#MercedesC-classCoupe

We now have our first look at the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe.

Rumor has it the new Mercedes C-Class coupe will bow at next year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

When the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe surfaces in 2016, the German automaker will reportedly revive its CLK moniker for the sporty two-door model.

There’s no doubt that 2010 has been a monumentally important year for the auto industry and one worth looking back on. From the Toyota recall crisis, to the success stories at Hyundai and Ford, to the launch of the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, there have been no end of major news stories in the automotive sector.

However, 2011 is shaping up to be an equally exciting year, especially when it comes to the actual products, and so rather than a look back at the best of 2010, we thought it best to look ahead at the most anticipated cars that will debut over the next 12 months, starting in just a few weeks at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Sources at the company have also confirmed that a high-powered AMG version of the C-Class Coupe will arrive shortly afterward. Mercedes could still use the 6.2-liter V8 that powers the current C63 sedan, although its more likely that AMG will opt to use one of the company’s new turbocharged units. AMG has just launched a new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 536-hp, although that certainly seems excessive for the C-Class. Instead, it could get the brand’s new twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8, which still makes an impressive 429-hp and 516 ft-lbs of torque. That larger AMG motor would, however, be perfect for a C63 AMG Black Series.

After numerous rumors and reports, Mercedes has officially confirmed that it will build a C-Class Coupe model starting next year. The announcement comes as part of a larger press released which says the car will be built at the company’s Bremen plant, where the C-Class sedan is also made.

With the E-Class Coupe (above) riding on a similar platform to the C-Class Sedan, the C-Class Coupe will presumably get a shortened version of the same setup. We also expect a slightly less premium interior for the C-Class Coupe and a price point more in keeping with competitors like the 3 Series and Infiniti G37. In addition, unless Mercedes makes any engine developments over the next few months (which we hope), the Coupe should come with the same engine options as the Sedan, with the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 as the top option.

Mercedes is likely to show either a concept or production model this Fall at the Paris Auto Show, with a convertible version to follow.

Official release after the jump: