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- Sedan, estate and sports coupé as a new model family
- Pioneering technical innovations as standard
- 120 kW supercharged engine from the C-Class sedan
- Unique open-air experience thanks to new panoramic sliding sunroof
- EVOLUTION and EVOLUTION AMG sports packages
Agility, design and dynamism: these are the formative characteristics of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sports coupé, which goes on sale in Australia from August 2001.
The engineering of the sports coupé is based on that of the C-Class sedan and therefore comprises all the pioneering technical innovtions of the new Mercedes model range, which is a trendsetter in its market segment. The style and design of the sports coupé however are completely original and fulfil the wishes of young, vibrant people looking for a car with a distinctly adventurous flair and which offers exemplary driving dynamics.
The compact dimensions of the body, which is some 18 centimetres shorter than the sedan, and its powerful proportions mould the sporty appearance of the new Mercedes model. The typical Mercedes louvred radiator grille with the centrally-positioned star and the distinctive elliptical form of the headlamps also clearly identify the two-door debutante as a new member in the club of Mercedes sports coupés.
Another styling feature of the all-new coupé design is the high tail with its integral spoiler and dark-tinted panel between the taillights. The Mercedes designers consciously opted for a distinctive and unique brand of styling. The concept of a sports coupé presented them with an opportunity to unite dynamism with remarkable, indeed almost provoking elements. It can only be expected that the Mercedes design will, once again, spark off a trend. The attractive design of the tail is far more than just skin-deep however; above all it fulfils specific practical requirements too. To enhance driving safety, the high spoiler lip guarantees impressive aerodynamic down-force values at the rear axle while the eye-catching panel also serves as a window strip which provides the driver with a very good view to the rear by coupé standards, particularly when parking.
A youthful model family featuring three innovative automobiles
Following on from the successful launch of the sedan last November, the addition of the sports coupé and the new estate to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range means it has now grown into a full model family which is tailored more closely than ever to the requirements of both the young and young-at-heart.
All the model variants of the new C-Class share a comprehensive package of technical innovations which have never previously been available for this market segment. Seldom in this class of vehicle has so much attention been devoted to the aspects of safety and comfort as during the development of this Mercedes model series, whose state-of-the-art engineering also promises maximum
motoring pleasure. The standard specification of the new C-Class models includes pioneering technical innovations taken directly from the flagship Mercedes-Benz models: windowbags, adaptive airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, Headlamp Assist, multi-function steering wheel, central display and fibre optics are just a few examples of the many new features which make these cars technological leaders in their market segments. All in all, the list of standard specifications includes over 20 technical innovations taken from the Mercedes flagship models.
Other technological milestones, available as optional equipment, include the COMAND control and display system with route guidance and THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control with sensor control and activated charcoal filter.
World premiere for the panoramic sliding sunroof
Even more clarity in the interior and a unique open-air experience is available with the optional panoramic sliding sunroof, a revolutionary feature which is being premiered in the sports coupé. The panoramic effect is achieved by using a large glass surface which extends over the entire area of the roof. At the push of a button, the front half of the roof slides backwards, leaving an opening which is about a third larger than that available with a conventional sliding sunroof. And because the front section of the panoramic sliding sunroof slides along the exterior of the body, it does not restrict passenger headroom at all. Two electrically-operated roller blinds on the inside of the roof protect the interior of the coupé from direct sunlight when the sliding sunroof is closed.
A sporty interior design with estate-type versatility in the rear
Aluminium trim, a three-spoke steering wheel with illuminated control buttons for the car radio, car telephone and other functions as well as the sporty design of the cockpit set the tone for the interior. The faultless ergonomics give the interior a perfectly tailored, "made-to-fit" look. All operating switches and controls are within easy reach of the driver, an important prerequisite for dynamic driving. The passengers in the rear sit on comfortable individual seats, whose cushions and backrests can be folded down completely to create a flat load space in the rear. Combined with the large boot lid, the sports coupé offers versatility similar to that of an estate: depending on the position of the rear seats, the volume of the boot can be increased from 310 to 1100 litres (measured in accordance with the VDA method).
