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Rejected Renderings: Mercedes-Benz CLCs that didn't make the cut
click above for more rejected renderings of the Mercedes-Benz CLC
The new 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC is the Stuttgart-based automaker's second recent attempt at making a hatchback version of the C-Class sedan work. The first-gen model was sold in the U.S. in small numbers, but we're not expecting the newly renamed CLC to make it across the pond for Yankee consumption. We're not sure U.S. consumers would take the bait a second time anyway. Though Mercedes claims it has 1,100 improvements, the new CLC is still based on the old C-Class architecture, and thus does not share underpinnings with the new C-Class on sale in the U.S. It basically looks like the first-gen model with the nose of the new C-Class grafted on.
But there reportedly were other designs being considered. These renderings show what the new CLC could have been, nearly all of which feature more dynamic designs than the one that eventually got the nod. Perhaps if the 2009 CLC came out of the oven wearing one of these shapes, the U.S. market would be more interested in Mercedes' newest hatch. Of note, however, is that we have no idea where Carscoop sourced these renderings, so they may not be official ones from Mercedes at all, but they sure do look the part.
[Source: Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick 12:37PM (1/30/2008)
Picture two combined with picture seven, would have been a nice car.
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Kumail 2:19PM (1/30/2008)
i agree but picture 2 (with a panoramic roof) and picture 5's tailights would look amazing.
Xcountryflyer 12:41PM (1/30/2008)
Warmed over version of the last hatchback. No wonder MB can't make a dent in the premium compact/hatchback market.
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zamafir 12:47PM (1/30/2008)
and no wonder it looks so horrible, inside and out. every morning I thank the car gods they won't be repeating the C230 debacle state side. that car is just plain horrid, MK1 or MK2.
MAOR 1:22PM (1/30/2008)
The new CLC is such a waste of time! Shame on you MB for thinking you can deceive the market and charge a premium price for what is an antiquated structured ill-proportioned car with nothing more than an MB Star on its nose going for it. At rouhgly 30g's you can have the totally new C class 4 door, a nicely equipped Audi A3, a beautifully constructed totally new Honda Accord Coupe V6 (with 260hp!!), a totally new BMW 128, etc, etc. People aren't dumb and nor fooled for too long. I predict no sales records here.
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olderty 1:35PM (1/30/2008)
Maybe China could use these...
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JMoss 9:04PM (1/30/2008)
Yeah because they (China) surely wouldn't copy the current iteration, by which I mean the new model. Honestly, the new CLC will sell like an Aztec because Benz seems to not care about this vehicle.
h8rain 2:05PM (1/30/2008)
The first drawing kinda looks like a Crossfire.....
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cardezinarguy 6:04PM (1/30/2008)
Yeah...some of those sketches are waaaaaay off package. Others look like they wouldn't translate well into 3d. It's not that simple guys.
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