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| Photo: Auto Motor und Sport Background retouching and further preparation for the web by MBEP webmaster |
Translation of an article from German car mag "Auto Motor und Sport" issue 6 March 8th 2000
With front in CL-style
New CLK comes 2002
Whilst the premiere of the new C-Class ((W203))
is imminent and the sale starts in July we have to wait for the coupe-derivate
CLK until the end of the year 2002. Then the elegant two-door initially
starts in the closed form with a face which reminds stronger on the big
CL ((C215)) than present. The double-headlamps remain,
but will be modified slightly in form and position. Caused by the lengthened
wheelbase interior space shall be increased whilst the the front axle and
the refined rear axle shall contribute to a higher driving comfort. The
drive is taken over by 2.6- and 3.2-litre V6-engines (170 and 218 hp) as
well as an AMG-V6 with 354 hp, which will also be used with the new C-Class
((W203)).
End of article from "Auto
Motor und Sport" - translation by MBEP
webmaster.
As usual remarks in ((blabla)), but (blabla) belongs
to the original text.
Translation of an article from German car magazine "Auto Bild", issue 11, March 17th 2000
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 |
| Photo: Auto Bild | Photo: Auto Motor und Sport |
Mercedes: C-Class coupe for 2002
New CLK also with all-wheel drive
Even with traditional marques like Mercedes-Benz production
cycles become always shorter. Extreme example: The CLK cabriolet which
will be taken over by a new model after only four years. The life cycle
rushed through in time-lapse mode absolutely makes sense for Mercedes,
because all in all it is cheaper to set all C-Class variants on a common
basis as quick as possible. Here the schedule fast forward mode:
-Debut of C-Class
four-door ((sedan)) June 2000
-Debut of C-Class
three-door ((C-Compact)) End of 2000
-Debut of C-Class
station wagon May 2001
-Debut of CLK-Coupe 2002 ((THIS article!))
-Debut of C-Cabriolet March 2002 ((Auto Bild most probably
means CLK cabriolet))
-Debut of SLK
End of 2004
((For a roadmap
of many more new models click
here))
Whilst BMW designs its programme always more in the direction
of sportyness, Mercedes increasingly sets on comfort, security and elegance,
combined with generous engine power. The new CLK accordingly is a real
CL in compact format. Caused by the longer wheelbase
it offers more room on the back seats and a larger trunk - important for
the coupe which in this point is underdeveloped up to now.
The two-door, in the future clearly more active in terms
of driving, gets revised axles, a rack and pinion steering and a six-speed
transmission as standard. As options many options known from the S-Class
((W220)), amongst others Comand, Linguatronic and vented seats are
from the S-Class.
The range of engines will change partly only. New base
model is the CLK 240 with 2.6-litres displacement ((yes, two point six
litres)) and 170hp, followed by the CLK 320 with 3.2-litre displacement
and 218 hp. Above that ranges the expensive, 279hp strong CLK 430 V8. A
CLK 270 CDI is possible technically without problems, but still not okayed
by the marketing department. For the AMG-variant a 3.2-litre supercharger
engine with 326 hp is intended.
At extra charge the CLK shall be available with all-wheel
drive from the beginning. The third 4MATIC generation is being developed
and produced in co-operation with Steyr-Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz ((Austria)).
Its advantages: Less weight and friction, dynamic, torque particularly
delivered to the rear, suitable for the actual S-Class
((W220)) and the next
E-Class ((W211)) caused by its modular construction method.
End of article from "Auto
Bild" - translation by MBEP
webmaster
As usual remarks in ((blabla)), but (blabla) belongs
to original text.
Last revised: March 18th 2000...Visits
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