Mercedes Fascination Concept Hints At E-Class Coupe; End of CLK?

Rumours have been circulating that Mercedes-Benz might be considering renaming the CLK to reflect its E-Class design cues and following the rumours is this, the Fascination Concept – set to debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show. The design of the concept appears to be something of a CLK ‘shooting brake’ style two-door wagon. The press release that accompanies the concept confirms Mercedes is working on a ‘future E-Class Coupe’, very much like the concept previewed here.

The front-end styling of the concept indirectly confirms the final design of the next-generation E-Class due next year. The quad-headlight layout remains the same as what a number of renderings and spy shots have suggested for over a year now while show-car touches to this concept include fiber optic accents which are likely to be replaced by LEDs in the production model.

However, the similarities don’t end there. The concept is believed to be riding on the same platform as the next-gen E-Class which will also be used to spawn the next-gen CLK also due next year. It is this sharing of components and styling that has Mercedes rethinking the CLK brand and just strengthens rumours of the change from CLK to E-Class Coupe.

The change in name will also allow Mercedes to introduce a new coupe and cabrio purported to be based on the C-Class platform; providing Mercedes with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-Series two-door models.

As for the Fascination concept, the concept features a long, frameless side-window line that creates a continuous, uninterrupted arc from front to rear. The side windows can also be completely lowered to allow a complete unobtrusive view of the cockpit.

The ‘E-Class Coupe’ will be powered by a new four-cylinder engine with both BlueTEC and AdBlue technology, capable of developing up to 204hp from its 2.2-liter displacement.

Click here for the Fascination Press Release

Source: Motor Authority