The lowdown
Mercedes’ CLK will be sportier, funkier and posher, when the third-generation coupe arrives in March 2008. The two-door shares its platform with next year’s new C-class saloon, with power coming from four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines crowned by a 600bhp flagship DTM version. A cabriolet version – revealed on page 3 of this story – will follow.
What it does and how it looks
The CLK adds a sporty lustre to the C-class family – and is a licence to print money for Benz. It’s a tad cheaper to produce than an identically equipped four-door, yet its premium price yields around $10,000 more revenue per car. The bigger CLK speaks the same funky design language as the forthcoming C- and E-class models. The details are far more modern than today’s two-door, from the split, angular headlamps to the character line running along the side. The rear window dips slightly into the more muscular side panels. Again, there’s no middle pillar and the windows are frameless. This CLK’s proportions are more imposing, too. The nose is longer and taller, and the bonnet more sculptured. The stretched roof looks more elegant, and flows into a chunky boot.
Soft-top drop-top
The CLK convertible is expected in autumn 2008. While BMW is moving to a folding tin-top roof for its imminent 3-series cabriolet, the Mercedes sticks with the classic canvas roof. Merc’s product planners believe it is classier and easier to package neatly, and they’re confident that the CLK’s drop-top will be as refined and secure as a coupe-cabrio roof. The other advantage is that the centre of gravity is not skewed when the lighter roof is up. • Which do you prefer: coupe-cabrio flexibility or classic soft top? Add your comments below
Under the skin
Being twinned with the C-class, the CLK is naturally rear-wheel drive, although with four-wheel drive potential. Its roots rule out some plush gadgets such as air suspension or active ABC anti-roll bars. But tech-heads are still spoiled for choice. The Presafe II safety system, Distronic plus cruise control, night vision, Comand II control system, Bi-Xenon plus lamps and active seats all figure. Also mooted are ceramic brakes for the AMG versions, and a twin-clutch automatic transmission to match VW’s seamless ‘box. The engines are largely familiar, none more so than the base model’s ancient supercharged 1.8-litre four. This may be replaced by a new turbocharged 2.0-litre that’s in the pipeline. Another new fourpot is the diesel that powers the CLK 250 CDI, kicking out a mighty 205bhp.
Anything else?
The CLK won’t have an easy life, as punters will also have the choice of BMW’s new 3-series CC, or the 2007 Audi A5. This will be sold as both a coupe and soft-top. To hold customers’ attention, Benz has another flagship CLK up its sleeve, taking inspiration from Merc’s German touring car. The CLK AMG DTM Mk2 could appear in 2009, powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 good for 600bhp and 700lb ft. And the amazing news is that this version might be pitched aggressively at the 911 Carrera S – which could mean a £65,000 price tag.