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2002 Brabus CLK 500

The Mercedes CLK went on sale and at the same time Brabus presented its exclusive tuning program for the new coupe. The 6.1 liter increased-displacement engine turns the CLK 500 into a purebred sportscar. The displacement increase of the eight-cylinder engine, available for ¬ 24.050, is facilitated by a custom crankshaft milled from one piece with longer stroke and larger pistons. In addition the cylinder heads are remachined and fitted with custom camshafts. The sport exhaust with high-performance catalysts also contributes to the impressive power output as do reprogrammed engine electronics.

The Brabus front spoiler lends the CLK a more striking appearance and improves aerodynamic lift at high speeds. The rear valance features a custom-tailored cutout for the sport exhaust with two chrome-plated tailpipes.

Brabus also offers three different high-performance brake systems for the new CLK. The largest version features six-piston fixed aluminum calipers and 355-mm vented and slotted discs in front. The rear axle is fitted with 300-mm discs and four-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex-steel no-burst brake lines guarantee constant high brake pressure at all time.

BRABUS also offers engine tuning for the six-cylinder models CLK 240 and CLK 320.

In Detail

engine V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
displacement 6100 cc / 372.2 in³
power 317.7 kw / 426 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output 69.84 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 256.63 bhp per tonne
torque 621 nm / 458.0 ft lbs @ 4100 rpm
body / frame Unit Steel
driven wheels RWD
front tires 235/35 ZR 19
rear tires 265/30 ZR 19
front brakes Vented & Sloted Discs w/6-Piston Calipers
f brake size x 355 mm / x 14.0 in
rear brakes Vented & Sloted Discs w/4-Piston Calipers
r brake size x 300 mm / x 11.8 in
front wheels F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19.0 x 8.5 in
rear wheels R 48.3 x 25.4 cm / 19.0 x 10.0 in
f suspension MacPherson Stuts w/Coil Springs, Gas-Filled Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Multi-Link w/Coil Springs, Gas-Filled Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1660 kg / 3660 lbs
length 4638 mm / 182.6 in
width 1740 mm / 68.5 in
height 1413 mm / 55.6 in
transmission 5-Speed Automatic
gear ratios 3.56:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1, :1
top speed ~305 kph / 189.5 mph
0 – 60 mph ~4.6 seconds