Mercedes Benz has lost ground in the premium coupe segment against its main rival BMW and its more recent E92 3-series coupe and to bolster sales the carmaker is looking at launching several new variants including this new shooting brake, according to a report from our German partners at Auto Motor und Sport.
For the new CLK designers have followed the style set by the larger S-Class sedan, picking up its high waistline, wedge profile and chiseled front end with angular headlights. The new lights are a departure to the current model’s conjoined circular units, featuring a squared, dual projector look that will be shared by the new E-Class.
Powertrains will be similar to the C-Class sedan including the new 272hp 3.5L V6 engine as well as Mercedes’ 5.5L V8 for the CLK500 (550) flagship. A Bluetec hybrid with a 224hp diesel V6 mated to a 20hp electric motor could also be offered in an attempt to help lower overall CO2 emissions for Mercedes.
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK rendering
Reader Comments
Wed Apr 9 2008 11:02 AM
Gus says
Am I the only one who does not understand what a "shooting brake" is?
Wed Apr 9 2008 11:53 AM
Foxfire says
a 3-door hatchback with a steeper hatch? A cross between a hatchback and a coupe
Wed Apr 9 2008 4:08 PM
Gus says
Ah, thank you.
Wed Apr 9 2008 4:08 PM
Gus says
But why is it called that?
Wed Apr 9 2008 4:30 PM
james says
this clk is a big improvement in my opinion. the front is aggressive enough to be seen as a sporty coupe and it looks progressive for mercedes. i just don't like the rear lights which bear a striking resemblance to hyundai-influenced rear lights. otherwise: cool i want one
Thu Apr 10 2008 7:57 AM
DaveDav says
shooting break is essentially a hatch back/estate version or a regular car...google aston martin lagonda shooting break for some examples
Thu Apr 10 2008 8:34 PM
Wizards Lore says
stupid. car...stupid name. Not a very intelligent post i know but i dont care...if you want a hatch get a hatch, if you want a wagon get a wagon, if you want a coupe get a coupe..
Sat Apr 12 2008 3:53 PM
javier says
WHAT??? I can´t belive it, i wait that it were not real, i wish it would only be a concept, thougt, as i like more a 3-series coupe, it wil be well for he, mercedes is crazy
Tue Apr 15 2008 6:30 PM
chris says
This looks so strange. what the hell is a "shooting brake"? This car must have some kind of device to tell you when to stop or something to make the driver have better reaction time i suppose.
Thu Apr 17 2008 10:57 AM
zack says
a shooting brake is a design that arose out of the need for English countrymen to have a small affordable car with enough room to carry their shooting equipment. they were purpose buidl cars that served the need of a very specific group of customers. the first shooting brakes were made of english brands, and have lately become popular with designers who want to evoke the feeling of old English nobility.
i think the M coupe is the only car thats been able to succesffuly sell in this format...its quite impractical by modern standards.
Fri Apr 18 2008 8:21 AM
Insomniacq says
Shooting brakes used to be much more popular esp. in the UK and Europe. Think of it as a Coupe/Wagon cross, with extra room in the back for the shotguns, dogs and a brace of pheasant.
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