Mercedes Unveils CLC Coupe (Video Clip added)
01-26-08, 05:00 PM
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Mercedes Unveils CLC Coupe (Video Clip added)
Berlin Fashion Week has been the backdrop for the introduction of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC. Known in its last incarnation as the C-Class Sport Coupe, the compact two-door liftback has been totally restyled with an edgy new look that takes cues from the third-generation C-Class sedan and wagon.
The CLC didn't originally figure in Mercedes-Benz's model lineup (the C-Class Sport Coupe was never the success that Mercedes had hoped for), but it has been hurriedly developed to counter the unanticipated success of the BMW 1 Series, which itself started slowly, yet now has firmly established itself throughout Europe.
The growing enthusiasm for smaller cars in the U.S. plus the presence in America of the Audi A3, Mini Cooper S and Volvo C30, and the forthcoming arrival of the BMW 1 Series also imply that the general market for premium small cars in the U.S. might be growing.
In fact, rumors suggest Mercedes-Benz might even be readying a convertible version of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC to go up against the new 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Hatchback No More
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC has a bit more premium spin than the former C-Class Sport Coupe, so it slots into the present C-Class lineup just beneath the CLK.
As you'd expect, the CLC adopts the aggressive front end of the new-generation C-Class with its dual trapezoidal headlights and does away with the classic, round quad headlights. The CLC also features a prominent twin-slat grille, a look that gives it a clear family resemblance to the upmarket SLK roadster. At the same time, the tuning of the four-link independent front suspension and the multilink independent rear suspension has been thoroughly revised with stiffer spring rates and firmer dampers across the lineup. The Stuttgart engineers privately tell us that it all adds up to "sharper and more direct" responses.
If this is not enough, you'll also be able to specify the CLC with an optional sport package that lowers the ride height fractionally, and no doubt there will be an AMG model of the CLC on the way.
No information has been released as yet about pricing, but it appears that the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC is going to get serious about the market for premium-class small cars.
The CLC didn't originally figure in Mercedes-Benz's model lineup (the C-Class Sport Coupe was never the success that Mercedes had hoped for), but it has been hurriedly developed to counter the unanticipated success of the BMW 1 Series, which itself started slowly, yet now has firmly established itself throughout Europe.
The growing enthusiasm for smaller cars in the U.S. plus the presence in America of the Audi A3, Mini Cooper S and Volvo C30, and the forthcoming arrival of the BMW 1 Series also imply that the general market for premium small cars in the U.S. might be growing.
In fact, rumors suggest Mercedes-Benz might even be readying a convertible version of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC to go up against the new 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Hatchback No More
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC has a bit more premium spin than the former C-Class Sport Coupe, so it slots into the present C-Class lineup just beneath the CLK.
As you'd expect, the CLC adopts the aggressive front end of the new-generation C-Class with its dual trapezoidal headlights and does away with the classic, round quad headlights. The CLC also features a prominent twin-slat grille, a look that gives it a clear family resemblance to the upmarket SLK roadster. At the same time, the tuning of the four-link independent front suspension and the multilink independent rear suspension has been thoroughly revised with stiffer spring rates and firmer dampers across the lineup. The Stuttgart engineers privately tell us that it all adds up to "sharper and more direct" responses.
If this is not enough, you'll also be able to specify the CLC with an optional sport package that lowers the ride height fractionally, and no doubt there will be an AMG model of the CLC on the way.
No information has been released as yet about pricing, but it appears that the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC is going to get serious about the market for premium-class small cars.
Looks good, but for some reason, Merc decided to keep the old C class interior
Last edited by RXSF; 01-26-08 at 05:19 PM.
01-26-08, 05:23 PM
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well a replacement would imply that the current one is still selling. it was discontinued like 4 years ago. the reason why they are bringing it back according to the article is because of the new 1 series.
01-26-08, 05:29 PM
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i dont mind the exterior, however the side profile is taken directly from the previous gen. and of course the interior sucks too. lol
why couldn they have just put the new interior in. lol. unless the side dimensions are the same as the last gen and it doesnt fit. lol. or to keep cost down.
why couldn they have just put the new interior in. lol. unless the side dimensions are the same as the last gen and it doesnt fit. lol. or to keep cost down.
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01-26-08, 05:38 PM
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This however on the outside doesn't look pathetically cheap. But from the sound of it it is priced higher than the C-class which sounds like it'll be just as expensive as the 1 series....
It looks really nice on the exterior but the interior is laughable for what you're paying for. I think even the 1 series interior beats this.
Lexus if you plan to follow suit, price it accordingly and badge it Toyota or Scion. Lexus has no room for this silly class of cars, especially at such a price.
It looks really nice on the exterior but the interior is laughable for what you're paying for. I think even the 1 series interior beats this.
Lexus if you plan to follow suit, price it accordingly and badge it Toyota or Scion. Lexus has no room for this silly class of cars, especially at such a price.
01-26-08, 06:15 PM
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Yeah, but even the 1 Series is not an ugly hatchback like this (although I know they offer a hatch in Europe). The CLK costs too much for a hairdresser's car
.
01-26-08, 07:43 PM
#15
This however on the outside doesn't look pathetically cheap. But from the sound of it it is priced higher than the C-class which sounds like it'll be just as expensive as the 1 series....
It looks really nice on the exterior but the interior is laughable for what you're paying for. I think even the 1 series interior beats this.
Lexus if you plan to follow suit, price it accordingly and badge it Toyota or Scion. Lexus has no room for this silly class of cars, especially at such a price.
It looks really nice on the exterior but the interior is laughable for what you're paying for. I think even the 1 series interior beats this.
Lexus if you plan to follow suit, price it accordingly and badge it Toyota or Scion. Lexus has no room for this silly class of cars, especially at such a price.