Even though the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe replaced the CLK nameplate, a successor to the model based on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class could be in the works for 2011.

According to sources of a French car magazine, the next CLK will fill the gap between the 2010 E-Class Coupe (which is already built on the C-Class platform but is a little larger than the old CLK) and the CLC Coupe.

Source say that the next-generation CLK will be aimed at the BMW 3-Series Coupe and will by very similar to the new C-Class in terms of design.

The model is expected to borrow the same engine lineup from the C-Class sedan. Of course, this has us dreaming of the next CLK AMG with the C 63 AMG 450-hp V8.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Most of the tuning packages out there are usually created for the already high-performance sedans and coupes. So instead of offering a tuning package for the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, German tuning firm Väth has unveiled a new series of enhancements for the conservative and frugal folks.

Known as the V18k, the Väth optimization program gives the Mercedes-Benz C200 a boost of 31-hp for a total of 215-hp. Top speed is increased to 150 mph. Performance is enhanced with a suspension package that lowers the front by 45mm and the rear by 35mm. Väth also added a new front apron, a black radiator grille, black 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and stainless steel exhaust system.

Pricing for the engine tuning costs a total of EUR 1,773 ($1,524 USD) while pricing for the body modifications varies.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Väth 18K – Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

Source: eMercedesBenz

Lorinser has released their latest tuning package for the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350. Besides giving it extra power Lorinser adds new front apron, exhaust tailpipes that have been embedded into the rear apron, a rear boot and roof spoiler, new side skirts and a choice betweek 19-inch RS 8 matte-black alloy wheels or 19-inch silver light-alloy wheels.

Performance wise Lorinser added special camshafts and a modified ECU unit that takes the 3.5 liter V6 engine from 272-hp to 305-hp with a maximum torque of 280 lb-ft.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Lorinser 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350:

Press Release:

Lorinser makes the C-Class “hot” with 305 HP
Digital revolution renders classic engine tuning more effective than ever
Hot camshafts?

In the age of chip tuning, that sounds like a relic of the Eighties. Incorrectly, as there is not much extra power to be gained electronically from a naturally aspirated engine. Mechanical measures continue to be the first choice there, and more effective than ever before in combination with an adjustment of the engine management. One particularly successful example is the C 350 Limousine from Sportservice Lorinser, an almost irresistible temptation for everyone with petrol in their blood: special camshafts and a modified engine control unit kindle here far more fire than the series version of the extremely successful 3.5-litre V6. 305 HP (224 kW) instead of 272 HP (200 kW) are an end result that can be more than seen in a non-charged engine, especially since the fast Mercedes accelerates powerfully with 380 instead of 350 Nm, even at very low RPM. As a result of the tuning measure, the interval between opening the exhaust valve and closing the intake valve becomes bigger. The result is a “hot” overlap, which is where the camshaft modification gets its name from. On the other hand, the Lorinser lowering kit is responsible for the “hot” handling in the bend. An additional bonus in the driving-fun account.
Digital or analogue?

Music fans may argue about this point, but not car enthusiasts. Of course, the Lorinser sports exhaust system plays music purely mechanically, and develops such a crescendo when the accelerator pedal is pushed enthusiastically that even eardrums get goosebumps. But the optical charms of the C-Class also easily arouse the desire to own one. Is it the well-designed exhaust tailpipes integrated into the Lorinser rear apron that the sporty roof and rear spoiler soar above? The muscular side sills or the striking front apron? An abundance of details that add up to a fascinating automobile. The model RS 8 matt black 19-inch light-alloy wheels draw attention to themselves as they provide exciting contrasts in combination with the white bodywork colour. An additional stylish alternative is the silver-coloured light-alloy wheel RS 9 from the Lorinser assortment. An offer that repeatedly proves in its totality that the Winnenden customiser won’t be losing steam any time soon when it comes down to stirring up passions for automobiles.

Carlsson, well-known tuner for Mercedes-Benz cars, has released its latest tuning package for the the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. Besides a pretty nice performance upgrade, Carlsson adds new wheels and couple of visual upgrades that makes this the hottest C 63 AMG around.

Improving the aerodynamics of the C 63 AMG, Carlsson added a new front spoiler, a front spoiler lip and a Carlsson rear spoiler. Carlsson also added a new grille along with 19-inch Carlsson 1/16 Ultra Light wheels.

