2000 Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1 Edition Photos, engines & full specs

Mercedes-Benz introduced the CL 55 AMG F1 Edition in 2000 and built it in a limited number of just 55 units. However, the car was not initially developed to be sold on the market but to be a peace car on Formula 1 tracks.

One of the most interesting facts about this exceptional vehicle is that it was the first street-legal vehicle in the world fitted with ceramic brakes. Something that still today is considered one of the most significant improvements in braking technology. But there was more than just the brakes that made this car so special.

When they left the factory, all of these vehicles were painted in the same brilliant silver metallic color and fitted with exactly the same wheels and tires. AMG developed those five-spoke forged wheels, especially for this vehicle. Later, Mercedes' in-house tuner used the same look of those wheels for other AMG-branded cars as well. Still, at first sight, it wasn't that different than other CL 55 AMG vehicles. It sported the same four-headlights front fascia and the A-shaped lower grille flanked by a pair of scoops that hosted the fog lamps. From its sides, the grand tourer featured aerodynamically profiled skirts, while at the back, a dual exhaust system fitted with oval chromed pipes completed the AMG exterior package.

But the interior was different than other regular CL 55 AMG models. When customers opened the doors, the car greeted them with CL 55 AMG F1 illuminated logos on the side sills. The cabin looked simple, with black and silver elements. On the center console, the car manufacturer replaced the regular wood grain fitted on other CL models with carbon-fiber trims, and on the center stack, Mercedes-Benz installed an infotainment system with a color display and featured phone connectivity for calls. Another specific element for this limited-edition version was the high-bolstered sports seats for the front occupants. They featured integrated headrests adorned by the embroidered AMG logo. In the back, the automaker installed a bench seat profiled for two and wearing leather upholstery.

The automaker developed the CL 55 AMG F1 to be used on Formula 1 tracks as a peace car. As a result, there were many specific parts of the vehicle that were suitable for high-speed driving and hard cornering situations. That's why it also featured ceramic brakes developed together with Brembo. Under the hood, AMG installed a hand-built V12 powerplant that produced 360 PS (355 HP) from a 5.4-liter displacement. All that power was sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission known as the 5G-Tronic. AMG also tuned the four-wheel independent suspension for tracks, even if that diminished the car's ride quality. But on the other hand, the vehicle had to be able to keep up with the high speeds required on an F1 track.