One ‘four-door coupe’ is no longer enough for Mercedes-Benz as the Stuttgart-based carmaker has plans to introduce a smaller sports saloon with a similar styling language to the CLS, with which it will expand into the lower-end price segment.
Our spies caught up with yet another prototype of the upcoming CLC model during winter testing in Northern Europe.
Hiding under the CLC’s rakish body with the heavily arched roofline is an elongated version of the next generation A-Class’ brand-new MFA modular platform that will allow for the use of both front- and all-wheel drive layouts.
The CLC will share its engine lineup with the new A-Class with the regular models being powered by 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol and a 1.8-liter turbo diesel units, both of which will be offered in two states of tune, and a choice of two gearboxes, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a six-speed manual.
We hear that Mercedes is also working on a high-performance AMG version that will likely get a new 2.0-liter bi-turbocharged four-cylinder unit good enough for around 300 ponies, matched to an all-wheel drive system.
Furthermore, Daimler’s boss Dieter Zetsche has reportedly given the green light for the creation of a shooting brake version of the CLC that will follow a couple of years after the launch of the sedan model in 2013.
Image credits: Carpix
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