With the death of the CLK, Mercedes-Benz is missing a smaller entry level coupe in its lineup. The E-Class coupe is nice, but definitely not cheap with a starting price north of $48K. Mercedes is reportedly working on a new C-Class coupe which will be launched for the 2011 model year.
According to Inside Line, Mercedes is targeting the BMW 1 Series, which has proven that there is a market for a small rear-wheel-drive coupe. Of course the 3 Series is also going to be one of the C-Class coupe's competitors. The C-Class coupe is expected to be powered by a new generation of DOHC V6 engines. A 3.5L V6 and a smaller V6 with twin-turbochargers are expected. An AMG version is also expected, which will be powered by a turbocharged 5.5L V8.
Full Story: Inside Line
Comments (4)
What would be smaller than 3.5L V6? 3.0L V6 Turbocharged? Why bother offering 3.5L?
I think the selling point of 1-series is that it's lightweight and agile car so i don't think offering 5.5L V8 would be a wise choice.
Posted by killa | January 5, 2010 12:12 AM
Posted on January 5, 2010 00:12
@ killa
Because the 3.5L non-turbo base engine matches up well with the 1-series non-turbo base engine...duh!
The 135i is lightweight? Are you kidding me? It only weighs 90lbs less than the much better looking 335i !
MB's have always been a little heavier and not quite as nimble...but their AMG V8's have always had MASSIVE torque compared to BMW's offerings.
Posted by Noya | January 5, 2010 8:46 AM
Posted on January 5, 2010 08:46
Can't believe I am saying this, but Noya actually has written a good argument for once. And then the crazier part, I have to agree.
What I find interesting is that they would pit a C Class against a 1 series. The C Class is currently larger then the 3 Series. Wouldn't the C Coupe in theory compete with the 3 Coupe or do they plan on making it smaller then the current C sedan? Also note that the 3 Coupe is slightly longer then the 3 sedan. And with that in mind, a v8 AMG version makes perfect sense to go against the M3 Coupe.
Posted by Avatar | January 5, 2010 12:51 PM
Posted on January 5, 2010 12:51
I actually like the new C-Class. Almost bought it in 2009, but BMW won at the end.
Posted by DuDe | January 6, 2010 12:33 PM
Posted on January 6, 2010 12:33