Mercedes-Benz CLC (New C Class Sport Coupe) being tested in Brazil

[Johnny]

Some pics of the new CLC with some disguise in Juiz de Fora, home of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Brazil (this plant will be responsible for making the CLC for the whole world. It used to make A Class, and then the C Class that was also exported to USA):

Pictures from Noticias Automotivas.com.br, taken by Vitor Pereira:
http://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/segredo-mercedes-benz-classe-c-sport-coupe-no-brasil/

 

[Philly]

Wow. Great disguise. I wonder what that car could possibly be? I thought M-B would try to a little more secretive about the thing.

That aside, this is pretty good news. I guess they really are serious about the car. Hopefully they can tweak the chassis and make the car worthwhile this time around.

 

[Dougboy]

looks nice. But i expected more change in the overall profile. Looks just like the C230 coupe with a new front end slapped on. Kinda like them 240's with the S15 conversion.

 

[High-Test]

They got the frontal goofiness fixed. But I'm not too sure about the rest of the car. The side profile is too tame to blend in with the aggressiveness of the new C class front end. We'll see when that really clever disguise comes off.

 

[Philly]

The side profile is too tame to blend in with the aggressiveness of the new C class front end.

I have to agree. But it is to be slightly expected. It uses the same platform as the old one, and that was less than thrilling to look at. It looks like they might have even gone for almost the exact same profile....

 

[High-Test]

I think you're right. It seems as though they changed little, if anything, about the side profile of the car. At least give us some different textures in the sheet metal stampings..

 

[Philly]

I think you're right. It seems as though they changed little, if anything, about the side profile of the car. At least give us some different textures in the sheet metal stampings..

They even changed the name of the thing. That's just like a whole new fresh start for the car. This is their chance to ditch the old car and make the public think it really is all new. So far it looks like they blew that on the appearance. Hopefully M-B has discovered something magical about the chassis or that might end up being a fail too.

The least they could have done is to modify the new car rather than go back to the parts bin and grab something that's been used before and throw a new front on. I just hope this car doesn't totally flop.

 

[YSSMAN]

It still doesn't seem "right" to be in the end. I'm not sure why they can't mimic the 3-series and actually build a coupe with the correct proportions; It still looks like the back-end sits up higher than the front. I don't like that!

 

[Philly]

Posted for reference.

I agree with YSS. In the end, it will end up having a low, sleek and small front followed by a giant rear. That isn't a combination that I see working out too well.