northbenz

Saw a passing reference in a major automotive publication to the fact that Mercedes will be offering 4-Matic on its next redesigned CLK. Curious of this will be limited to the coupe model or if we can expect a 4-matic Convertible CLK as well? Anyone heard more details? I am assuming this option will first appear in 2008 as part of the 2009 redesigned CLK with the convertible to likely follow as a 2010. Would also think that market forces will force Mercedes to seriously consider adding a folding hardtop to the CLK as well unless the plans are to offer a C or E Class 4 seat convertible variant with the folding hardtop. Can't imagine Mercedes is very happy with the market share they are losing to cross country rival BMW with its in high demand E93 4 seat folding hardtop cabriolets.

northbenz

September issue of Autmobile Magazine, p. 25, reporting on the upcoming next-generation BMW 6-series the article states, "Previously, we would have ruled out an all-wheel-drive option, but now that Mercedes is preparing 4Matic variants of the next CLK and the CL, BMW may follow suit."

northbenz

Amazing that a journalist for Automobile Magazine is aware that it is common knowledge that Mercedes is working on adding 4-Matic to the CLK class. Surely there are some Mercedes "insiders" who should be reading these threads to offer us more details.

northbenz

??????

northbenz

????

northbenz

???? Surely someone who checks here knows at least as much as the car magazine writers.

whatup?

As far as I've read, the next CLK will also have a canvas roof. Even though MB started the whole folding hardtop craze, they still chose not to put one of the CLK when they rolled out the W209, and I think they will follow suit with the new CLK.

This is from Car Magazine (UK): http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/secret_...id=1274&page=1

"Yes, as with today’s CLK line-up, a convertible – internal name A206 – will arrive six months after the coupe bows in. Rather than opt for the now almost obligatory folding metal roof, the open-topped Mercedes will feature a traditional cloth roof.

To reinforce its premium image, the cabriolet will be equipped with a heated fabric roof, called ‘Silent Top’ that will cocoon passengers on even the coldest day, as well as a more advanced neck-warming Airscarf system and a semi-automatic wind deflector."

"Since the CLK is based on the C-class, it makes do without air suspension and active body control, but for the first time, V6 petrol engined CLKs will feature 4Matic all-wheel drive."

MikeDC

I saw something about MB introducing the B-class in the US and that it would eventually have a retractable hard top.

jamesbond007

I really hope they will keep the canvas roof. It is just so much more beautiful.

whatup?

agreed . . . 4-passenger hardtops usually end up with a big rears to accommodate the roof, or otherwise have odd cut lines in the roof for it break up into multiple sections (which i can't get past with the new 3-series). plus retractable roofs add so much weight (actual weight, not just visual weight) to the car.

just make sure an idiot doesn't cut open your top for no apparent reason, like someone did with our miata last summer . . .

and with the b-class - it has a louvered sunroof (think window blinds) . . .

jamesbond007

It is not only the overall lines, it is the canvas roof itself. Look at this picture:



and I love the sound of the rain on the canvas. It is just part of the pleasure!

whatup?

again, agreed . . . nice shot!

jamesbond007

Well, it is scanned from the CLK brochure...

northbenz

Hey, thanks for posting those photos on the companion thread. Nice to finally see what the 2009/10 coupe and cabriolet will look like.

iguess

the softtop keeps the look classic. i personally would like to see a hardtop, but i do see the reasoning behind the softtop

ffejalink

I'd much rather have a hard top. You don't need to worry about people slicing your roof, which I've seen many times. Plus it does it a better job of isolating noise inside the cabin with the top up. I'd rather have a few odd cut lines (that mostly disappear on a darker color) than have a canvas roof draped over multiple supports. Not a look I'd call sexy.

stormkenny3

+1

iguess

I didnt know other people thought the same way lol

velvet fog

I'd like a hardtop because it would be so much quieter than a soft top. You get some redneck in a diesel pickup next to you and its all you can hear.

A 4-matic convertible, man that would be one heavy beast.

Ryan335

Any word if the new CLK convertible will be here by Aug 09? Lease terminates then and I'm trying to figure out my options are....

ddanielcigars

Here is a spy photo of a camo-ed 2010 CLK with a hardtop!!! Take a look:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima...clk-vert-2.jpg

archony

That 2010 model looks larger than the current car.