Mercedes’ upcoming CLK has been caught while prowling the streets of Stuttgart. A 2009 release is planned.

The CLK will continue to ride on a C-class platform, and is expected to become more sporty, but also more luxurious, when the C 206 iteration launches. Front end changes, like four "eyes," are expected to keep the appearance of the CLK different from that of the C-class. Europeans can expect both cloth-top and coupe options, but we’re not yet sure if the U.S. will get to enjoy the hard-top variant outside of the Black Series.

A 4Matic version will be available, as will the usual range of engines from 200 horsepower on up to 428 horsepower burning gas or diesel. An AMG version or two is also a natural offering.

The new Mercedes CLK for 2009

Daimler is about to develop an all new replacement for the current CLK, which has been on the market since 2003 with one facelift in between. Its successor – code named C 206 - is due for release in 2009. The coupe version is for launch at the beginning of 2009 while the convertible with canvas top will come on the market in summer 2009. The photos are showing prototypes during testing in the streets of Stuttgart.

The new CLK is based on the C-Class, and under the prototypes’ disguise is hiding an all new styling. However, the front end with its four eyes design will be quite different from the looks of the C-Class. All in all the new CLK is said to become more luxurious and sportier at the same time. As an option the 4-matic system is available, too. It will offer a choice of gasoline engines ranging from 200 up to 428 HP plus a variety of Diesels.

Once on the market, the new CLK will meet two very strong competitors, the BMW 3-series coupe and the Audi A5 coupe – by then the latter will be out also as a canvas top convertible