While the official debut for the new baby CLS->ke539, also known as the CLC, is still one year away, Mercedes->ke187 has decided to offer the first preview of the upcoming car with the Concept Style Coupe. The new concept is an evolution of the previous F800 Style Concept revealed two years ago and will make its official debut at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing.

The new Concept Style Coupe comes with design elements inspired by the Concept A-Class and features an interplay between concave and convex surfaces that is typical of Mercedes. Under the hood, Mercedes has placed a 2.0-liter petrol engine that delivers a total of 211 HP, combined with an efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

"The Concept Style Coupe is expressive and powerful in its design", said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future."

UPDATE 04/26/2012: Mercedes has unveiled a new video for their latest Concept Style Coupe. The video shows Gordon Wagener, the Head Designer at Mercedes-Benz as he offers an exclusive presentation of the Concept. At one point, he goes into detail about the headlamp inspiration, detailing how it was designed to look just like an eye. Amazing!

Hit the jump to read more about the new Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe.

2012 Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe (CLC)

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe (CLC)
  • Engine/Motor: four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 211
  • Transmission: 7-speed Double-Clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Compared to the previous A-Class concept, the new Concept Style Coupe is longer and more stylish. It measures 4637 mm in length, 1891 mm in width, and 1398 mm in height. Up front, the concept features a diamond-look grille and innovative headlamps that are inspired by the eyes of a predatory animal. In fact, the headlamps were specifically designed to look like an eye, much like other Mercedes model. The "eyebrow" illuminates for daytime driving and is also used for the turn signal as it shifts across the top of the headlamp. The "eyeball" of the Mercedes lights up in red to provide the car with a menacing appearance.

The concept's side is dominated by three prominent lines: the first flows towards the rear end, the second spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, and the third extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Other features include frameless side windows and the absence of the B-pillar. The concept is painted in Alubeam – a color that helps emphasize the sculptural quality of the vehicle's lines - and sits on a new set of 20" wheels with a very sporty turbine design.

The concept's rear is dominated by an integrated dual-flow exhaust system and a narrow rear diffuser.

Interior

The interior combines fine materials with high-grade workmanship and a mix of light grey and anthracite. The driver will enjoy a large carbon-fiber trim panel with two carbon fiber tubes. The instrument panel also features a set of air vents inspired by an aircraft jet engine.

Neon green has been used for the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat, and door center panels. Highest quality leather has been used to offer an impressive level of luxury with the instrument panel upholstered in white nubuck leather combined with anthracite-colored Alcantara for the upper section. The steering wheel has been wrapped in suede, while all chrome trim elements and control panels feature a black anodized finish, as seen on top-of-the-range limited Sports Edition chronograph watches.

Engine

The new Mercedes Concept Style Coupe is powered by a 2.0-liter version of the new petrol engine that delivers a total of 211 HP. This engine is combined with an efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

This new four-cylinder engine features a direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system, extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to the need for it.

When Can I Buy One?

Elements from the new Concept Style Coupe will be used in the upcoming Mercedes baby CLS, but the concept itself won't make it to production. The CLC is expected to be unveiled in late 2013.

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