Just_me

Monday 19 March 2007

MB_CL_Cabrio.jpgMercedes Benz is expected to add a brand new model to its lineup with the possible introduction of a convertible version of its CL coupe as seen in this latest rendering. News of the model’s existence was first dropped by DaimlerChrysler’s Vice President of Program Management, Hans Dieter Multhaupt, who hinted that a convertible CL was possible during an interview with Auto Motor und Sport. He also mentioned that a new diesel powered version could also eventuate.

When developing the new CL coupe, engineers designed the car’s structure so that a convertible version could be built with very minor modifications. Until recently, demand for a cabrio of this size was lacking in the market place, which is the main reason there hasn’t been a drop-top version of the CL as yet. However, considering the high levels of excitement the four-door Mercedes Ocean Drive concept received at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, it’s obvious there is a lot of public interest in mega-sized convertibles.

In May last year it was revealed that DaimlerChrysler had registered the name “CLC-Class” as a trademark under the title of “automobiles and their structural parts,” and this would be an appropriate name for the new car. Though it seems logical for Mercedes to build the CL cabrio with folding hard-top, the luxury carmaker may eschew this route and go with a conventional canvas roof. Creating a complex folding hard-top for the CL would be difficult given the size and weight of the potential design. Once again, the Ocean Drive may hint at the new car’s styling, itself featuring a large soft-top.

The convertible will most likely carry over the same engine range as its coupe sibling. This means you’re likely to find several V8 and V12 powerplants under the hood, as well as a few high-output AMG prepped versions and the aforementioned diesel mill. There’s also word that Mercedes might offer 4Matic AWD as an option, but we’ll have to wait until the car’s release late next year to find out.

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The Artist

so is this the production version of the Ocean drive??

PS
the chop sucks

ohh and i was right about it being named CLS..
i just love it when im right

far2000

Maybe the CLC Will be a 4door Convertible with the CL Styling cues?
maybe those suicide doors 4 the back

cawimmer430

That's a very cool photoshop.

I'd never thought the day will come when I can say that a Mercedes CL looks good in BLUE.

I'm just wondering how big the demand is out there for a CL cabrio. I guess if there is a market for an S-Class cabrio, then there are definitely some folks out there lusting for a CL cabrio.

Merc1

I actually want them to build the Ocean Drive moreso than a CL Cabriolet. A CL Cabrio is just so obvious and just like every other Cabrio, but a 4-door S-Class cabrio would be something really unique, something Mercedes needs to fend off BMW and Audi and to also truly rub noses with Bentley/Rolls.

M

Splenditenes

Great post, and I agree... karma given

HighestOfHigh

Not a smart idea at all.

This has CL vs SL all over it. I guess if they use a soft top it might not be as bad, but not the best idea.

Good Ideas....

GL V12
Sleek New C-class coupe (not that hatchback mess kill CLK name )
Smaller CLS (replace CLK) bigger then C, but smaller then E
Give the E-class and actual COUPE
Make the Maybach distinct and totally different then the S-class
Maybach coupe/ convertible with Excelero features

get more aggressive with marketing...........

888

Wow, veryyyy nice, one more reason to work harder

Merc1

A GL600, that might would have been an option if it weren't for rising gas prices and the general move away from big, big-engined SUVs. I like the idea though. Land Rover had a V12 Range Rover on the drawing board too at one time, but it also got killed as being too excessive for today's world. Oh well.

Agree with a real coupe for the C-Class, but I don't agree with killing the CLK name. It has made somewhat of a name for itself now. It could grow larger and be based on the E-Class chassis next time around so it would be an E-Class coupe in everything but name.

Too confusing.

See above...lol!

Agree totally.

Yeah why not, they have nothing to lose at this point.

Definitely.

M

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