REPORT: Merc's future compact 4-door coupe to be called CLA, not CLC

For about one year, whenever we have mentioned the future compact class 4-door coupe model of Mercedes-Benz, we have referred to it as the CLC. The first confirmation of the respective title came in late April 2011 - then, a picture showcasing the forthcoming vehicles to be assembled at the Kecskemet plant was released by Daimler AG. Just recently, during his speech at the opening ceremony of the new Hungarian production facility, Dr. Dieter Zetsche is reported to have clearly stated a new name for the C 117 project: CLA.

Early speculations on the new niche version, dating from 2009 and 2010, were talking about the possible badges such as CLA or BLS. The latter was dropped due to the similarity with the medium-sized limousine from the American constructor Cadillac. Moreso, the CLA sounded unlikely if we follow the entitling rule of the CLS, which is the 4-door coupe of the E-Class range placed below the S-Class. So, the CLC instantly came into focus, even though it was strongly related to the revamped, W 203-based 3-door hatchback variant of the C-Class W 204 generation, which has hardly been a popular model and was phased out early last year at the debut of the new C-Coupe.

Now, the CLA name might sound a but confusing at first, because it does not obey the CLS principle, but we agree the "A" particle makes the car closer to one of the pioneers of the new compact portfolio of Mercedes-Benz: the A-Class. So, from now on, we shall too associate the C 117 with the CLA.

First details on the new CLA-Class should be released during summer, whereas the official public unveiling could take place either at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2012 in Paris (29th September to 14th October) or Los Angeles Auto Show (30th November to 9th December). With an estimated entry price of €28,000 in Germany and underpinned by the new Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture, the CLA will display a complete array of frugal, low-displacement petrol and diesel engines, from 109 hp CLA 180 CDI up to the range-topping 211 hp CLA 250 variant. Next year, the lineup will be further enriched with a hot version from Affalterbach: the CLA 25 AMG is to feature a 350 hp 4-cylinder supercharged engine featuring F1-inspired technology and a permanent sports all-wheel-drive traction system. Production for the CLA starts at Kecskemet during third quarter of 2012, while market launch is scheduled for early 2013.

Image Credits: Autobild

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (C 117) hits the Ring for the first time

Development for the new CLC-Class, internally codenamed C 117, began during summer 2011 and, at the moment, the future compact 4-door coupe is approaching the middle of the experimental phase. With this model, Mercedes-Benz aims to expand its new compact class portfolio - the technical basis for the CLC will be the modular MFA front-driven platform, already underpinning the new A-Class and B-Class generations.

The CLC-Class is obviously a smaller alternative to the ol' daddy CLS, but in no way inferior to the business 4-door coupe. Its powerful attributes are the youthful outer styling boasting the coupe-ish dropping roofline, the traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury interior, smart technologies such as the comprehensive array of safety systems and the latest generation of clever telematics. Last, but not least, the CLC will feature a complete lineup of new, efficient petrol and diesel engines with peak outputs ranging from 109 hp to 211 hp. Starting 2013, a CLC 25 AMG sports version is due to hit streets. Following the A 25 AMG example, it will too boast 4x4 traction and 350 hp out of a 2.0-litre supercharged 4-cylinder gasoline powerplant mastered by AMG's division of high performance powertrains headquartered at Brixworth, UK.


The series CLC-Class will be revealed at the Paris motor show this autumn, but we'll get a preview of the new car on 20th April, when the Concept Style Coupé makes its official appearance at the Mercedes-Benz Transmission LA:AV CLUB festival.






Photo Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz to introduce a CLC-Class concept at NYIAS 2012

Mercedes-Benz will soon add a new model in its already expanding compact segment portfolio. Based on the new A-Class and B-Class, the CLC-Class is a chic alternative for the bigger CLS and will be marketed as a niche variant. The C 117 (internal designation) is a crucial player, because it will be the first exponent of the new generation of compact Mercedes-Benz cars to be sold in the United States, before the other two siblings. With no contenders on the market whatsoever, the first 4-door compact coupe in the world is programmed for reveal while we approach the end of 2012. To help us imagine how the real car could look like, the Stuttgart-based constructor will be flashing the stage of next month's New York Motor Show with a preview concept car. The recipe is the same as in the case of the A-Class, so we shouldn't worry about anything. Just by looking at the successful story of the CLS-Class, excitement is really building up for the new CLC. No doubt this attractive automobile will be a hit, just like its "older" brother.

Illustration Credits: Schulte-Design


Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

PREVIEW: New computer illustration sheds light on future Mercedes-Benz CLC (C 117)

New Mercedes-Benz CLC compact 4-door coupe comes in spring 2013 as part of the German constructor's model offensive started with new B-Class people-carrier and the soon-to-be-released A-Class hatchback. The new CLC-Class will be underpinned by Merc's new modular front-driven platform, the MFA, and will make use of company's latest low-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. As the Stuttgart-based carmaker has gathered precious knowledge with two generations of 4-door coupes, the CLS is expected to influence the general styling of its little brother. However, the design philosophy to be applied to the CLC is 180-degree different: the Ponton-like crease on the rear wing will be gone forever and the side profile will be cleaner and more elegant, just like the first generation CLS (C 219). The accent will be put on creating a more balanced, progressive look, strictly defined by an array of unique, intricately sketched exterior details, that help create a distinctive aura for the new CLC. Level of accuracy for this rendition: we say over 60 percent.

Image: WorldCarFans


Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: First scoop of the dashboard of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (C 117)

Starting summer 2012, Mercedes-Benz will introduce a one-of-a-kind alternative in the compact class: the CLC-Class, industry's first-ever compact 4-door coupe. Inspired by the CLS, the new addition to the lineup of the German carmaker boasts the essential elements that proved successful in the case of its bigger brother: a mind-blowing design consisting of flowing surfaces, intricate styling details and a rakish roof line which contribute to the overall visual coupe effect. Whereas the exterior looks highly individualised, in order to align the new CLC to the range it belongs and reduce costs, Mercedes-Benz designers have somehow sacrificed the style and the uniqueness of the CLC's interior. While we are sure build quality and customization posibilities through the 'designo' programme will score top marks, we can't be very satisfied with the almost total resemblance to the dashboard of the B-Class, as we would have expected a more extravagant approach, due to the fact the CLC is intended to be a niche vehicle. Anyway, last but not least, if UK residents were wondering about if they'd get the new Merc in RHD configuration, the picture above speaks for itself.

Check out more spy shots after the jump!






Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (C 117) doing some winter testing

The new CLC-Class is one of the most eagerly awaited premieres from Mercedes-Benz this year. Part of the new compact lineup of the German carmaker, the 4-door coupe can be easily considered the little brother of the popular CLS. The new model from Stuttgart uses the same successful recipe: an elegant body boasting a heavily arched roofline for creating the desired coupe-like effect. Overall length is estimated at approximately 4.5 meters which is quite a lot for a compact-sized limousine. The CLC prototypes are still in a premature phase of development, so the front fascia and the rear end are currently unfinished and thus remain hidden under the thick black cladding. We suppose the exterior styling will be more organic and unitary, with some key progressive influences for an added stance. Early reports indicate the C 117 generation will make its official debut in April, at the New York International Auto Show - we shall wait and see. In the mean time, check out more spy shots captured in Scandinavia after the break!







Credits: Carscoop

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.