Mercedes planning to phase out CLC, replace with new C-Class Coupe

The switch in nomenclature from the CLK to the E-Class Coupe made a bit of a stir when word began to leak last year. And then last month the issue was broken back open when it was revealed that the new E-Class Coupe is actually based on the C-Class platform - much like its CLK predecessor. So what, then, of a true C-Class Coupe?

Mercedes is already thought to be working on a new C-Class Cabrio dubbed the CLR, opening the door for a revised two-door C-Class hardtop, though the automaker could simply split the difference and fit a collapsible hardtop.

The CLC is the current offering in that segment, but it's a three-door liftback and based around the older C-Class Sportcoupe. Though it has undergone a major revamp, it doesn't really match the new lineup, and will likely need to be replaced by the time of the mid-cycle refresh of the current C-Class.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, this is exactly what Mercedes is planning to do. The CLC will reportedly be phased out next year and be replaced by the new C-Class Coupe in 2011. A smaller Sportcoupe hatch will also be launched, though this will be based on the next-generation A-Class platform.

At this point it's all speculation, as Mercedes hasn't confirmed the existence of any plans for a new C-Class-based Coupe. If it does come along, however, expect powertrain options to fall in line with the rest of the C-Class, including a range of four and six-cylinder petrol units and, outside the U.S., turbodiesels.