Re: Upcoming models and facelifts
The only thing is though, what about the Ocean Drive, a S-Class Cabrio? I would want that moreso than a CL Cabrio. Mercedes would truly have an exclusive product with an S-Class Cabrio as opposed to a CL Cabrio.
The purpose of the Ocean Drive Concept is not to preview a 4 door S-Class cabriolet but:
1. To preview some details from the S-Class facelift.
2. To gauge opinion of a very large cabriolet.
If there was positive feedback for a large cabriolet it was always going to be based on the CL.
I'm with those who think the CLK Cabrio will have a folding hardtop, with BMW doing it you know Mercedes has to come full circle by making all of their Cabrios hardtops. The SLK started it all in modern time anyway. The SL perfected it so it is only natural the CLK will get one, IMO.
I don't have any info on whether the new CLK cabrio will have a soft-top or hard-top. There are currently no prototypes testing so the design still only exists on computer. I expect that, like the BMW 3 series, there is parallel development of a soft-top and a hard-top and a decision will be taken as late as possible based on customer expectation.
R-Class facelift? My goodness I would love to be in on the meetings about that flopper. I can see a cheapo RWD version, more seats like you say and something done to that homely front end. Still won't be enough to make it sell.
I agree completely. I am expecting a neater front design, 7 seats and RWD only on entry models.
The previous CLK only went 5 years, but this one is going to go 7 huh? Interesting. It will be obsolete by 2009! The SL I see is going to really go a long time, again as it always has. Gonna be interesting to see how they'll keep it fresh.
The previous CLK only went 5 years as it was a new model introduced more than halfway through the donor platforms life (the 202 series C-Class). The current model was always planned to go 7 years like almost all other models. Similarly the CLS is being replaced after 6 years as the donor platform is being replaced. The new CLS will move to the same lifecycle as other models. The SL was due to be replaced in 2008 but has been extended with an additional (major) facelift. I'm not sure when the decision to extend the product life was taken - I can recall a magazine publishing a photograph of a DaimlerChrysler Engineers business card way back in 2003/4 that had 'R231' printed on it so a replacement model has certainly been in development.
What about engines? When do we get a 300+ hp V6?
I don't share the obsession with hp figures that seems widespread on this board. There is a direct injection version of the 350 engine with 292hp but this is currently restricted to the CLS. My interpretation of this is that the new technology is being launched on a comparatively low volume product rather than a high volume product in case of any problems that could require a recall. A case of "once bitten, twice shy" following the SBC debacle.
With regard to the BMW 335 - DC do like to point out that quoted output and performance is only achievable with super unleaded unlike the 350 which only requires regular unleaded.
