AMONG THE FIRST of the ‘four-door coupes’ when launched in 2004, the current generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is due for replacement within the next year.

New renderings prepared for The Motor Report offer a look at what might lie beneath the camouflage of near-production-ready test cars spied in recent weeks.

The new CLS is expected to launch late next year as a 2011 model, with (yet) more premium positioning, thus enabling Mercedes-Benz to launch a second smaller four-door coupe at a lower price point.

Rumoured to borrow the new S-Class platform, the next generation CLS should feature a wider track than the current model.

Little is known on the engine front, but V6 and V8 options are likely, while a hybrid model based on the S400 BlueHybrid technology is expected to debut after launch.

The AMG version of the new CLS has also been spied out and about, wearing much bulkier camouflage than the ‘regular’ model.

Power for the CLS 63 AMG is expected to come from Mercedes’ 6.2 litre V8 engine, developing around 390kW and 630Nm of torque. Depending on weight, the 0-100km/h sprint should come down in the vicinity of 4.6 seconds.

GALLERY » 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Spy Photos And Renderings