Mercedes CLK spied

Copyright AUTOMEDIA / Mercedes-Benz CLK romps in the snow
by Zack Newmark
December 12, 2007 4:30 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

Still not expected until sometime before summer 2009, the next generation Mercedes-Benz CLK was spied testing in a winter wonderland earlier today.  Although a bit bigger than the current CLK, the next generation looks a little more classy, too.

The photographer noted this CLK was "a bit more elegant than the outgoing model."

Mercedes is basing this third-generation car on the C-Class Saloon, so we anticipate seeing a great bit more design touches underneath the black tape.  Engines to be used on the new CLK will originate in the C-Class production line, including a 380+ horsepower V8 for a forthcoming CLK 500.

A CLK 460 with a 270+ horsepower V6 is rumored to be on the way, as well as a 500+ horsepower CLK 63 AMG could be in the pipeline, should the bosses in Stuttgart approve.

Either way, many believe the CLK will be rear wheel drive, with 4Matic available as an option.  There have been reports that the CLK may steal some technologies from the S-Class, like adaptive cruise control, night vision, and the Pre-Safe 2 system, which helps lessen accident impact by automatically slowing a car down.

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Comments

jsb
December 12, 2007 6:48 PM
I know its early yet, but it still looks like a feminine C-Class coupe. The '00-'02 CLK430 with AMG bodywork was the most muscular looking version to-date.

BENZian
December 12, 2007 8:24 PM
you must date female bodybuilders...it looks powerful and sleek to me not feminine...

stancoza1425
December 13, 2007 12:25 AM
MB should take some styling cues from the CL-class, which from these photos maybe they have. If that is the case it would look sick,the CL is a great looking car

elsonlau
December 13, 2007 6:00 AM
As I said before, the BMW 3 Series Coupe is more better and reliable than the CLK. It has a better sharpening corners when driving. CLK's V6 engine is no match than BMW's straight 6.

BENZian
December 13, 2007 3:38 PM
I guess you would mean the twin-turbo I-6 as the normally aspirated I-6 makes significantly less horsepower & torque...it wasn't that long ago that BMW was saying that the AMG supercharged engines were inferior as they used forced induction...now we see a BMW producing a twin-turbo I-6 engine...that is matched or exceeded by normally aspirated V6 engines from several automakers...Nissans VQ , Cadillac D.I. V6, MB D.I. V6, and even turbo 4cylinders from Mitsubishi & Subaru...

benz_man
December 14, 2007 4:47 PM
But did you look at the TT I-6's torque curve? At 300HP/300ft.lbs the I-6 is also VERY under worked! If Mercedes doesn't hurry out the 350CGI they'll lose market share in every segment using the port injected V-6.

phobos
December 14, 2007 6:16 PM
CLK 460 270+ HP ? Are you sure? that is weak..bring the CGI,the benz engine department has some work to do

verdano
December 15, 2007 12:21 PM
No way! The old CLK 430 V8 is 283hp and even now will kick the as of any BMW I 6.

RCarvalho
December 15, 2007 1:37 AM
the bmw 3 series coupe is much much better than clk and prettier too...no doubt about it.

verdano
December 15, 2007 12:25 PM
You wish! Any BMW for ever will be under any Mercedes Benz. BMW destiny is to be ?2 FOR EVER! Audi ?2 and etc...... Thats the reality! :)))))))))))))))

verdano
December 15, 2007 12:26 PM
I mean ''BMW destiny is to be N2 FOR EVER! Audi N3 and etc...... Thats the reality!'' :)))))))))))))))

DiscoDaddy
December 15, 2007 10:17 PM
This CLK will be a flop just like every other one...they can't give them away at the dealerships and the values have dropped tremendously...can't say that about the 3 series coupe...hmmmm

MBEaston
December 19, 2007 3:27 AM
The CLK had sold strongly ever since it was originally introduced in the late 90's. It has incredible ride and handling qualities and holds a great resale value. It is difficult for us to keep them in stock even during the winter months, and they are very sought after on our pre-owned lot. The biggest thing that hurts the car right now is that it is not edgy enough and lacks a retractable hardtop. Even though a soft top weighs less, takes up less trunk space, and looks more elegant when in place, people spending upwards of $60k are now expecting a hard top.

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