Posts with tag: CLC

Exclusive: Spy-shots of the upcoming “baby” CLS

Mercedes Benz BLS or baby CLS concept 3 597x382 Exclusive: Spy shots of the upcoming baby CLS
The Baby-CLS or BLS/CLC/CLA as some are calling it, was just a rumor back a few months ago when we first reported about it, but as we can see in these exclusive spy-shots, it seems that Mercedes-Benz is going ahead with it’s plan to create a smaller version of legendary CLS.

It is rumored that the baby-CLS (some are even calling it the 4-door coupe version of the C-Class) will be built on the same architecture as the next-gen B-Class. Front-wheel drive will be available for the standard version, whereas the AMG version will get a all-wheel drive system.

Not much is known about the drive system, but if rumors are correct, it could come in a 1.6 and 2.0 liter engine, with 150 and 207 horsepower respectively.

We’re not exactly sure if this is a prototype version of the car being built for internal use, or if Mercedes-Benz is prepping it for the IAA in Frankfurt this September. Either way, we can certainly confirm that these spy shot, taken at the Mercedes-Benz plan in Hungary, look very much like the all-new CLS, but with smaller dimensions, hence the baby-CLS.

Thanks to Visionhu from MBWorld.org for the tip

New C-Class rounding the Nurburgring

Mercedes Benz 61010101259242231600x1060 597x395 New C Class rounding the Nurburgring

It’s been a while since we last wrote about the facelifted C-Class. Well, here’s the saloon variant making rounds on infamous Nurburgring. In case you’re wondering, this is the track that gave the new CLS is first ever recorded crash, as well as the SLS AMG GT3′s first fiasco on a track on its racing debut. You can see that this test car has been lightly disguised to reveal subtle visual enhancements up front, most notably taking cues from the brand-new E-Class range—the headlamps, the well-contoured bonnet and the redesigned bumper.

Now, if you peek at the rear end, you’ll find even less enhancements, limited to the bumper and the taillights. What matters more is what’s going to be sitting under the hood. The engine options will probably be modified versions of the current four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, plus an optional seven-speed automatic tranny from the conventional five-speed gearbox. Meanwhile, the 3.5-liter V6 that’s currently powering the C350 CGI will most probably make way for a reworked version from Mercedes-Benz’s new family of MoVe engines.

Now, if you’re eager to see the enhanced C-Class Saloon and Estate variants, then you have to make plans for being present at the Detroit Motor Show come January next year. Because, there will be another highlight apart from the two—the new C-Class Coupe—to succeed both the CLC and CLK. This Coupe will probably be the basis of the new C63 AMG model, which is aimed to rival the BMW M3, and maybe even a Black Series for hard knocks. Just don’t expect a Cabrio, folks.

C-Class Shooting Break concept a possibility

c class shooting break C Class Shooting Break concept a possibility
Despite the financial crisis that plagued the automotive industry in 2009, car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz haven’t given up from trying to reach more niche markets. Unlike other companies who are afraid that their attempt at tapping into a niche segment would simply draw popularity and thereby kill the main purpose of exclusivity, Mercedes-Benz has plans is to introduce a shooting brake concept, something the company has never tried but is boldly considering.

News of this actually comes after fellow German rival BMW talked to the media about creating a shooting break model of their future 6 Series. It seems Mercedes-Benz wants to enter the fray instead of just passively sit around. Autobild magazine thus reports that Daimler’s breadwinner is considering a shooting brake concept that shall be included in the C-Class range. And since the C-Class is about to be reworked, a shooting break variant would be very much welcome.

If successful, the C-Class shooting break will be called the CLC, and should be something of a mix between a sedan and a wagon, although very much sleeker. The image above, however, is a CLS Shooting Break concept. Although the CLC would probably take up similar design cues. More details to follow, but right now, we’ll leave you to your imagination.

Insider Spy: C-Class Coupe to possibly replace the CLC

Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe 04 625x447 597x426 Insider Spy: C Class Coupe to possibly replace the CLC

Did you really think Mercedes-Benz really let BMW get away with their 1/3 Series Coupe’s success across the globe? Think again, fellow Insider. Because Mercedes-Benz isn’t going to take this sitting down. Not without a fight. It hasn’t been made public, though. That’s why we’re doing you a favor, by releasing spy photographs of the replacement for the leaves-much-to-be-desired CLC. Right now, they’re calling it the C-Class Coupe, but who knows what it’ll be called once it makes its public debut?

Rumors say that it should hit show floors as early as June or July next year. They also say that it’s going to be based largely on the existing, highly respected C-Class platform. No less than Mercedes-Benz US CEO Ernst Lieb revealed to media back in March that their company is coming up with more variants of the C-Class. With this move, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to gain higher ground against its fellow German rival BMW who offers the 3 Series in all forms—coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon.

If successfully launched, the new C-Class Coupe will join the ranks of the new E-Class Coupe, and shall boast of engine specifications that are already being used in the current C-Class range. If you’re already envisioning a 5.5-liter V8-powered AMG variant, well then that leaves much to be desired, doesn’t it?

Poor-performing CLC to be sacked

mercedes clc class008 597x397 Poor performing CLC to be sacked

In this business, you got to have the guts to let go of things that just aren’t performing up to the least of your expectations. And that’s what Mercedes-Benz is about to do with their little hatch, the CLC. It just isn’t attracting enough buyers to keep it in the production line ever since production started way back in 2008.

It doesn’t help that Mercedes-Benz decided to keep it away from the North American market. Even though in other markets, the CLC and the original C-Class Sport Coupe were mildly popular, it still doesn’t add up for redemption. So you can’t really blame Mercedes-Benz for deciding to drop it from production.

The CLC is currently being manufactured in the Juiz de Fora plant in Brazil. But the place is going to be reorganized and restructured to focus production of Mercedes-Benz’s popular heavy-duty commercial truck, the Actros. And here’s the clincher—there’s no word yet whether production of the CLC will be moved elsewhere—so that about wraps up any suspicion that it will be sacked.

But don’t worry. Mercedes-Benz might still surprise you with the next generation of the CLC, but that time will only come when a brand new version of the C-Class comes out, which will probably take at least a couple of years. And, yes—it’s probably never going to reach US soil either. So just keep your fingers crossed.

Page 1 of 212


Compare cheap car insurance and save with comparethemarket.com