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Next-gen CLK to pick up E-Class platform (+ E-Class Coupe and Cabrio Renderings)

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Old 09-12-08, 07:40 AM
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Gojirra99
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Default 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
source
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Old 09-12-08, 07:41 AM
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Default Next-generation CLK (E-Class Coupe) spy shots








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Old 09-12-08, 08:06 AM
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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
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Old 09-12-08, 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Baby ///M3
So,
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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Old 09-12-08, 08:08 AM
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Now, I'm wondering if there will still be a next generation CLS 4-door coupe ??
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Old 09-12-08, 09:28 AM
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so mercedes is goig back in time lol. but thats a good thing because the old e class coupe looked fantastic
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Old 09-12-08, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by drunk_dave
so mercedes is goig back in time lol. but thats a good thing because the old e class coupe looked fantastic
E class coupe



E class coupe



What's the problem?
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Old 09-12-08, 10:11 AM
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bad co
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euro plates? idk, the 300ce is in the states I see them around
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Old 09-12-08, 03:51 PM
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I was expecting to see something about a car called the "ELK" and then I started thinking, "wow, BMW is going to have a field day with that one..."
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Old 09-12-08, 07:00 PM
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So... will it be called the ELK?
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Old 09-12-08, 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Stage3
So... will it be called the ELK?
I think CLK stands for Coupe Light Kompact, so the C is not referring to the C-class platform. They will probably still use CLK for the next gen model.

ELK sounds rough.
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Old 09-12-08, 11:32 PM
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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

Originally Posted by Koma
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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Old 09-12-08, 11:47 PM
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That camoed car DOES look bigger than the current CLK. I wonder if it will rise to 6-series prices or stay around or below E-class prices.
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Old 09-13-08, 02:25 AM
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looks so bland

it excites me as much as the previous generation of lexus's. which means, not at all
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Old 09-13-08, 02:37 AM
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I want an ELK lol
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