Mercedes Concept Fascination

Mercedes Benz will enter the Paris arena next month with the ConceptFASCINATION, it previews the design for the next generation E-Class, the first model variant of which will be launched in 2010.
The Spanish automaker is looking to extend the body range of its mid-size luxury automobile by re-branding the next generation CLK as an E-Class coupe, it will join the sedan and estate model variants already offered. It is an attempt by Mercedes to return the E class to the legendary status one times achieved by the W124 E-Class, however the new E-Class Coupe will still boast the underpinnings of the current generation C-Class.
A shooting brake body style has been used in the ConceptFASCINATION, but don't let that fool you, a more conventional coupe style will return come production time of the E-Class Coupe. The V shape front finish adds to the sportiness of the model and continues the design evolution of the Mercedes brand which has already been seen on the SL facelift. The twin headlight design which has graced the earlier one generations of the E-Class remains but the rounded design has been replaced with rhomboid formed headlamps.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: "This design study continues the long custom of fascinating coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, ConceptFASCINATION offers a new interpretation of the coupé. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details make definite that this study meets the highest design standards."
Mercedes previews a brand new 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine in the engine bay of the ConceptFASCINATION, a production version will make its way to the E-Class range come 2010. It generates the kind of power currently achieved by the 3.0 litre CDI with an output of 204bhp (150kW) and its lower displacement means they can expect some impressive fuel economy and CO2 emission figures.
The Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION will be unveiled to the public at the Paris motorshow at the beginning of next month when they will present further details and pics of the model.
Although it will badged as an E-class, the coupe will still be based on a C-Class, in this case, the current model, unlike the CLC coupe, which makes use of a last-generation C-Class platform. It will still be available as a coupe and a cabrio; no folding hardtop model is planned.
The new E-Class will be launched at the Geneva show in March, and goes on sale in the United Kingdom in the work of the Summer. The coupe comes soon after, while the estate and the cabrio will be launched at the Frankfurt motorshow next September.