as reported by AutoWeek:

"Expanding its reach in the entry-luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz will show a 3.2-liter V-6 version of its C-class sport coupe. 2004 Sport models of the C320 sedan and wagon, featuring a manual transmission, improved suspension and firmer seats, also will be unveiled."

 

that "2004 C320 sport sedan", what is that? or are they really referring to the 2003 C230K sport sedan. If indeed they are showing a 2004 C sedan, and its a 320, then that information about a C350 for 2004 is wrong.

 

The source of that quote is AutoWeek's website. Click the LA Auto Show link...

I claim no responsibility for what they say. Just giving you what they gave me.

Now, let's suppose MB does rollout the 3.50 engine for 04, three things come to mind:
1) they generally intro new engines in premier models like the E and S (E350 has already been spied testing in Europe)
2) maybe they'll use up all the remaining 3.20 motors in the C before rolling out the C350
3) both these strategic moves would move current C class owners to E's to get the latest engine....and E owners that need more room to S, while still capitvating an "upper-entry level" buyer for the C320...

das ist gud

 

I don't necessarily need a C350, but I don't want to buy a C320 in the spring if I know that a C350 will be available in September, along with the other mid model run freshening that the C will get, for example, the single CD head unit from the E should appear.

 

then there will a C350 coupe!

 

Hmm, I guess Ill find out when I go. Hehe.

 

I will go tomorrow and bring my digicam wit me. I'll post some shots if i can remember to do so.

 

BENZ AFTER DOWNMARKET LUXURY?
Mercedes-Benz isn’t a brand one normally turns to on a tight budget, but the new C230K could make a big splash among those looking for “a value answer,” according to the automaker’s U.S. marketing chief, Dave Schembri. It’s one of two sporty new sedans Mercedes rolled out at the L.A. Auto Show on Friday. The C230K features a supercharged V-6 putting out 189 horsepower through a standard six-speed manual transmission. The sedan features 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, sporty body trim and thick-bolstered sports seats. With a base price of $27,990, the C230K becomes the newest of four Mercedes models sold in the U.S. for less than $30,000.

In all, Mercedes now offers four products starting under $40,000, including the C320 sports sedan, which was also unveiled in L.A. The sporty sedan shares many of the features of the C230K, but instead boasts a normally-aspirated 3.2-liter V-6 engine making 215 horsepower. The C320 also gets a 10-speaker Bose audio package, 10-way power front seats and a digital climate control system.

MAGNUM IS DODGE’S SPORT WAGON
Call it a wagon, a CrossTourer, or simply “too cool to classify,” Dodge is betting big on the new Magnum, which took its turn in the L.A. spotlight on Thursday. With clear European sport wagon heritage—and a number of components borrowed from Mercedes-Benz, “the look is daring and clearly in your face,” declared Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group CEO. Due to hit the road about a year from now, the Magnum will be the first vehicle based on Chrysler’s all-new LX platform, its first new large-car chassis since the LH series debuted a decade ago. But the LX platform can be used in a variety of drivetrain configurations, and the Magnum will initially be available in rear-drive layout with an all-wheel-drive package to follow. The L.A. show car features a supercharged version of the new 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 pumping out 430 horsepower. In production, Dodge plans three engine options – at least initially – including a 200-hp 2.7-liter V-6, a 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and the iron block 5.7-liter Hemi now offered in Chrysler’s truck line. In that normally aspirated configuration, the Hemi is producing 345 hp. The Magnum follows the classic sport wagon layout, with two rows of seats and a moderate-sized cargo bed in back.



CHRYSLER PARTNERS INK GLOBAL ENGINE DEAL
Three members of the DaimlerChrysler family have inked a Memo of Understanding to produce a new line of high-tech, four-cylinder engines. The Chrysler Group, Mitsubishi Motors and Hyundai will hold equal shares in the as-yet-unnamed new company, though the American automaker will operate as the lead. Production of the new line will begin in 2004 in South Korea, with Japan and the U.S. to follow within a year. According to Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche, a production site has not yet been selected for the States, though “a greenfield (plant) is the…likely scenario.” All told, plans call for production of about 1.5 million engines a year. Two existing Chrysler engine families could eventually be replaced by the new family of four-cylinder powerplants, which would include a primary engine of around 2.0 liters of displacement. Normally aspirated and turbocharged models appear to be under study, Zetsche hinted. For Chrysler, the engines would find use in a variety of products, particularly future C-segment models. Zetsche confirmed the new engine plant would almost certainly be represented by the United Autoworkers Union.



