Last month, Mercedes-Benz released official photos of its Fascination show car. Today, the car went on public display at the Paris Motor Show. The shooting brake previews the upcoming CLK-Class models — even though it has been morphed into a sporty wagon. Closely related to the new E-Class, the next-generation CLK might be renamed E-Class Coupe, or a new name, like CLE, might be used.
For those of you not familiar with European car jargon, a shooting brake is generally thought of as a sporty wagon, distinguished from a hatchback by its greater size and low-slung look.
Rumors about the car first broke in April, though it’s still unclear if this particular body style is actually intended for production. One thing is certain, however: the Fascination provides a good preview of the overall styling of the new 2010 CLK coupe and convertible, minus hatchback the roofline.
The Fascination study is rather interesting as it underscores a closer relationship between the CLK-Class and the E-Class. The CLK and the next-generation E-Class will share the same quad-headlight treatment — now squared off instead of the current car’s rounded look — and a similar bold front grille.
The CLK has long been positioned as a sort of E-Class coupe, despite always been built on the C-Class platform. Though not confirmed, rumors indicate the new CLK will use the E-Class platform and could begin sharing the same powertrains, including the upcoming Bluetech hybrid system planned for 2010.
There is also some speculation the CLK might see a name change to CLE, in order to better align it with the E-Class. We’re not sure Mercedes would dump a well established nameplate like CLK, but we wouldn’t rule it out, either. The automaker recently obtained a trademark for the name CLE, so it’s a distinct possibility.
10/02, 11:31 AM
posted by:
pav8581
I like it, the stance definitely does it for me in this car. Too bad the price tage is probablt thousands above my pay grade :-/
10/02, 12:01 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Americans are fascinated that Mercedes is still in business given the unreliable sh1t that they pawned off on our shores
10/02, 12:32 PM
posted by:
5ive
The front is sexy. Badge on grill can be bigger though
10/02, 12:41 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
Magnum anyone?
10/02, 12:44 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
This does it for me. Mercedes, when?
btw, how much credit do you think I could get?
10/02, 12:45 PM
posted by:
Captain Spadaro
Thank Raptor Jesus that it still has a normal shift lever.
10/02, 1:04 PM
posted by:
6ix
Need more Oil….for the love of gawd, it’s just not funny anymore. The first 1000 of your stupid posts were mildly amusing, but give it a freakin’ break. Sure, you managed to get under some people’s skin when they thought you were serious (which you obviously aren’t.) It’s over. Move on. Or go to a cycling board and state how Lance Armstrong is the best cyclist ever (which he wasn’t.)
10/02, 1:05 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
Oh me goodness.
More: http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Oct08/02_001429_Mercedes_Benz_At_The_2008_Paris_Motor_Show_The_Mercedes_Benz_Concept_FASCINATION_Study.html
(photos at the bottom.)
Great looking car after all.
10/02, 1:35 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
So, 6 for Fake, 1 for Tool.
10/02, 2:02 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Come on up to Michigan sometime, I’ll show you guys fake. I’m right in Dexter. You’ll find thousands like me around here. Maybe some of my fellow posters? I am also a member of Cheersandgears and GMI, and LLN is the only sight where I’ve been called “fake” whatever that is supposed to mean? Maybe you import humping punks should worry about your own sh1t before getting yourselves into someone elses?
10/02, 2:50 PM
posted by:
autonut
Hey, Need more oil, please educate how do you hump import vs. domestic? Do you mean Chevy/Daewoo Aveo? or made in Mexico trucks?
I do find this concept fascinatingly repugnant, however. It has Astra butt, defunct Magnum side view and original schnoze. This combo evokes diarrhea in me (but beats being constipated)
10/02, 2:59 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
If you really are sincere, then go hang out with your little YouTube buddies on the car-basher sites. You are not wanted here. This one is for real men and women that actually LIKE cars and LIKE driving, not for closed-minded idiots who ignore the world beyond their neighborhood. We have intelligent conversations here, and we discuss opinions, real-world facts, and past experiences. What you have brought to the table is empty drivel about brand loyalty, which has been so bizarre and incoherent, it doesn’t even seem real. You talk about being pro-American, but then you revel in the thought of Ford and Chrysler closing their doors – hardly an American attitude. You discuss how unreliable brands like Toyota and Honda are, and yet they have the reputation of being some of the most reliable cars in the world. You tout an anti-import belief, yet you do not realize that many people on this site (probably close to 50%) are NOT Americans and do not actually live here in the United States. You spew nonsense about how Americans buying American products (that don’t have much American content and are built in foreign countries by the way) is the only way to help our economy, yet you do not realize that the lenders, the dealers, the workers and the stock holders all circulate much more money than the profits of the parent company alone. And, if GM were to keep all their products here, no money would come in to the U.S. from other countries (i.e. exports), which is what we need to repair our economy. What makes America great is our people, and so far you have been a prime example of how an American SHOULD NOT act. You are the 2% of the attention-getting Americans that the rest of the world bases their poor opinion of America off of. You do not help GM. You are actually a hinderance and an annoyance. Please, either learn something, admit you are a fake, or just go away.
As for the readers who are not from the United States, very few of our people here believe and act as closed-minded and ignorant as this Need More Oil for GM guy. Most of us are intelligent, rational people. Some of us may have heavily biased opinions, but we for the most part respect opposing opinions and differing thought. Please do not use this guy as an example of our people and heritage. Thank you.
10/02, 3:32 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
MMMMMM……NOP……..IT WILL BE CHIPPER JUST TO BUY THE MAZDA…….
10/02, 3:38 PM
posted by:
6ix
Beatusmongous….nicely said!!
10/02, 3:38 PM
posted by:
vincentvegas74
Well said beatusmongous……couldn’t agree more
10/02, 3:40 PM
posted by:
vincentvegas74
You know what this concept reminds me of….the Chrysler Nasau…..which i thought was a pretty nice looking luxury vehicle….but that’s just my opinion
10/02, 3:46 PM
posted by:
doctrsnoop
@beatusmoungous
Totally agree.
GM, if you’re going to stay, at least come up with some new insults, your’s have been boring lately
10/02, 4:33 PM
posted by:
justagigilo85
You were stifled in that other car post. What happened? UAW got your tongue?
10/02, 5:08 PM
posted by:
megeebee
This car’s design is a MESS.
10/02, 10:08 PM
posted by:
maxcar
it’s prolly the nicest piece of design work to come out of the benz stable in a while, despite the long swoopy arched lines reminiscent of the design disaster of the r minivan.
10/02, 10:51 PM
posted by:
RTT10
NOBODY LIKES YOU NMOFGM AT ALL… how bout u leave i htink we made it pretty seriosu that we odnt want u here
10/02, 11:04 PM
posted by:
RTT10
anyways beatusmoungous couldnt have said any better.. its not our fault hes ignorant and dumb
10/03, 9:31 AM
posted by:
Donfuy MccKud
anyone noticed those gorgeous wheels?
The car could have been much better, but the rear ruins that all.
10/07, 8:39 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
I agree. Its a very beautiful car, but it strays too far away from the trademark Benz design. I used to be able to tell a Benz from a Lincoln a mile away just from its taillights. Now this car sort of distorts the line. The front and side look very original, and it could be a positive direction for the next-generation of Mercedes-Benz; but the rear belongs on a Mazda/Lincoln/Chrysler.
If they do decide to make it, they should remove the shooting brake shape and go with a last-generation CLK coupe shape.