This is Getting Embarrassing
March, 1998 -- During what appears to be a season of Teutonic immodesty, yet another German manufacturer has elected to release a model sans chemise. Out of respect for the prudish crowd, which was beginning to grow riotous at the shameless nakedness being exhibited by many builders, Mercedes-Benz quietly introduced the CLK convertible in an ill-lit corner of their display at Palexpo in Geneva this week.
Mercedes newest car is to German convertibles what the Chrysler Sebring is to American convertibles: a fun, practical offering with room for four adults. The main difference between the Sebring and the CLK is the Mercedes product’s inherent goodness.
Based on the distinctive CLK coupe design, the CLK convertible features the familiar quad headlamps that first appeared on the E-Class sedans, a steeply raked windshield, and a wide rear end that implies a certain level of athleticism. Other defining features, other than the obvious lack of a roof, include the twin air domes that are integrated into the convertible compartment cover. This design element lends the CLK a powerful silhouette reminiscent of a GT race car.
Why this instead of the SLK? The CLK is designed for a slightly older, somewhat more mature audience than the cute SLK two-seater. The addition of adult-sized rear seat sets this Mercedes apart from the current roadsters on the market as well as from other sporty convertibles such as the BMW 328iC and Porsche 911 Cabriolet, by allowing four adults to ride in relative comfort. Another argument for buying this car over its little brother is the CLK’s strong V-6 engine that provides smooth power delivery and a more pleasing exhaust note than the SLK.
Pricing for the CLK has not yet been released, but prices are expected to top the $50,000 mark. The CLK convertible will be on sale later this year.
March, 1998 -- During what appears to be a season of Teutonic immodesty, yet another German manufacturer has elected to release a model sans chemise. Out of respect for the prudish crowd, which was beginning to grow riotous at the shameless nakedness being exhibited by many builders, Mercedes-Benz quietly introduced the CLK convertible in an ill-lit corner of their display at Palexpo in Geneva this week.
Mercedes newest car is to German convertibles what the Chrysler Sebring is to American convertibles: a fun, practical offering with room for four adults. The main difference between the Sebring and the CLK is the Mercedes product’s inherent goodness.
Based on the distinctive CLK coupe design, the CLK convertible features the familiar quad headlamps that first appeared on the E-Class sedans, a steeply raked windshield, and a wide rear end that implies a certain level of athleticism. Other defining features, other than the obvious lack of a roof, include the twin air domes that are integrated into the convertible compartment cover. This design element lends the CLK a powerful silhouette reminiscent of a GT race car.
Why this instead of the SLK? The CLK is designed for a slightly older, somewhat more mature audience than the cute SLK two-seater. The addition of adult-sized rear seat sets this Mercedes apart from the current roadsters on the market as well as from other sporty convertibles such as the BMW 328iC and Porsche 911 Cabriolet, by allowing four adults to ride in relative comfort. Another argument for buying this car over its little brother is the CLK’s strong V-6 engine that provides smooth power delivery and a more pleasing exhaust note than the SLK.
Pricing for the CLK has not yet been released, but prices are expected to top the $50,000 mark. The CLK convertible will be on sale later this year.
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