BIG IS BETTER
Like its domestic rivals, DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler Group is shifting emphasis a bit, with more development dollars earmarked for future passenger cars. That apparently includes a push into the full-size car category that Chrysler had all but written off with the launch of its K-cars two decades ago. During a breakfast meeting in advance of the L.A. Auto Show, CEO Dieter Zetsche predicted there will be “a revival of American large cars.” The demise of the large car was product-driven, Zetsche contended. Or more precisely, the lack of fresh product. “We think we can grow it again, driven by supply.” The move is part of Chrysler’s “strong product offensive,” which begins in ’03 “and will even accelerate in ’04.” The German executive acknowledged there are plenty of uncertainties that might force Chrysler to rethink its long-term strategy, which includes larger, more powerful and more up-market vehicles. That includes the fate of Iraq, which could determine long-term fuel prices and supplies.

MAYBACH MAINTAINS COURSE
Though its officials launch is still six months away, DaimlerChrysler officials report they’ve already taken 100 official orders for their new, $300,000-plus Maybach sedans. And that number doesn’t reflect the informal orders reported by dealers who have not formally opened their doors yet, company officials told TheCarConnection.com. So far, about 80 percent of the marque’s U.S. customers have been opting for the shorter M57, rather than the 22-foot-long (6.2-meter) M62.


Disclaimer and kudos:
I did not write the information posted above. Thanks to Paul Eisenstein and Chuck Dapoz of The Car Connection for these insights.

 

RECORD NUMBERS FOR THE IMPORTS
Automakers began tallying up their final figures for 2002 this week, and despite the overall industry weakness, there was plenty of crowing from the import aisles. Mercedes-Benz racked up its sixth consecutive year of record sales in the U.S., a total of 213,225 cars and trucks.


Disclaimer and kudos:
I did not write the information posted above. Thanks to Paul Eisenstein and Chuck Dapoz of The Car Connection for these insights.

 

 

Someone made a mistake about the years. Up until today I was reading that Mercedes would be debuting 2004 C320 Coupe & 2004 C320 Sport Sedan. Now they have changed the years to 2003. Article at "The Car Connection":

www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5640

Also see: www.laautoshow.com

 

to anyone wanting to know specs of the 350 engine its now in the M class, as they dropped the 320 in that already. i wonder how long it will take to replace all the 320 with that engine.

 

from www.caranddriver.com

Sporty models at discounted prices were the theme for Mercedes at this years L.A. show. M-B showed off three new C-class models — the C230 Kompressor sport sedan, the C320 sport sedan, and the C320 sports coupe — all featuring a sport-tuned suspension, sporty body cladding, aluminum interior trim, seven-spoke 17-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a standard six-speed close-ratio manual transmission, and thickly bolstered sport seats. The C230 Kompressor sport sedan — powered by a supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 189-horsepower four-cylinder engine — will start at $27,990. The V-6-powered C320 sports sedan and C320 sports coupe will demand $35,200 and $27,300, respectively.

 

I don't know how many of you are waiting around for the 350 engine to come out in the C. But in the ML, the added horsepower does not really make much of a difference in my opinion. At least not in this heavier SUV. The 320 engine is just as good as has plenty of power for the C-class. So unless your decision is based on resale value, it's not really worth waiting for the 350. Just my opinion.

Although, I have heard that the 3.7L 350 might be an actual 3.5L soon and this is why they are calling it a 350 now, so they don't have to change again. Maybe this new engine will be significantly more powerful.

 

yes, i am sure that the 350 engine in the ML does not make a big difference over the 320.

i cant believe that MB would actually have a 3.7L and then down size it to a 3.5L.

 

is it a typo or is the c230 acctually going to come with a v6 supercharged engine?

 

No, its just a V6 putting out 215 hp.

 

No, it's the supercharged 1.8 liter I4 putting out 189 hp, same as the C230 SportsCoupe. The C320 SportsCoupe uses the same 3.2 liter 215 hp V8 that the sedan uses.

 

Yes, its a question of resale value and also picking up the other 2004 C changes. I was going to get a C320 this spring, but may stretch my current car until fall because of this, unless some other "leak" of information says otherwise.