Mercedes-Benz will soon expand upon its small-car lineup with compact sedan called the CLC. Styled after the swooping, coupe-like CLS, the front-wheel-drive CLC should debut by late 2013. According to Autocar, we can also expect a high-performance AMG version of the new CLC.
The CLC will be built on the same platform as the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive could be made available on select models. It’s expected that the CLC four-door coupe will be around the same size as a Toyota Corolla, and only a few inches smaller than a Mercedes C-Class sedan. A CLC hatchback might also be in the cards.
Autocar reports that powertrain choices for Europe will comprise 1.6- and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines with power from 121 hp to 207 hp, plus 1.8- and 2.1-liter turbodiesel engines with 108 hp to 201 hp.
Go-fast experts AMG are expected to get their hands on the CLC, creating a CLC AMG with anywhere from 292 hp to 340 hp on tap. Power will come from a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive will be standard to harness the power. Autocar says the CLC AMG will serve as direct competition with the Volkswagen Golf R.