Mercedes-Benz had a concept debut at this year’s Paris Auto Show that drew a lot of questions. Called the ConceptFASCINATION, this new car debuted a design language that many were whispering would be the new CLK or E-Class sedan. Well there was some truth to those whispers after all.

These shots were taken recently as a prototype for the new CLK was lapping an undisclosed European track. It’s obvious that with the CLK and E-Class being the only models that have yet to adapt Mercedes’ new flamboyant design language, that these models would be next to take a trip to the styling studio for a re-skin. The ConceptFASCINATION’s design cues are quite obvious here, and you can expect both models to carry a similar face, like the older CLK and E-Class models of yesteryear.

Expect a host of new engines to be employed, including the new 3.5 liter V6 with around 280-300hp. An almost 400hp V8 should follow shortly after for the CLK550, as well as the potent AMG version with around 500 ponies to play with. All the cars will be equipped with Mercedes’ new 7-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz plans to unveil the CLK Coupe at the 2009 Geneva show in March. It goes on sale in the U.S. around May-June 2009. The obvious upcoming convertible variant will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt show in September, and go on sale a few months after its debut.

-Source: Road and Track

-Photos: Brenda Priddy & Company for Road and Track