Power wise, Carlsson increased output of the 6.3L V8 from 457-hp to 565-hp with a maximum torque of 505 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph takes just 3.8 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.  Carlsson has also added a sport rear muffler, a Carlsson RS coil-over kit which offers height adjustment and a limited slip differential.

Click through for the high-res image gallery and press release.

CARLSSON CK63 S:

Press Release:

Even racier – even better: CARLSSON CK63 S (Basis C 63 AMG)

- Performance kit with up to 565 PS / 415 kW
- powerful-dynamic Carlsson-Aerodynamics
- Sport rear muffler, coil-over kit and limited slip differential
- Carlsson High Tech forged wheels 1/16 UL in 19 inches

Merzig, Germany – With the C-Class top-of-the line model C 63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz has given an impressive statement in the medium class. Where else can you get an enormous larger than 6 litre V8 engine in a relatively small car? But as the power output is comparably low, the high-tech manufacturer Carlsson activates the hidden potential. With up to 565 hp, the Carlsson CK63 leaves its competitors behind its (stainless steel) end pipes. And equipped with new wheels and even more sporty aerodynamics, the top-of-the line C-Class model refined by Carlsson also shows clear features of a top athlete.

Carlsson CK63 – that stands for performance and full torque. The performance kit for the motor type M156 increases the serial performance of the 6.3 litre V8 from 457 hp (336 kW) at 6,800 r.p.m up to 565 hp/415 kW. The torque significantly increases from 600 to 685 Nm and therefore the car only needs 3.8 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h instead of the serial 4.5 seconds. Once more, the Carlsson engineers are able to prove their expertise gained in motor sports.

All kits include a special motor electronics adaption, a maximum speed increase up to 300 km/h (electronically limited), a sport air filter and a noble three-part Carlsson motor cover made of real carbon as well as the obligatory Carlsson nameplate in chrome. Carlsson gently limits the never-ending thrust at 300 km/h for all models with an electronic device. The Carlsson sport rear muffler from the 565 hp strong CK63 S-Kit not only renders an enormous sound but also 15 extra hp (11 kW).

Coil-over kit and limited slip differential

The perfectly set-up Carlsson RS coil-over kit which has been co-developed by Ellen Lohr offers a step-less height adjustment and renders a driving dynamics which has never been experienced before. With the individually adjustable damping characteristics, the driver can regulate the setup according to his preference. With this new technical development by Carlsson, the driver does not have to make any compromise. He can enjoy the comfort of the roadworthy suspension system or race for top speeds on a racetrack. To ensure that the extra performance which has been imbued to the C-Class by Carlsson does not go up in smoke on the asphalt, Carlsson recommends fitting its torque-sensitive multi-plate limited slip differential with mechanically variable lock-up (produced with lock-up values according to customer requirements). This increases the traction and driving stability, especially when accelerating in bends.

Powerful-dynamic Carlsson aerodynamics

The elaborate premium Carlsson aerodynamics consists of a front spoiler, the front spoiler lip RS and a Carlsson rear spoiler (with an imprinted Carlsson logo) which renders stability at higher speeds. All accessories are made of high-quality PUR or optionally real carbon. The styling kit does not only stand out for its perfect finishing, but also for its unique design. It emphasizes the Carlsson designers´ claim to always develop something a bit nobler than its competitors.

High Tech forged wheels 1/16 Ultra Light

When developing the Carlsson light alloy wheels 1/16 UL, the engineers and designers most of all focused on a perfect weight optimization. All force effects on the wheel are led into the wheel spider by the regular distribution of spokes. This avoids an over-dimensioned wall thickness and leads to a low wheel weight. The latest forging technology leads to a weight reduction of 38% compared to ordinary wheels with a similar wheel load and dimension! Thanks to the metal compression, the induced forces are forwarded in a far more homogenous way than with a cast wheel. Therefore, the unsprung masses are held as low as possible at the wheel suspensions and that leads to a noticeable driving comfort improvement by the Carlsson forged wheels compared to customary light alloy wheels. The forged Carlsson wheel 1/16 Ultra Light is available in the sizes 8,5×19“ (FA+RA) and 10×19“ (only RA) for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Finest craftsmanship dominates the interior

According to the customer requirements, Carlsson compiles various components to an individual comfort-mix, from a sport steering wheel to leather interiors or multi-media accessories. In the noble manufactory, also the Carlsson CK63 S is once again significantly individualized. This is how unique specimen are created with the best materials according to customers wishes.

