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Report: New Mercedes C-Class Cabrio to be called CLR?

Report: New Mercedes C-Class Cabrio to be called CLR?

James Martinez September 12th, 2008 James Martinez By James Martinez Author September 12th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Mercedes’ new C-Class exhibits a major leap in performance, dynamics and styling over the outgoing version so it’s not surprising that execs are considering expanding the current range. One of these new models could be a convertible version, rumored to hit the market in the first half of 2010. Positioned below the CLK, which itself will switch its name to E-Class Coupe along with a platform upgrade to next-gen E-Class architecture, the new C-Class Cabrio will reportedly adopt a traditional soft-top in order to keep production costs low. The new model will likely be called the ‘CLR’ and will feature a two-door body with seating for four. There are apparently no plans for a C-Class Coupe but anything could change before the expected 2010 release date. Most components will be shared with the C-Class sedan - even the CLR’s wheelbase will be the same. The new CLR, as previewed in these renderings, would share most of its features with its sedan cousin. Expect the same interior and feature list, as well as the same engine options. The base engine will be a four-cylinder petrol unit producing 156hp (115kW), while the range topper will be powered by Mercedes’ 3.5L V6 mated to a 7G-TRONIC gearbox. Expect to see a C63 AMG model equipped with the familiar 6.2L V8 engine further down the track. Mercedes’ strategy with the new model is target the gap between the 1-series and 3-series Cabrio models. While no official details have been released, AutoBild is reporting that it could cost around €35,000 (approximately $49,250). Of course, U.S. pricing would be substantially lower. Mercedes-Benz C-Class cabrio renderingsC-class cabrio
Report: New Mercedes C-Class Cabrio to be called CLR?

Report: New Mercedes C-Class Cabrio to be called CLR?

Enlarge Photo

Mercedes’ new C-Class exhibits a major leap in performance, dynamics and styling over the outgoing version so it’s not surprising that execs are considering expanding the current range. One of these new models could be a convertible version, rumored to hit the market in the first half of 2010. Positioned below the CLK, which itself will switch its name to E-Class Coupe along with a platform upgrade to next-gen E-Class architecture, the new C-Class Cabrio will reportedly adopt a traditional soft-top in order to keep production costs low.

The new model will likely be called the ‘CLR’ and will feature a two-door body with seating for four. There are apparently no plans for a C-Class Coupe but anything could change before the expected 2010 release date. Most components will be shared with the C-Class sedan - even the CLR’s wheelbase will be the same.

The new CLR, as previewed in these renderings, would share most of its features with its sedan cousin. Expect the same interior and feature list, as well as the same engine options. The base engine will be a four-cylinder petrol unit producing 156hp (115kW), while the range topper will be powered by Mercedes’ 3.5L V6 mated to a 7G-TRONIC gearbox. Expect to see a C63 AMG model equipped with the familiar 6.2L V8 engine further down the track.

Mercedes’ strategy with the new model is target the gap between the 1-series and 3-series Cabrio models. While no official details have been released, AutoBild is reporting that it could cost around €35,000 (approximately $49,250). Of course, U.S. pricing would be substantially lower.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class cabrio renderings
C-class cabrio
Gallery
  • mb c cabrio
  • mb c cabrio stand

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: 2002, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Spy Shots, Convertible, Cabrio


Comments (23 total)

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  1. By chris #1, Posted: 5/21/2008

    man.... some one's bound to call me stupid but... I just realized... Merc has a THREE BAR GRILLE... wow. ok sorry, enough of that.

    I'd still prefer a 3 series coupe cabrio with the hard top. sorry MB. still one step behind.

  2. By kafkef #2, Posted: 5/21/2008

    i like it. it kind of reminds me of the 1980's mercs.
    though the interior on the c-class looks awfully cheap.

  3. By burke #3, Posted: 5/21/2008

    ...I still find it boring...

