2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Is a Go

SANTA MONICA, California — Recently, Inside Line broke the story that Mercedes will introduce a C-Class coupe in an effort to lure younger buyers and battle both the successful BMW 1 Series and 3 Series. And now we have the first image of the coming C-Class convertible.

Partially replacing the discontinued but very popular CLK cabriolet, which was part C-Class (chassis) and part E-Class (price), this C-Class convertible will be sold alongside Mercedes' new E-Class convertible. We're told it will be a 2011 model.

Like the E-Class Cabriolet, the C-Class drop top will get a cloth folding top instead of the heavier and more complicated retractable hardtop used on the BMW 3 Series convertible and the Infiniti G37 convertible. The cloth top will also help keep the price down, which is vital if the C-Class is also going to steal buyers from the BMW 1 Series convertible.

Like the C-Class Coupe, the C-Class Convertible will be powered by a new family of direct-injected DOHC V6s, including a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated version and a smaller unit with twin turbochargers designed to take on the turbocharged BMW 135i and 335i. Expect the turbo engine to produce just north of 300 horsepower. We also keep hearing about a hybrid version of the C-Class coupe, which would use a smaller naturally aspirated version of the V6, but a hybrid version of the convertible is unlikely.

Then, of course, there's the question of an AMG version. Remember, we reported two weeks ago that the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that powers the AMG fleet will be replaced in 2011 with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Well, that switch includes the C63, which means the twin-turbo V8 will fit very nicely in the new C-Class coupe and of course the C-Class convertible.

Fact is, BMW sells many more M3 coupes and convertibles than M3 sedans, so Mercedes needs these two-door versions of the C63 to compete for those high-performance car buyers.

Inside Line says: BMW vs. Mercedes is the Ford vs. Chevy of our time. Welcome to the next round. — Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief