A NEW-design five-speed automatic transmission is standard in the CLK. Manual changes are assisted by a gated shift. Computer-controlled auto adapts the shift pattern to the current driving conditions and the individual requirements of the driver. A torque converter lockup clutch comes into operation even at low speeds and therefore reduces fuel consumption. The lockup clutch works on the basis of computer-controlled permanent slip between the engine and transmission to ensure that uncomfortable resonances and vibrations are eliminated. The winter program is switched on by pressing a button on the centre console. The number of components in the new five-speed automatic transmission have been cut by almost half versus the previous five-speed manual unit. This reduces the weight by roughly 30 percent, to just 80 kilograms.