These are the clearest shots yet of the second generation Mercedes CLS. The car, which basically created the four-door coupe craze, will go on sale in 2011.

Hidden under heavy black disguise, the new four-door coupé only shows itself through the headlights, rear lights, side mirrors, tyres and the roof. Bits of the tailpipes can be seen sticking out through two rectangular tips on either side – similar to the new E-Class sedan.
Thrust is expected to come from a wide range of sources among which are petrol, petrol turbo and diesel turbo engines, as well as a BlueHybrid model that will use the same engine system as the S400 BlueHybrid. An AMG model should top the range and produce a revised target of about 385kW. Mercedes’ 7-speed gearbox will be offered with these powerplants.

The CLS was the pioneer of the 2+2-seater four-door coupé when it launched in 2004. More and more motor manufacturers are either presenting or working to finalise their own interpretations of this sporting sedan layout.

Included here are Aston Martin with the Rapide, Porsche’s new Panamera and Audi’s upcoming A7 which was previewed in Detroit as the Audi Sportback Concept.

Even Volkswagen has released its own Passat CC, although it falls lower in the luxury ladder than these other names.

[source: wheels24]