Why CLK and not ELK?
 

The CLK looks like it is built on the E class 210 body. Why is it not called a ELK. The C class body is smaller.:confused:

C=Coupé
L=Luxus
K=Kürz (short)

And the new CLK looks just like a short CL.

There may yet be another intermediate coupé based on the new E-Class platform (according to this week's Autocar). Strangely there is no mention of this on the mbspy website. I also read a few weeks ago that there will be a convertible CL made by AMG to special order.

Actually, many car magazines (the British mag Car, others) declare that the CLK is based on the outgoing W202 C-class chassis. Any techs or people "in the know" care to help us out on this one?

-Sam

The new CLK is based on the W203. The old--and familiar one--is indeed based on the W202.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.....
I know I've seen a CLK go down the road, and from the front it looks just like the E Class 210, with two big round headlights and two small round ones.
At least I think that's what I saw?
The C-class is much smaller car than the E class, right?

Speaking of wheelbases
 

The new SLK is supposed to have its wheelbase lengthened by 4". What does that make it?!?! SLK-L?

Kuan

Re: Why CLK and not ELK?
 

because it would then be the first benz named after an animal ... ;)

When I went to the annual update that had the info on the 208 chassis ("old" CLK) we were told that it ( the 208) is not "based" on either the 202 or 210, it is a unique design, although it does share some components with both.
Although the 208 headlights resemble the 210's, they are NOT identical.
Gilly

I'm surprised noone pointed out the obvious. Neither MB nor any other manufacturer could sell a car called the Elk. I mean, you might as well name it the Moose, the Caribou, or the Impala. Oh wait...

wow, I always thought it was its own chassis altogether.

Like my 300CE, which is essentially an E-class or 300E, but justa tad shorter, and more reinforced for pilarless design.

Alon

I'm so confused.........

even the tail lights look like a 210!


Whatever!

an elk, now that's funny:D

As Car magazine puts it in its present issue's review of the CLK500, the CLK embodies the principle of "less is more": a C-Class with only two doors for the price of the E-Class. Their recommendation was to buy a new E500: same price, much more car.

One good thing about the new CLK being based on the W203 C-Class platform is that it suggests a V8 will fit in the presently V6-only new C-Class! A C500 anybody? A replacement for the C55 of old? Perhaps with supercharger? Yes, please!

On a further note, the rumour of another coupe, between the CLK and CL in size and based on the new E-Class chassis, stems from MB's desire to counetr the forthcoming BMW 6-series. What will they call it? CLM (M for median or mittag)?

It would seem to me that if they made what is supposed to be a coupe version of the E class, that it would simply be a CE320, just a reincarnation of the 300CE/320CE/E320 coupe. Sounds neat, maybe they can make a ragtop version of that too. The CLK has always seemed a little cramped to me anyways.
Gilly

Hey JJ,


Where did you get that CLK stood for Kurz (short). I had heard Kleine (small), mine was only hearsay what was your source?

I thought I heard it was "kompact", but I don't know German, so maybe there is no such word/spelling in German.
In regards to different models and model indicators and such, it would seem obvious to me that if there is a small, midsize, or large sedan being made, and they want to make a simiar size vehicle in a coupe or other body style, that some parts would be used from other similar sized models, such as the 202 and 208, or 220 and 215 chassis. I don't think it's a s simple as saying "oh, a CLK is just a 2 door 202 chassis". I don't think it's quite an accurate statement, lots more went into the 208 (for example) than that. They may have even been designed at the same time, but I'm sure each model had it's own unique design problems. As matter of fact, doesn't/didn't the CLK body come from a different plant than the 202? I am thinking Karmann?
One model that does confuse me is why is C230 sportcoupe a 203 chassis? Definitely seems different enough to have it's own model number.
Gilly