We’ve seen several spy pictures of the SLC during its testing stages but now Mercedes-Benz has revealed the official product to replace its SLK. The ‘C’ within the new title is to display how closely related the new model is to the C Class range; a model that it shares a lot of technology with.
The SLC name-change is merely a face-lift from the previous SLK in order to help the model fit better in the German manufacturer’s current portfolio with the AMG GT-like front design. Things around the rear are more or less the same except for a revised taillamp, diffuser, bumper and exhaust design.
The engine options remain the same with a few additions to the line-up. The SLC 180 will feature the 1,6-litre turbocharged engine with a power output of 115 kW. The 135 kW and 180 kW 2,0-litre turbocharged engines remain as the SLC 200 and 300 respectively. A SLC 250d delivering 150 kW and 114 g/km of CO2 is also available.
The new SLC also sadly drops the 5,5-litre V8 and replaces it with a 3,0-litre twin-turbo V6 with AMG sports exhausts which delivers 270 kW (40 kW less than the SLK 55) but the AMG suspension has been revised with it and claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4,7 seconds. The new AMG model will be called the SLC43.
The SLC 180 and 200 will come with a six-speed manual gearbox with the option of the 9G-tronic transmission. All other models above this will have the automatic as standard.
Expect the SLC model to reach South African shores in the second quarter of next year.
