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.
NB: Check out WheelHQ.com's selection of Mercedes Wheels
