2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury sports coupe.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

A transmission that actually learns your driving style and a top that disappears in 17 silent seconds are only the beginning of the engineering wonders.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

Insulated triple-layer soft top plus heated rear window
5.5 liter 382-horsepower V-8 engine
7-speed automatic transmission
Standard Heated Seats

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

The CLK550 Cabriolet sports a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

One of Mercedes-Benz’s most advanced engines generates 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, with an amazing 75% of peak torque available at just 1,000 rpm.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

To help reduce engine weight and increase durability, the engine block is made of cast aluminum with a solid bedplate, an ideal construction for performance and durability. Indeed, the engine’s smooth, immediate power delivery whisks the CLK 550 Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds(1); the CLK 550 Cabriolet, in 5.2.(1)

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the only car in its class to have a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

The CLK-Class features numerous advances in braking, including internally ventilated discs to ensure that the brakes stay cool. The CLK350 Cabriolet, equipped with the Sport Appearance Package, also offers perforated front discs for powerful, nearly fade-free stopping control.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

This advance continually monitors your vehicle’s motion to help keep you going in your intended direction. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to help bring the vehicle under control.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

10-way power front seats

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

Multilink suspension

The CLK-Class uses an independent 3-link front suspension for decisive handling and an independent 5-link rear suspension with geometry for antisquat and alignment control, plus a stabilizer bar on both ends.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

A single press of the ignition button and the CLK roars to life, thanks to available KEYLESS-GO.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

COMAND DVD Navigation (option)

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German supercar jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive. SLR stands for “Sport, Leicht, Rennsport” (sport, light, racing).

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Engine
5.5L V8, 24 valves, 617 hp @ 6500 rpm
5 speed automatic transmission
12 mpg city / 16 mpg hwy

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster sports a 232 kg (510 lb) hand-built 5,439 cc (5.439 L; 331.9 cu in), supercharged, all-aluminium, SOHC V8 engine.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The SLR McLaren Roadster uses carbon fibre for its entire body construction in an attempt to keep the weight low.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The SLR McLaren Roadster sports Sensotronic, a type of brake-by-wire system.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Car and Driver achieved a 0-60 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds at 125 mph (201 km/h) C&D suggests the times may be even lower if temperatures were lower.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz has issued a comprehensive release detailing its latest performance flagship the SLS AMG,  along with a plethora of images showing the V8-powered supercar in detail.

The SLS car is the successor to the current Benz SLR roadster and former coupe, but this time around, the German automaker’s put an emphasis on low weight to go with astonishing power, as it hunts down some of the track-ready luster that graces most Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Each corner of the SLS is suspended by dual control arms — another Benz first. Two suspensions will be offered: a normal setup and a performance version with stiffer springs and shocks. Unlike some competitors — say, the Ferrari 599 — the SLS uses no electronics to control ride motions.

The wheels are lightweight 19-inch alloys up front, 20-inchers in back. Continental and Michelin each developed tires especially for the SLS. AMG chassis engineers haven’t yet decided which compound they prefer; Mercedes will likely offer both.

European pricing will start at around €177,310 (AU$298,900) when it arrives in German showrooms early next year. Australian pricing and a precise sale date will be revealed sometime in the first half of 2010.