Mercedes to revive CLK nameplate?

A new report finds that the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe will be called CLK.  The name was used from 1996 to 2009 on two generations of a C-based coupe and convertible that were billed as sportier alternatives to the w210 and w211 E-Class sedans.

Riding on the same modular MRA platform as the next-gen C-Class, the CLK will be lighter and considerably more driver-focused than the current C-Class Coupe.  It will adopt a highly-stylized design that will set it apart from the rest of the fourth-gen C-Class lineup, which will also include a wagon, a sedan and a China-only long-wheelbase hatchback.

Technical information about the CLK is not available but expect a wide offering of four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a potent range-topping model tuned by AMG.  Both rear- and all-wheel drive models will be on offer.

Look for Mercedes' reborn CLK to debut as a thinly-disguised concept car at a major auto show next year.  It is scheduled to land in showrooms throughout Europe, China and the United States in 2016, shortly after the sedan and wagon variants make their debut.