  4. By Raptor #4, Posted: 5/21/2008

    I'd definitly take 3-series over this (better looking + brilliant engines). But it does look better than CLK if you ask me. I am just not sure about soft top.

  5. By Gunnar #5, Posted: 5/21/2008

    The C-Class cabrio is a nice idea. The whole "CLK" title is prone to confuse customers thought. And we can't exactly call it the "ELK" now can we?

  6. By Foxfire #6, Posted: 5/21/2008

    We'll see... better looking than the current CLK, yes... but the upcoming one? Doubt it.
    Though does MB really need CLC, C cabrio/coupe and CLK?

  7. By andrew #7, Posted: 5/21/2008

    after seeing these pictures, im glad i went with the 3 series cabrio.

  8. By Gus #8, Posted: 5/21/2008

    It finally happened last weekend, I was driving up to Santa Barbara with some friends, one of whom had a new 328i cabrio. We pulled over to put the tops down on our cars after getting off the freeway and his wouldn't go down, he had two duffel bags in the trunk, and two kids in the back seat. He was pissed.

    Soft tops rule.

  9. By Christian #9, Posted: 5/21/2008

    hey gus one example from your life doesnt make soft-tops better, soft tops are a dying breed like dvd's, in a matter of years a majority of convertibles will be hardtop anyways, and they look 100 times better

  10. By Brad #10, Posted: 5/21/2008

    sorry to say Gus but soft tops suck

  11. By Gus #11, Posted: 5/21/2008

    Well, mine hardly ever sees the light of day anyways, so I guess I'd rather have the trunk space.
    But Brad, thanks, that was a well thought out argument, with plenty of reasoning to defend your position, I'm glad to be better educated for it.

  12. By Trevor #12, Posted: 5/21/2008

    Very nice, however, not my type.
    Good for rich blond women...

  13. By Gus #13, Posted: 5/21/2008

    Not the 63, that one I would relishhhhhhhh....


    Mmmmmmm, torque.....

  14. By NaBUru38 #14, Posted: 5/22/2008

    Christian: "soft tops are a dying breed like dvd’s"

    In what planet do you live? My Uruguay isn't fourth world, and here most PCs don't have DVD recorders (most new PCs have CD writer/DVD reader devices).

  15. By Shawn #15, Posted: 5/22/2008

    Hell i only watch blu-ray, which will most likely replace dvd's in the coming years

  16. By Brian #16, Posted: 8/26/2008

    The new CLK exterior looks better than the current one. I still have my 1995 E320 Cabriolet and haven't found a reason to get rid of it yet for one of these new pieces of junk. Although the styling looks nice, the insides are inexpensive and poorly designed. I wish Mercedes could design a true luxury four-seater car that isn't just for rich housewives to drive around. Shame on them for not getting their act together and putting out a car that isn't much better than a typical convertible offered by just any car company.

  17. By Gus #17, Posted: 9/12/2008

    I like the look of the new baby convertible, much better than the 135 anyway.
    With a 63 engine, that could be lots of fun...

  18. By raptor #18, Posted: 9/12/2008

    But then again, for that kind of money you get an aerobatic airplane, and that's even better :D

  19. By Gus #19, Posted: 9/12/2008

    raptor, as a pilot, I wholly agree with you.
    I'll take my Extra 300 in dark metallic red, thanks.

  20. By designer #20, Posted: 9/12/2008

    mercedes will modify the design make it look ssleek more interesting

  21. By Jazzeebee #21, Posted: 9/15/2008

    For those saying the 3-series cab looks better than this better get their eyes examined.The
    3 series coupe/cabriolet is BMW most unimaginative design in years.

  22. sidraja avatar by Siddarth Raja #22, Posted: 9/24/2008

    This is a good move by Mercedes and will cover more of the market.

  23. By Geraldo Diniz Costa #23, Posted: 10/9/2009

    Linda!
    Maravilhosa!

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