Source: WorldCarFans

Mercedes-Benz will be reinventing its entire family of coupes as early as next year and the best part will be a true C-Class coupe instead of the hatchback looking CLC that is currently offered.

According to CAR, starting next year Mercedes-Benz will drop the CLK badge and will offer a E-Class Coupe inspired by the Concept FASCINATION seen at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The same will go for the CL which will now be called the S-Class Coupe. Both models will be moved up a notch in the lineup along with pricing.

The CLC will be dropped in favor of a true C-Class Coupe in 2010. That will in return spawn a C-Class convertible which will be positioned against the drop-top BMW 1 and 3-Series. Pricing for the C-Class convertible is expected to be less than the SLK. Nonetheless, the current CLC will play a major part in the remodeling of the bodystyle.

New engines will be offered with the C-Class coupe including a new 2.0L 4-cylinder direct-injection petrol, a new V6, a new 2.2L CDI and a range-topping 3.0L V6 CDI. We already know that around the same time Mercedes-Benz will also offer a hybrid variant of the C-Class.

Source: CAR

Belgian tuner Expression Motorsports has revealed its widebody DTM inspired package for the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class called the EX C Motorsport kit.

The kit includes large air vents in the front bumper and hood inspired by the C 63 AMG. The widebody kit consists of a new front bumper, fog lamps, LED indicators, front carbon fiber lip spoiler, 10 piece fender flair set, side skirts, a new rear bumper with a carbon fiber diffuser and wing spoiler with an integrated LED F1 brake lights.

Expression Motorsports tops it off with a dual twin-tip exhaust system and 22-inch alloy wheels. Check out a video of the car after the jump.

Click through for more pictures and the video.

EX C Motorsport kit for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

Source: WorldCarFans

Mercedes-Benz announced today that it set to launch its new 4-cylinder diesel engine generation with the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition starting later this year.

Power for the new C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition will come from a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 204 horsepower with a maximum torque of 369 lb-ft. That will allow for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7 seconds flat with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 45 mpg with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.

Mercedes-Benz will built only 5,000 units of the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with prices starting at 40,638.50 euros ($56,966 USD). Buyers can also opt for a special paint finish diamond white metallic (pictured) and an AMG sports package which gives the car a more aggressive appearance.

Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition:

Press Release:

C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition: Efficiency and driving pleasure on a new plane

Stuttgart, Sep 10, 2008 – Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a completely new diesel engine generation starting in the autumn of 2008. For its world premiere, the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer will unveil a C-Class model with this new four-cylinder engine. In the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, this engine produces, with its 2.2 litres of displacement, 150 kW / 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The premiere model can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds, on the way to its top speed of 250 km/h. Notwithstanding these exceptional performance figures, the Prime Edition only consumes an average of 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. The engine impresses with its eager responsiveness and smoothness of operation, which can make it a sensible alternative to the higher-displacement six-cylinder engines in future.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a great favourite with the public. Since its official market launch on March 31 2007, over 400,000 buyers have opted for a saloon or an estate from this model series. As a result of this, the C-Class has maintained its position as world-wide market leader in its segment. The new C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition adds a further highlight to this successful model series which has already received numerous distinctions. With the new diesel engine, which celebrates its world premiere in this model, Mercedes-Benz shows that frugal consumption and high output – and with them both environmentally-friendly driving and driving pleasure – can be mutually compatible.

Exemplary figures in terms of power output, consumption and emission characteristics

A displacement of 2143 cc, 150 kW / 204 hp, and 500 Nm of torque – these are the engine’s key figures. Figures that place this newly-developed four-cylinder diesel engine in the top position among the diesel engines of its class. At the same time, in the C 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, the engine consumes on average just 5.2 litres of fuel per hundred kilometres (NEDC), a value achieved by no other comparable motor car.

Apart from exceptional power output figures, the new powerplant offers significantly improved torque build-up from low engine speeds, compared to its predecessor model. The benefit of this is that in everyday driving situations it enables low-consumption driving at low engine speeds. In addition, the new engine will assume market leadership in terms of untreated exhaust emissions. Already today, it complies with the future EU5 emissions standards and, beyond that, has the potential to comply with the EU6 and BIN5 standards as well.

