What are they?
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
What's special about them?
We already touched on the new C-Class Coupe in our 2000 Paris Auto Show coverage. However, two additional C-Class models made their debut at the Detroit show expanding the C-Class line to a total of five models. Joining the C240 and C320 Sedans, along with the C230 Coupe, are a C320 Wagon and a hot-rodded C32 AMG Sedan.
The first-ever C-Class Wagon, the 2002 C320 Wagon available next fall will be powered by the same 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 found in the C320 Sedan. Loads of standard safety bits include smart front airbags, side curtain airbags, the Tele Aid emergency call system and ESP stability control. While obviously the C-Class Wagon doesn't have the more than 80-cubic-foot cargo capacity of the E320, it's still plenty roomy. When the rear seat is folded, there's nearly 50 cubic feet of carrying capacity. A luggage cover also incorporates a retaining net partition. Designers developed the wagon and sedan together and although both versions are the same up front, the wagon has a long, curved roof that blends into angled roof pillars at the rear. At the top of the tailgate is a subtle spoiler that provides better aerodynamics and more stability at high speeds.
Now for the one dear to our hearts and a formidable contender to BMW's new M3, too. Clearly the foot-stomper of the C-Class family, the C32 AMG has a 349-horsepower supercharged and intercooled V6 with 3.2 liters of displacement. Covering the new M3 by a notable 16-horsepower margin, this engine also cranks out a stout 332 foot-pounds of torque -- nearly 300 foot-pounds available at just 2,300 rpm. Expect zero-to-60 times in the low 5-second range while the car meets 2005 European emissions regulations. A beefed-up five-speed automatic backs the blown powerhouse and it looks like we'll still wish for manual gearbox in this otherwise thrilling machine.
Why should you care?
DCX is going all the way with the new C-Class. They have to in order to match the variations available in BMW's 3 Series line and that's a good thing as far as we can see. The C320 Wagon has a very attractive shape and unlike the BMW 3 Series Wagon which isn't available with the bigger 3.0-liter engine, Mercedes does just the opposite, offering its small wagon with only the big 3.2-liter V6. As far as the C32? Well, we can't wait to compare it to the M3.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
What's special about them?
We already touched on the new C-Class Coupe in our 2000 Paris Auto Show coverage. However, two additional C-Class models made their debut at the Detroit show expanding the C-Class line to a total of five models. Joining the C240 and C320 Sedans, along with the C230 Coupe, are a C320 Wagon and a hot-rodded C32 AMG Sedan.
The first-ever C-Class Wagon, the 2002 C320 Wagon available next fall will be powered by the same 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 found in the C320 Sedan. Loads of standard safety bits include smart front airbags, side curtain airbags, the Tele Aid emergency call system and ESP stability control. While obviously the C-Class Wagon doesn't have the more than 80-cubic-foot cargo capacity of the E320, it's still plenty roomy. When the rear seat is folded, there's nearly 50 cubic feet of carrying capacity. A luggage cover also incorporates a retaining net partition. Designers developed the wagon and sedan together and although both versions are the same up front, the wagon has a long, curved roof that blends into angled roof pillars at the rear. At the top of the tailgate is a subtle spoiler that provides better aerodynamics and more stability at high speeds.
Now for the one dear to our hearts and a formidable contender to BMW's new M3, too. Clearly the foot-stomper of the C-Class family, the C32 AMG has a 349-horsepower supercharged and intercooled V6 with 3.2 liters of displacement. Covering the new M3 by a notable 16-horsepower margin, this engine also cranks out a stout 332 foot-pounds of torque -- nearly 300 foot-pounds available at just 2,300 rpm. Expect zero-to-60 times in the low 5-second range while the car meets 2005 European emissions regulations. A beefed-up five-speed automatic backs the blown powerhouse and it looks like we'll still wish for manual gearbox in this otherwise thrilling machine.
Why should you care?
DCX is going all the way with the new C-Class. They have to in order to match the variations available in BMW's 3 Series line and that's a good thing as far as we can see. The C320 Wagon has a very attractive shape and unlike the BMW 3 Series Wagon which isn't available with the bigger 3.0-liter engine, Mercedes does just the opposite, offering its small wagon with only the big 3.2-liter V6. As far as the C32? Well, we can't wait to compare it to the M3.
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