Sauceboy01

I found this scan on a German language car forum (I read and speak the language) and I couldn't believe me eyes.

According to this scan, Mercedes is planning two V8 C-Class models using the 4.7 V8 found in the GL450 and S450. There will be two power settings. I am guessing that the "weaker C450" (???) will have the standard 340-horsepower while the more "powerful CXXX"(???) will get a power boost? Perhaps something in the 400-horsepower range? Simply unbelieveable!

What's even more amazing is that apparently they're developing a new 6-speed manual transmission capable of handling the torque that will be offered in these two V8 C-Classes and also in the C350 and AMG C63. I am guessing the new C350 lacks a manual transmission option for exactly this purpose: the transmission wasn't ready.

Amazing news! This segment just heated up big time!

Source: AUTOSPIES.COM


http://www.autospies.com/images/user...Forum_ZWEI.jpg

pmb600

This would be great, but let's not get our hopes up, since MBUSA usually messes things up and doesn't make the features/models available that we would love to see.

smb7420

Well aren't you Ms. Debbie Downer.

It does seem odd they'd put a V8 in the C - Maybe they're going to replace any C-AMGs...and leave only "C450s" in their place.
V8's in scooters will be next...Global warming here we come

vraa

I thought a detuned version of the 63 was going into the W204 with the 7speed that we've all come to love/hate.

pmb600

Not trying to be a downer, just realistic...

But I am pretty sure that they are doing a C63 AMG, there have been spy videos and info on it.

Sauceboy01

As a matter of fact, history has proved that MB always has more powerfull engines. The fact that the new BMW 335i has 300hp with 300tq means that Mercedes in order to keep up must release a model with more HP. 340hp sounds about right. In order to avoid new engine research costs they must use a motor that has already been R&D'd.

The GL450 motor seems about right, or maybe they'll bring back the C32 motor and throw it in the current upper end C-class non AMG?

Am i a dreamer or what?

vraa

I hope it's a V8 and not a V6. No replacement for displacement!

Sauceboy01

Ah cummon, you had to whip out that stupid quote didn't you?

Outland

I'd rather have the V6 Kompressor. It was, and still is faster.

C63 says 'small weenie'.

MBNorCal

autospies....

Germancar1

There will be no V8 C-Class except for the C63 AMG model. I seriously doubt it will come with a manual tranny, but that could be possible. The 2009 C300 and C350 models will see different engines with about 270hp and 320hp respectively, maybe then MB will give the C350 a stick. A C450 or C550 (as Motor Trend said a while back) doesn't make sense. Just overkill for a non-AMG model.

M

GPI

Where did you get the news from about the increase in hp in the C300 and C350 to 270hp and 320hp respectively?

MiKeSSw203

Keeping my fingers crossed

Germancar1

Just a guess based on CAR magazine saying that the new turbo/direct-injection V6s arrive in 2008. Which means our 2009 model year cars. You know MB isn't going to be outdone by BMW in the hp department.

M

mrcknievel

This makes sense.

The 400hp bi-turbo C400 rumors, etc. absolutely ignore the fact that putting a non-AMG model within spitting distance horsepower wise of the AMG model is cannibalism. Especially in the C-class price range where you have a number of well heeled smaller car fans mixed in with a large number of folks who can't (or won't) step up to the large E-Class AMG car.

If you want to play with the current M's at the stoplight, you have to buy the current AMG.

wingless

It is unlikely that MBUSA will suddenly expose itself to the legal liabilities associated with offering a high-powered performance vehicle that required both hands for operation. Domestic motorists are already short-handed, consumed with: cell phones; make-up application; shaving; beverages; electronic entertainment and my favorite, inter-vehicle interactive gesturing.

No, MBUSA has a firm grasp on the target market and would instead offer vehicles that detected the roadway and other traffic to use the next generation COMMAND to auto-pilot the machines among the drones.

There are other, avant-garde, vehicle importers that consistently throw caution to the wind and provide performance machines that respect people who enjoy driving AND living in the US.

pmb600

?? What are you talking about. How would MBUSA open themselves to legal liability... There are plenty of performance cars you can buy with manual transmissions. I'm sorry if I misunderstood you, but this post doesn't make any sense.

wingless

There are many theories that explain both MBUSA impeding fully designed, tested and released products from reaching our shores AND MBUSA failing to utilize the clout of the domestic market to encourage the development of additional products or features that satisfy the demands of US consumers. This post defines the most likely explanation of that conduct. The next most probable theory if contempt of, or distain for, domestic consumers.

JRAMGV8

V8 with 6 speed Manual, that'd be awesome...

pmb600

This is so not going to happen. They just recently released the new information about the C-Class and the C350 Sport doesn't even come in a manual. Whichever car magazine reported this is full of it--which many of them are.

JRAMGV8

Of course, not that I am hoping, but it would be awesome

yeuchau

that'll be cool
but then my car will be so slow on the street
haha

Untertürkheim

Well, there already is a direct injection 350 engine is Europe, 292hp natually aspirated (available in the CLS 350 CGI) Doesn't seem like it's worth all the trouble to develop turbocharged 3&3.5 liter engines when a little tuning can let them trump the Bavarians without a blower.