Mercedes spent a lot of time developing the car that would replace the series of CE coupes and convertibles. It was decided that the C-class platform would form the basis for the new CLK (C208 series), which was launched in 1997. From a design point of view, it proposed less rigorous and more innovative lines than the Mercedes tradition. As engines, there were those of the C, SLK and E series. There was also an AMG version, the CLK55, with a powerful 5.4-liter V8 engine and 347 horsepower. The CLK C208 went out of production in 2002.