Exemplary figures in terms of power output, consumption and emission characteristics are achieved by the new engine thanks to the implementation of a whole package of innovative technologies. This includes among other things:

    – a maximum ignition pressure of 200 bar,
    – fourth-generation common-rail technology with a rail pressure increased by 400 bar to 2000 bar, as well as a new piezo-injector concept with direct nozzle needle control for greater flexibility in injection timing, leading to smoother running of the engine,
    – larger, variable oil spray nozzles and variable water pump,
    – dual-stage supercharging.

Another design innovation is the camshaft drive positioned at the rear. This way, with a north-south installation design and engine bonnet rising towards the rear, it is possible to comply even better with pedestrian protection regulations.

A promising future for the new four-cylinder diesel engine

For an engine of its displacement, it is exceptionally compact, so that it can be fitted in different installation spaces. Beginning in 2008, this new four-cylinder diesel engine will replace four of the existing diesel engines at Mercedes-Benz. It can be installed either lengthways or crossways in various model series, and several power rating variants will be available. Apart from the C-Class, the engine will also be installed in the E-Class, in the new GLK-Class and in the future E‑Class Coupé. With its impressive output figures, the new engine will replace higher-displacement engines in heavier vehicles, where it will be able to reduce consumption effectively through this “downsizing”.

Ingenious fine detail work reduces consumption

In the Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition the new diesel engine is combined with a sporty six-speed manual transmission with overdrive. This, too, contributes to the great efficiency of the model. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz engineers have drawn up an additional package of measures in order to achieve the most exceptional consumption figures. The package includes among other things:

    – aerodynamic finishing touches, with particularly airflow-enhancing exterior-mirror housings as well as smooth underbody cladding;
    – newly developed tyres that reduce rolling resistance by 10 percent;
    – an efficient energy-management system with adaptive power steering, which with the help of an additional valve, closes the flow of the power-steering pump when it is not required.

Useful information: new gearshift and consumption display on dashboard

Experience from Mercedes-Benz eco-training shows that the driver, too, can save fuel by adopting an energy-conscious style of driving – and also do that without compromising driving pleasure. In the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition a newly-developed gearshift display on the dashboard assists the driver by informing him of the best moment to shift gear in order to save fuel. In addition to this gearshift recommendation, the instrument cluster shows the precise current fuel consumption.

Sporty genes, state-of-the-art engineering, extensive equipment and appointments

The basis of the new C 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition is the C-Class Saloon of the AVANTGARDE equipment line, in which the sporting genes of the Mercedes-Benz brand come particularly to the fore, most noticeably in the radiator grille with its distinctive louvres and the large, centrally positioned Mercedes star. Among car connoisseurs this design element has been seen, for a long time, as a typical badge of the sportier Mercedes models. Now, in the AVANTGARDE models of the C-Class for the first time the star graces a saloon, as an unmistakable expression of the vehicle’s inherent strengths: agility, power and performance, without at the same time neglecting other time-tested C-Class attributes such as safety and long-distance comfort. Aluminium interior trim (optional: bird’s-eye maple) and other stylish details accentuate the sporty, effortlessly superior appearance of this model.

The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition is equipped with 16-inch light-alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tyres as standard – in addition to this, 16-inch light-alloy wheels in sporty 7-spoke design (likewise 205/55 R16 tyres) and 17-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-twin-spoke design with wide-base tyres (225/45 R17 at front, 205/40 R17 at rear) are available as no-cost options.

Naturally, all the pioneering technical systems of the C-Class are on board as well: for instance, the AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.

The extensive standard equipment also includes the Audio 20 infotainment system. This features, among other things, a keypad to enter telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface that connects the mobile phone wirelessly with the hands-free feature. Floormats with the lettering “Prime Edition” draw attention to the special status of the new model.

Prime Edition limited to 5000 units

The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition model can be delivered in obsidian black, palladium silver or iridium silver. It is also optionally available in the special paint finish diamond white metallic. The sporty appearance can be emphasised even more forcefully with the optional AMG sports package, which includes distinctively-styled front and rear aprons as well as side skirts.

Production of the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition is limited to 5000 units. It is a consummate performer in terms of its sportiness, environmental protection and economic efficiency. Its price (including VAT) is 40,638.50 euros.