yet to be determined, but expect this Autobahn hauler to come in around $50 grand.
Why should you care?
As with all previous AMG-tuned Mercedes (C36, E55, C43, ML55), the CLK55 raises the benchmark for all Euro sport-tuned derivatives. And word is the AMG brand of performance will find its way into two additional models: an S55 and a CL55 will be coming soon. So grab your helmet and checkbook, 'cause these limited-edition vehicles will sell faster than warm pretzels at the Hofbrauhaus.
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