Auto Channel

Caught on film earlier today in Stuttgart, Germany, is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. Scheduled for release in 2009, the new CLK replaces the nearly five-year-old current model which has only seen one facelift. Our spy tells us the 2009 CLK coupe should come out in early 2009, with the rag-top convertible being released just in time for summer.

Mercedes needs to upgrade its CLK to best the BMW 3-Series coupe, the Audi A5 coupe, and the 2009 Audi A5 convertible.

The new CLK should have three different engine choices, including a V6 with 272 horsepower, a 388 horsepower V8, and a nasty 503 horsepower CLK 63 AMG. There may also be a 428 horsepower option as well, along with diesel engines for some markets. Likewise, the 4-matic system should be an option. We look forward to seeing how Mercedes will release this as a hybrid.

This update on the CLK should be a little more upmarket, as well. We eagerly await a little more class and style on this car's exterior, but until a little more black tape and prototype-casing is dropped, we'll have to keep wondering what the exact look of this car will be. Our spy on the streets of Germany believes the four-eyes front end "will be quite different from the looks of the C-Class."