Open-top Screamer

Mercedes' new CLK DTM cabriolet will dry your hair in a hurry

By GREG KABLE

AutoWeek | Published 02/22/06, 12:33 pm et

World’s fastest four seat open top! That’s the claim Mercedes-Benz has applied to its new CLK DTM cabriolet. Sister model to the CLK DTM coupe produced throughout 2005, the new car is planned to be built in a limited run of just 100 cars – although without North American compliance prospective owners in this part of the world will be looking to import the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 powered bahnstormer through private channels, according to Mercedes-Benz.

First revealed at last September’s Frankfurt motor show, the CLK DTM cabriolet packs a mighty 582 hp and is claimed to storm from 0 to 62 mph in just four seconds flat. Concerns over the ability of the tires has seen Mercedes-Benz fit it with a electronic limiter to peg top speed at 186 mph, though insiders say the new open top is capable of at least 200 mph.

Perhaps it should be labeled world’s fastest hairdryer! In the tradition of earlier AMG models, the CLK DTM cabriolet will be assembled by hand at Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach factory on the outskirts of Stuttgart in co-operation with HWA, a company created by AMG founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht to oversee the German automaker’s German Touring Car Masters race series activities.

Link: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...1024/LATESTNEWS

Lose that wing, please.

A ricey Benz!

Un-Pimp my ride!