CLK gets big Benz looks
Benz takes its next-generation CLK coupe along the CLS styling pathMercedes-Benz's CLK two-door midsizer is set to move up a class -- if not in size, then certainly in looks.
The German brand's CLS has proved to be a major indicator of future styling directions and with these Carparazzi snaps of the next-generation CLK, it appears the influence has filtered down.
Check out the side window line which swoops, like the CLS, in a pronounced arc between the A and C-pillars, the slightly drooping tail and the low, aero nose. This fluid curvature is accentuated on the CLK by the lower coupe roofline and longer front door.
And also check the rear side window really closely. What you'll find here is a vestige of information suggesting something's being hidden by the abrupt slice taken out of the glass before it's allowed to terminate in a smooth curve at the C-pillar. We believe this is hiding a little secret that will differentiate the CLK from other two-door coupes -- a third, fixed pane of glass, just like the CLS, that should allow the rear passenger's window to wind down, completely out of sight.
As a result, the C-pillar is not going to be quite as thick as it appears on this prototype.
The headlights and grille appear from this disguised prototype to be pretty similar to the C-Class Avantgarde sedan -- right down to the bold two-slot grille and the origami-type fold in the upper half of the headlight glass.
As it's based on the new C-Class sedans the next CLK will also be bigger, which will help with an overall smoother, sleeker look as well as a better deal for passengers.
The range of powerplants will essentially reflect the current C-Class lineup, with local choices to be determined by the CLK's positioning in the marketplace. The range of possibilities extends from the 1.8-litre, 135kW supercharged four-cylinder used in the C200 Kompressor to the 6.2-litre 336kW V8 inserted in the C63 AMG.
The new CLK coupe is expected to launch in Europe in mid-2009, with the convertible version following a few months later. Our information, however, is that the car will debut -- at least in 'Vision' production concept form -- at the Geneva motor show in March.
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