Mercedes SLC switches letters, loses V8

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is dead, but it's not without a successor. Feast your eyes on the new SLC, Daimler's new roadster with a new name. And it's just made its public debut here at the Detroit Auto Show.

Replacing the diminutive hardtop roadster that virtually pioneered the segment back in 1996, the new SLC ditches the K to more closely align itself with the C-Class – just as the GLC has replaced the previous GLK. The formula is mostly the same, though: two seats, folding tin top, small footprint.

The baby brother to the evergreen SL, the SLC will be offered globally with a wide array of engine options – most of them with four cylinders, ranging from 1.6 liters to 2.0 and burning either gasoline or diesel. Here in America, we'll get two versions: the base SLC300 with its 2.0-liter turbo four packing 241 horsepower, or the flagship SLC43 from Mercedes-AMG with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Replacing the previous eight-cylinder SLK55, the SLC43 packs the same engine as the C450 AMG Sport and the SL450, good for 362 hp.

Either way, you're getting a nine-speed automatic transmission and the same essential form with the wind in your hair when you want it. It's just a matter of how much you want to spend and how fast you want to go. There's plenty more in the way of details to digest in the press release below on Benz's new challenger to the likes of the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, and BMW Z4. But for a closer look at the new drop-top in the metal, scope out the gallery of live images above. Show full PR text The new SLC: New name, new dynamic
Stuttgart, Dec 16, 2015

Stuttgart. In March 2016, 20 years on from the birth of its segment, the archetypal compact roadster is to be relaunched with a new name – the SLC – significantly optimised technology and an enhanced look. The name change acknowledges the traditionally close relationship with the C-Class, from which much of the roadster's technology is derived. There are new additions to the model line-up – the sporty top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 and the entry-level SLC 180. In visual terms, stand-out features include the standard-fit diamond radiator grille and the LED Intelligent Light System (optional extra). Prices will be announced when the SLC is available to order in mid-January 2016.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC has an impressive heritage to live up to: its predecessor, the SLK, which was launched in 1996, won fans around the world and achieved sales of around 670,000 units. Comprehensively refined and with a model line-up ranging from the high-torque and economical SLC 250 d to the sporty, high-performance Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the new model has what it takes to build on that success. The SLC 250 d, SLC 300 and SLC 43 feature the sport/comfort-oriented 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, while it is available as an option for the new 115 kW (156 hp) SLC 180 and for the SLC 200.

Ola Kallenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing: "In 1996 Mercedes-Benz redefined the roadster with its innovative vario-roof, and combined open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. The renamed compact roadster remains an ideal combination of passion and rational common sense, appealing to both the heart and the mind."

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster's sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard.

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver's behest.

The new model line-up at a glance: Source