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This is the end
It's finally happened. Mercedes-Benz has pulled the plug and the CLK is officially dead. As this door shuts, another is opening - the CLK will be replaced by the new E-Class Coupe. We've come full circle. First the CLK replaced the 124 E-Class coupe (the CE). Now, the 2010 E-Class coupe has replaced the CLK It's been a good 12 years. Almost half a million CLKs have been sold, so it's time for something new. From some angles, the new coupe looks good. From others, well, looks are subjective.
Note: Mercedes-Benz has announced there will not be an AMG version.
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Here's the press release:
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The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
STUTTGART - Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the coupe version of the new E-Class at the Geneva Motor Show. Just two months after the debut of the E-Class sedan, the brand is adding a special highlight to the new range, at the same time maintaining a tradition that has repeatedly been the source of great excitement throughout the history of the E-Class. The new E-Class Coupe brings together emotion and performance in a very special way. With the classic coupe profile that dispenses with the B-pillar, and with fully retractable side windows, the new two-door offers a particularly sporty interpretation of the dynamic design that defines the new E-Class. Simultaneously, the most aerodynamic version of the coupe sets a new record in wind resistance. With a Cd of 0.24, the model is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series production vehicle. The model line up for the U.S. market includes the V6-powered E350 (268 hp, 258 lb-ft) and the V8-powered E550 (382 hp, 391 lb-ft). European customers will also have a choice of two new four-cylinder engines that consume up to 17 percent less fuel, while offering a significant increase in power and torque. The new E-Class Coupe will appear in U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in June 2009. The new coupe offers the full spectrum of technical innovations that might be expected from a sporty, luxury class coupe. These include Agility Control suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, the preventative passenger protection system PRE-SAFE and, in Europe, an Active Hood which raises two inches during an impact to reduce injury to pedestrians. Adaptive high beam assist and a brake hold function are other examples of how the E-Class Coupe is setting benchmarks within this vehicle class. Other luxurious standard equipment includes leather interior with sport seats and integrated headrests, a Panorama Sunroof, COMAND system with console-mounted controller, 6-disc CD/DVD changer and fully automatic dual-zone digital climate control. Lower fuel consumption is achieved by a series of real-life orientated initiatives. These include, for example, the needs-based control of the steering and fuel pumps, the application of tires with reduced rolling resistance and the control of the alternator in accordance with driving situation and on-board voltage, as well as the decisive impact of the outstanding aerodynamics. Design - Expression of a refined, passionate character The distinctive line of the new two-door emphasizes traditional styling elements that make Mercedes-Benz coupes unmistakable - for example, the side window graphic, uninterrupted by a B-pillar and with fully retractable windows, and the hallmark sports grille dominated by the large three-pointed star in the center. At the same time, the coupe displays its close relationship with the new E-Class sedan. This is evident in the twin-headlamp look that distinguishes the front of the car. The headlights share their rhomboid form with those of the sedan, albeit with a sportier, sharper appearance that creates an even more dynamic, more aggressive impression. Another feature that the coupe shares with the sedan is the powerful rear fender, which gave the "Ponton" Coupe S 220 of 1955 its athletic appearance. Despite the family resemblance to the sedan, the new coupe exhibits an individual, refined and, at the same time, passionate character. With the swooping arrow form that dominates the entire front end of the car, starting at the front bumper and carrying well into the hood, the more extreme interpretation of the twin-headlamp look and its more sinewy stature, the new E-Class Coupe conveys an impression that is altogether more sleek and dynamic. |
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The official debut will be at the Geneva motor show. U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in June. It's a push to move the coupe to a more exclusive audience. Allegedly Mercedes-Benz is changing the underpinnings from that of the W203 to the new E-class.
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It's definitely a different look. From the dual trapezoidal shaped lights out front, to the rear wheel bulges that wrap into the tail lights out back, the body is all new. It's longer and wider than the W209 it replaces. This will probably translate into more interior room.
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The cabriolet will debut at the Frankfurt show in September. U.S. sales are slated for some time in early 2010. Those who were hopeful of a metal folding roof will be disappointed. MB USA says the new cab will sport a traditional fabric roof. Yes, I know; prototypes with folding hardtops have been photographed. However, MB USA says otherwise. Don't blame me, I'm just the messenger. If true, solace can be taken in the fact that the cloth top will be less expensive than the folding metal roof would have been. Perhaps the folding hardtop will be released at the 3 year re-freshening in four years.
Photos courtesy Mercedes-Benz USA
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© Marcus B. Fitzhugh 2005
Mercedes-Benz Specifications