That is why I said S5 and not A5, the A5 doesn't have the same impact.

M

Hmmm i think no CL shape at all. Look at the side profile, it seems it is going to have strong character lines like the new E-Class, also the rear is not curvy and rounded as the CL one, this is more pinty, more A5-like.

I have great feelings about this car, hope we see better and more powerfull engines with it.

Yes, a 300+ hp V6 twin-turbo engine should fit nicely
Or is it wishful thinking that CLK will be brought into 335/S5 territory without AMG magic?

I am not sure, but i think the SL 350 has not twin turbo and engages 315 hp, more than 335i using twin turbos.

Yes, I remember reading about that engine in an SL facelift review... though suspiciously little specific info was revealed, except hp and torque which I remember being quite a bit less than 335s engine (which makes sense if its an NA engine). With SL being quite a bit heavier than 335i, I wonder how the new MB engine would perform in a more directly comparable car, like the new CLK.

The new CLK is getting ready for battle. The Mercedes coupe has slipped down the pecking order with the arrival of the current BMW 3-Series Coupe and the Audi A5, but this new model is gunning for its premium German rivals.

Our pictures show an altogether meaner, more muscular car than the current CLK, with curves replaced by more angular, chunky creases and neater, slimmer rear lights. The front end is inspired by the new C-Class – a car that has been one of the decade’s biggest hits for Mercedes so far.

The underpinnings of the new CLK also make their way across from the C-Class, promising a much sharper drive than before. The saloon’s adaptive damping will appear too, allowing drivers to choose between comfort and sport modes for the suspension. It should bring the car close to both the sporty 3-Series and more comfort-led A5.

The convertible CLK is likely to remain a soft top, shrugging off the folding metal roof option that BMW has taken. While a direct rival would be desirable, a fabric top lightens the car and improves dynamics, as well as stopping the CLK from stepping on the smaller SLK’s toes.

Engines will be picked from the C-Class, ranging from the 1.8-litre petrol found in the C180 to the 3.0-litre V6 diesel unit on the 320CDI. Oil burners will pick up most of the sales, and prices should be close to the CLK’s rivals – starting at around £26,000.

The stylish new CLK should hit our roads by summer 2009, with a monster AMG version topping the range when it appears in 2010.


Mercedes CLK | Spy Shots | News | Auto Express


M

I like this shape very much

Yes I think it looks great also... wondering if the headlights and taillights will be an exact replica of the new E-class, or will they differ somewhat. I'm hoping for the latter.

I hope so too, although it does look like the tail and head lights will be highly similar. In the end the difference between the models will lie in the grill and bumper design. It would be nice if an MB coupe would for once get the traditional grill as well.

Hope we won´t see anything near to the last Eclass PS taillights.