Option packages for even more athleticism and better driving dynamics
For motorists with a particularly sporty streak, Mercedes-Benz has put together the EVOLUTION sports package. This package comprises 17" light-alloy wheels, 225/45 R 17 wide-profile tyres, sports suspension with a lowered body, a leather sports steering wheel and other high-quality equipment accessories, which help the two-door Mercedes express its sporty nature in particularly impressive fashion. In the case of the EVOLUTION AMG sports package, which also includes body and chassis components from Mercedes-AMG, the sports coupé is fitted with AMG light-alloy wheels and 225/45 R 17 tyres at the front and 245/40 R 17 tyres at the rear.
Torquey 2.0-litre powerplant with supercharger
Using supercharger technology which has been perfected by Mercedes-Benz, the new sports coupé is ideally equipped for dynamic fun at the wheel. At launch the sports coupé features a four-cylinder unit with belt-driven supercharger, from the C-Class sedan, which produces 120-kW.
Thanks to the supercharger, the 2.0 litre engine is blessed with the performance and torque characteristics of a larger six-cylinder engine but with far lower fuel consumption. 230 Newton metres of torque is available as low down as 2500 rpm and continues to be available over a wide rev band, right up to 4800 rpm. These are outstanding figures for this engine displacement class. A top speed of 210 km/h and a time of 9.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h bear testimony to the huge performance potential of the C 200 KOMPRESSOR.
Pricing and specifications
The C-Class sports coupé range will initially consist of the supercharged 2.0 litre C 200 KOMPRESSOR model with optional EVOLUTION and EVOLUTION AMG sports packages. It is expected that the 2.0 litre C 180 model will be added to the range in the first quarter 2002.
| C 200 KOMPRESSOR manual
|
$57,400 |
| C 200 KOMPRESSOR auto
|
$60,500 |
| Specifications: C 200
KOMPRESSOR (sports coupé) |
| Engine |
| No.
of cylinders/arrangement/valves |
4/in-line/4
|
| Displacement
(cc) |
1998
|
| Bore
x stroke |
89.9
x 78.7
|
| Rated
output (kW) |
120
at 5300 rpm
|
| Rated
torque (Nm) |
230
at 2500 - 4800 rpm
|
| Maximum
engine speed |
6200rpm
|
| Compression
ratio |
9.5:1
|
| Mixture
formation |
Microprocessor-controlled
injection system with hot film air mass sensor (HFM)
|
| |
| Transmission |
| Clutch |
Single
dry plate
|
| Type |
6-speed
manual
|
5-speed
automatic
|
| Gear
ratios |
1st |
4.459
|
3.951
|
| |
2nd |
2.614
|
2.423
|
| |
3rd |
1.723
|
1.486
|
| |
4th |
1.245
|
1.000
|
| |
5th |
1.000
|
0.833
|
| |
6th |
0.838
|
-
|
| |
Reverse |
4.062
|
3.147
|
| |
Final
Drive |
3.46
|
3.27
|
| |
| Chassis |
| Front
suspension |
Three-link
suspension, McPherson struts, anti-dive device, coil springs, gas-filled
dampers, stabiliser |
| Rear
suspension |
Multi-link
independent suspension, anti-squat and anti-lift device, coil springs, gas-filled dampers, stabiliser |
| Brakes |
Hydraulic
dual circuit brakes with vacuum booster. Stepped master brake cylinder.
Ventilated disks at the front. Solid disk brakes at the rear. Drum parking
brake at rear. ABS. Brake Assist. ESP®. 288x25 (front) and 278x9
(rear)
|
| Steering |
Rack-and-pinion
power steering, steering damper |
| Wheels |
7J
x 16 |
| Tyres |
205/55
R 16 light-alloy wheels |
| |
| Dimensions
and Weights |
| Wheelbase
(mm) |
2715
|
| Track
width front/rear (mm) |
1493/1464
|
| Overall
- Length (mm) |
4343
|
| Overall
- Width (mm) |
1728
|
| Overall
- Height (mm) |
1406
|
| Turning
circle (m) |
10.76
|
| Boot
capacity max.* (l) |
310
- 1100
|
| Kerb
weight (kg) |
1480
|
| Payload
(kg) |
425
|
| Gross
vehicle weight (kg) |
1905
|
| Tank
capacity/incl. reserve (l) |
62/8
|
|
| Performance
and fuel consumption |
|
6-speed
manual
|
5-speed
automatic
|
| Acceleration
0-100 km/h |
9.3
|
9.7
|
| Top
speed |
210
|
210
|
| Fuel
consumption, AS2877 |
10.5/6.2
|
9.5/6.2
|
| *in
accordance with VDA method |
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