The redesigned 2007 Mercedes C-Class will arrive in the first quarter of 2007, DaimlerChrysler announced today. The car will be built in Brazil at the Juiz de Fora plant. Previous reports have also suggested Mercedes would introduce the new C-Class sedan and wagon in early 2007, but this is the first official confirmation of that timeframe. What's more, the news seems to indicate the sedan, wagon, and coupe will all be unveiled at the same time.

Seen here for the first time testing with less disguise than we’d snapped it ever before is the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Expect official unveiling at Geneva 2007 with sales starting shortly after. Also expect the etstate version to arrive 6 months later in the autumn. Our sources state a coupe is also planned which we can only interpret as being the new C-class Sportcoupé which is also based on the same platform.

Although it will share more of its components than before with the larger E-Class, the next C will be much sharper to drive and more distinctive as a range in its own right: Mercedes-Benz is to position it as a true small sports saloon, rather than simply a smaller answer to the E. Air suspension or active body control have been ruled out due to cost restraints. Base engine will be a direct injection 4-cylinder 1.8-litre with varying horsepower from 150 to 190. Horsepower for the 2.5- and 3.5-litre V6 will be 210 to 270 respectively. AMG's 5.4-litre will be revised with new horsepower rating up from today's 360 to 400-410bhp to compete with the Audi RS4 and future BMW M3. Also a 3.0-litre diesel is planned as well as the new iDrive-like operating concept found in the new S-Class. 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system will also remain available as well.