we already had the w208 and are now on the w209. The question is, what will they name the new clk? it cant be the w210 (which is the old e class)

Funny, I was thinking about that the other day. How about the W308

Clk 209 is the last model.

No need to brainstorm next gen.

Whoa, let me get this straight. So for, oh say the next redesign (five years?) there won't be a CLK?

Who wants to buy an Acura CL or Taurus look-alike - with a C Coupe front -

at HALF the Acura quality and MORE than DOUBLE the price of the Acura CL and double the price of the C Coupe???

WHO???

..........hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............

Karl. The front of the 209 500 looks like that of the new sl 500 sport even more, the comparison to the C Coupe in anything else is really reaching.

The car looks nothing like and Acura Cl except for a few pieces ie tail lights.

When Acura makes a 306 or 362 hp v8 powered rear wheel drive coupe with a pillarless design we'll talk

yes Mb quality has been slipping but for 58K for a nicely optioned 500 is a great value for all you get...that's why I bought it over many other even more expensive cars ie the 2003 911 targa for $89,000.00 I almost bought instead! and I've owned many Porsche's so I'm not biased. I recently got a new 04 500 I'll report on the 90 day quality soon, but let me say this at 110mph driving across the state bringing this car home, it felt like I was only going 50, there was no wind noise to speak of and the car is drum tight plus the power from the V8 is always there.

RJC -

For me, the new CLK lacks styling innovation, it's just too eclectic, -- copy-cat-like. I know that this pervasive in automotive designs,-

...but the CLK looks DOWM for stylistic inspiration, rather than UP.

The appearance coupled with a serious quality down-turn, is a real turn-off for many re the new CLK.

Unless both of these negatives are corrected, the CLK is history with two model types in a decade.

MB is giving serious consideration to an E-Coupe, with "Saturn-style" rear doors, according to BILD AUTO, - which attracted my enthusiastic attention.

The 911 C4 is always tops for my future consideration. Just waiting for side airbags...

Karl, The new CLK has really grown on me, its almost like a 9/10's CL 500. The interior is much nicer, torsional rigidity is up over 40% plus all the added safety stuff ie rear side, front &side curtain air bags along with all the new options gives the 209 lots of pluses. Like the 208's its got to be one the v8 models that look the best. I like the 208 too I've owned a 99 an 00 and an 01.

The 911's (996 based series MY 99+ has always had side airbags). I've owned alot of 911's and I find the 996 series lacking the character and high quality of the 993 series and back, but the engines (although they don't sound as good) are more powerful/flexable and the gear boxes are much better. The 911 is supposed to get back closer to its roots in the new series due out around 06.

RJC -

Sorry, intended to refer to "window" side air bags re Porsche.

By 2006 I'll be looking for the new 996 among others, - incl. the new MB CL.