2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

Mercedes has moved the CLK's three-pointed star to the grille, replacing the outgoing car's hood ornament. That seems minor, but it consolidates the new coupe and cabrio (which debuts six to 12 months after the hardtop) into the modern Benz lineup: Traditional sedans have hood ornaments, while sportier coupes and convertibles get grille badges. This also coincides with the new CLK's styling, which very much says "affordable CL-Class" and further distances the car from the price-point, hatchback C-Class Sport Coupe. The new CLK's resemblance to the expensive CL is particularly strong in the narrow C-pillar, taillamps, and more organic, ultra-modern-look dashboard.

The CLK's new platform is 40 percent structurally stiffer than the old one's and manages a low 0.28 drag coefficient. Length is up 2.8 in., width increases 0.71 in., it's 1.65 in. taller, and the wheelbase is extended nearly an inch to 107. New options include Distronic intelligent cruise control (a first in this class, says Mercedes) and a voice-operated control system for the phone and radio called "Linguatronic."

Engine choices for U.S. consumption still are being finalized. We expect the CLK320 to continue with the current 3.2L V-6. From there, we could get either the existing 4.3L/275-hp V-8 or (more likely) the 5.0L/302-hp V-8 that'll appear here in the new E500 sedan. Not enough? Stick around a year or so for the 367-hp (in Euro trim) CLK55 AMG.