What the future holds for Mercedes-Benz coupes
Click above for more rejected renderings of the Mercedes-Benz CLC
Mercedes-Benz took the easy route when it comes to making its current CLC, using the previous C-Class coupe as a starting point instead of engineering a new entry-level model from the latest C-Class platform. That may be about to change, as CAR is reporting that MB will introduce a proper C-Class coupe to replace the CLC. The new model will ditch the cut-off hind-end of the current car, which isn't quite as pretty as its competition from Audi and BMW. A soft-top convertible is expected to follow a few months after the new 2010 C-Class coupe is introduced.
Moving up the Mercedes line, a new E-Class coupe is also in the works to offer a direct competitor to the Audi A5. We wonder if a "shooting brake" style hatchback could be offered as well. In any case, the two-door will lose its CLK nomenclature in favor of being known simply as a coupe. Also dead is the CL moniker, which will be replaced with an S-Class coupe. In addition to the expected gasoline and diesel-powered models, hybrids are expected to be offered across the entire Mercedes-Benz range in an effort to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLC renderings
Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC
[Source: CAR]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TJ 3:05PM (10/15/2008)
CLC = FAIL.
clamshell GTR-ripoff roof = fail.
Recent mercedes design = fail.
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Wig 9:38PM (10/16/2008)
TJ - why do you spend so much time criticizing Mercedes Benz?
Torrent 3:07PM (10/15/2008)
I see a lot of Bentley Continental in that CLC.
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TJ 3:12PM (10/15/2008)
puff puff pass, buddy....
Torrent 4:11PM (10/15/2008)
the front view at least......
Axis 3:17PM (10/15/2008)
This is certainly an improvement from their older designs I like that the rear end doesnt have it's ass in the air like the previous models, seems to be a throw back of their classic models. Not bad at all.
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Kitko 3:32PM (10/15/2008)
Mazda meets Nissan
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Mark R 3:33PM (10/15/2008)
I'm just glad that they are making their naming easier. I was having a problem remembering their current alphabet soup.
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coolremo 3:33PM (10/15/2008)
Hmm Mercedes wants to make a C-class coupe and an E-class coupe to compete with the A5. I see Audi is missing an A4 coupe, and BMW is missing a 5-series coupe if they all want to have cars that directly compete with each other.
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J M C 3 6:00PM (10/15/2008)
To Mercedes.
I hope the 'E Class Coupe' is actually built off the E Class platform and not the C class platform.
Your customers are pretty smart and they'll feel duped if You try to pass a C off as an E .
Fritz 3:40PM (10/15/2008)
300SL Gullwing is a coupe
300CE is a coupe
This crap ??? god only knows, quit calling hatchback, pod things coupes. The CLS, CLC, new CLK, are round jelly-bean creatures. Is it really that hard to make a proper coupe these days? And then when they do, say the A/S5, Camaro, Challenger, Mustang, it's humongous! They should just stop making cars altogether for a while.
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SomeGuyInMiami 4:00PM (10/15/2008)
Is that rear glass/window cut ala Nissan GT-R?
Wow!
The German are taking Japanese styling cues...
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StanleyVanBuren 4:15PM (10/15/2008)
Looks like the Chrysler Crossfire!!
Which, of course, itself was based on a Merc.
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P.V. 5:19PM (10/15/2008)
I'm all for the changes listed.
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Cardude 5:21PM (10/15/2008)
Fritz, those cars are hardly "humongous".
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Jake 5:39PM (10/15/2008)
Looking into my crystal ball to see what future holds for Mercedes-Benz coupes... wait... wait... I'm getting something... I see.... even bigger tri-star badge on front grill.
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Fritz 5:57PM (10/15/2008)
108-112+ inch wheelbase,3600-4200lbs? No, that's the new compact I guess. My mistake. Sports coupes are supposed to be as big and heavy as 80's S-class Mercedes' Luxury sedans, as well as brand new E-class luxury sedans with heavy 7-speed automatics.
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Jeff 9:54PM (10/15/2008)
Roofline and greenhouse courtesy of Saab.
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