Concept of the Week

The German luxury carmaker offers hints at its next coupe with a sleek hatchback concept

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Stuart Schwartzapfel

Mercedes-Benz's ConceptFASCINATION is a sporty wagon that makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The concept may preview the look of the next generation production CLK-Class coupe. Compared with the current CLK, this new vehicle's front hood is more muscular, featuring more surface creases. Another fundamental difference: rhomboid headlights that replace the current round ones.

The car is powered by a new 2.2-liter, four-cylinder, 204 horsepower diesel engine (the engine that will also be used in the small European C-Class). But not all the glitzy vehicle's details will see the light of day. For instance, the wood and brushed aluminum protective rails in the concept's cargo area and the smoked glass table that rises out of the floor to reveal a humidor are literally just for show.

The Verdict: A CLK dressed, for now at least, in wagon clothing.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.

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