Mercedes CL Cabrio in the works?

The rumormongers over at Auto Motor Und Sport report that during a conversation with Hans Dieter Multhaupt, Daimler Chrysler's Vice President of Program Management and Development, the idea of a convertible CL was hinted at, along with the possibility of a diesel mill finding its way under the hood.

The translated article quotes Mr. Multhaupt, as saying that the engineers and designers take steps to insure that these variants will be possible with limited modifications. The one factor that leads to broader offerings is consumer demand, which Mercedes hasn't seen, yet.

We're not sure about the diesel, but it's probably a no-brainer that a droptop version of the S-Class based coupe will make it to production. Soon.

We've found an AutoBild rendering of the CL cabrio and took the liberty of posting it, after the jump.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]
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SSP350 - 9/22/2006 11:14:40 AM

+1 Boost

The photo above looks really good, but what will become of the SL then??? Looks like they're competing in the same market, same brand.

jeffy210 - 9/22/2006 11:34:35 AM

+1 Boost

SSP350, I don't think there will be any problem with the SL. To me it looks like they're aimed at two different markets. The SL and the SLK are roadsters, where as the CL and CLK are more GT cruisers. Mercedes is just doing what they do, rounding out their product lines.

Another example would be the BMW Z8, that is comprable to the SL, but the Z8 probably wouldn't steal any sales from the 6-series.

Rupert - 9/22/2006 2:35:27 PM

+1 Boost

i think the cl will have a cloth top, won't it? since its so big it makes more sense to.

S4cabriofox - 9/22/2006 5:31:51 PM

+1 Boost

That would be incredibly stupid.

jeffy- The SL is basically in two classes. It not only competes with two-seat sports cars like the XLR and 911 cabrio, but the 6 Series convertible and XK convertible, too. Therefore, the CL would be encroaching the SL's territory. They would be about the same price and spec, and it would just be a dumb move in general.

M53R - 9/23/2006 2:22:52 AM

0 Boost

If they just remove that hyundai like front body it will b fine to me.

Agent63 - 9/23/2006 5:57:59 AM

+2 Boost

I believe the CL could upmarket to compare against the RR & Bentley Coupe's. Mercedes is no cheap brand so they can move up like that. They do have the Maybach brand which can assist them in some aspects but Maybach will just make their own coupe to compete against the RR's and etc.

Mercedes are capable of that level of exclusivity. The CL looks beautiful in this pic!

Rupert - 9/23/2006 5:58:21 AM

+1 Boost

will,

exactly.

synx - 9/23/2006 9:31:56 PM

0 Boost

man, that is an ugly car.

CarNut - 9/24/2006 10:16:51 AM

+1 Boost

answer to the title: NO

S4cabriofox - 9/24/2006 9:25:51 PM

+1 Boost

I think it looks more like a Hyundai in the rear. Ugly lights look like they're from a 1999 Accent.

Makes the S550 look even more beautiful.

I loved the last-gen CL with all my heart, but this...?