Next-gen CLK to pick up E-Class platform (+ E-Class Coupe and Cabrio Renderings)
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CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canada
Next-gen CLK to pick up E-Class platform (+ E-Class Coupe and Cabrio Renderings)
Next-gen CLK to pick up E-Class name and platform
Posted on Thursday 11 September 2008
The current Mercedes-Benz CLK (pictured) is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its German rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but reports are surfacing that the German carmaker is planning to end the CLK name and instead brand its successor as an ‘E-Class’ Coupe and Convertible.
In the press release for the new ConceptFASCINATION Mercedes-Benz states that its designers are working on a ‘future E-Class Coupe.’ This goes towards explaining why Mercedes would drop such an important nameplate - the main reason is that the car’s successor, seen here testing in prototype form, will be based on the same platform that will underpin the next-generation E-Class due next year.
The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the carmaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-series two-door models. You can see a preview of such a car in our previous story by clicking here.
The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be the first production model based on the new E-Class platform - in the same way that the A5 Coupe was the first iteration of Audi’s new modular platform used in the A4 and future A6 – and is first expected to appear in showrooms early next year.
Next-generation CLK (E-Class Coupe) spy shots
Posted on Thursday 11 September 2008
The current Mercedes-Benz CLK (pictured) is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its German rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but reports are surfacing that the German carmaker is planning to end the CLK name and instead brand its successor as an ‘E-Class’ Coupe and Convertible.
In the press release for the new ConceptFASCINATION Mercedes-Benz states that its designers are working on a ‘future E-Class Coupe.’ This goes towards explaining why Mercedes would drop such an important nameplate - the main reason is that the car’s successor, seen here testing in prototype form, will be based on the same platform that will underpin the next-generation E-Class due next year.
The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the carmaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-series two-door models. You can see a preview of such a car in our previous story by clicking here.
The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be the first production model based on the new E-Class platform - in the same way that the A5 Coupe was the first iteration of Audi’s new modular platform used in the A4 and future A6 – and is first expected to appear in showrooms early next year.
Next-generation CLK (E-Class Coupe) spy shots
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 21
From: California
So,
Instead of naming the new C class coupe/convertible "CLKK", Mercedes' apparently came up with a different logic and decided to drop the "CLK" name for its E class coupe version.
That being said, would the CL be re-named to the S class coupe as well?
There's another tread that indicates that the C class coupe may be named CLR. To me it sounds awful a lot like the "racy" version of the CL (like the Acura TL-R).
Why not just go with the same theme and simply go with the C class coupe?
Jon
Instead of naming the new C class coupe/convertible "CLKK", Mercedes' apparently came up with a different logic and decided to drop the "CLK" name for its E class coupe version.
That being said, would the CL be re-named to the S class coupe as well?
There's another tread that indicates that the C class coupe may be named CLR. To me it sounds awful a lot like the "racy" version of the CL (like the Acura TL-R).
Why not just go with the same theme and simply go with the C class coupe?Jon
Actually they said there are no current plans for a C-class coupe but the CLR is the convertible variant of the C-class. But you do have a point their naming scheme is all over the place.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 21
From: California
Interestingly,
There's a recent thread in the Mercedes Forums that the CL model is going to be dropped in favor of the S coupe.
Jon
There's a recent thread in the Mercedes Forums that the CL model is going to be dropped in favor of the S coupe.
Jon
