[Auto] Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition: equally stylish and sporty

[Dr.Drako]

 

In 2000 the Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition was introduced. As its name said, its production was restricted to 55 numbered copies. The model was based on a standard CL 55 AMG, with identical performance values, but with a notable improvement in braking power thanks to the incorporation of a set of carbon-ceramic brake discs signed by Brembo. It was something new in a production car.

The nickname "F1" came from being the vehicle that made Safety Car for single-seaters in the automotive queen category. Behind the wheel was Bernd Mayländer, as he does today in the AMG GT-R. From 1999 to 2006, the coupe version of the contemporary S-Class enjoyed some success between the two luxury doors: almost 50,000 copies sold. Known with the code C215, its mechanical offer was made up of large eight and twelve cylinder propellers ... What times!

The CL range consisted of five models: the CL 500, with a 5.0-liter V8 engine (306 hp and 460 Nm); the CL 55 AMG, with a 5.4-liter V8 supercharged by compressor (360 hp and 530 Nm); the CL 600, with a 5.8-liter V12 (367 hp and 530 Nm); the CL 63 AMG with a 6.3-liter V12 (443 hp and 620 Nm); and the strange CL 65 AMG, with a V12 biturbo (612 CV and 1,000 Nm). All models were rear-wheel drive and associated with a torque converter automatic transmission.

 

The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition achieved the same figures as the version from which it took the base. Despite having an unladen weight of 1,865 kilos, it could reach 100 km / h from a standstill in exactly 6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km / h, electronically limited. And although the gearbox - with five ratios - was not oriented to maximum performance, it achieved very honest recoveries, with an 80 to 120 km / h in 3.2 seconds.

The CL (C215) also boasted the Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic system, more advanced than the Airmatic air suspension found in the S-Class (W220), keeping the car level even in fast corners and providing commendable comfort in a sporty environment. Additionally, body height could be increased from a button inside through two settings: high, for driving on rough terrain, and low at higher speeds.


 

But the crown was left by the carbon ceramic brake system, a world first for a production car in 2000. If required to stop at full speed, it provided a stopping power of up to 1,471 kW (2,000 hp). This was made possible by a combination of ventilated disks treated with liquid silicon and mixed with carbon fiber and resin molded under high pressure and baked at 1,800 degrees to create the ceramic material.

In addition to increasing the sensitivity of the brake pedal, these discs reduced weight by 60% compared to steel discs, and had better fatigue resistance. This was also helped by the eight-piston brake calipers supplied by the Italian specialist Brembo. The reduction in unsprung weight also contributed to improved vehicle dynamics and thus greater driving fun despite still being a nearly five-meter coupe.

 

Available only in a metallic silver tone with a black and gray leather interior, and the option to install sports seats, this special edition is externally differentiated by the "F1 Limited Edition" logos found on the door sills and in a center console with a carbon fiber finish next to the series number. The 19-inch light-alloy wheels were hidden in 245/40 front and 285/35 rear tires.
 

When it was introduced to the world, the Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition was priced at DEM 300,000, or what amounts to around € 225,000 in 2020 with the inflation adjustment applied. Today it is a very difficult to find collector's item, and to do so, don't expect it to be precisely cheap at any price. Anyway, a CL 55 AMG "normal" can be found more easily and for less than 20,000 euros.