Rumors about a Mercedes SLC-Class started awhile back and for s short period of time, it was believed that the new SLS AMG would be called the SLC. Obviously, this is not the case, but hopes for an SLC are still not lost as Mercedes will indeed offer the SLC in an unexpected package.
The SLC-Class will actually be the baby brother of the SLS and will be set to attack models like the Porsche 911. Compared to the SLS, the future SLC will be lighter and slimmer with the use of plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum. In a shocking twist of SLS insult, the SLC will be devoid of gullwing doors. As for the engine, the future Mercedes SLC will come with two different options. The first will be a twin turbo V6 producing 350 HP and the second will be a V8 engine with an output of 500 HP.
The less dramatic specifications of the Mercedes SLC have also given way to a cheaper price tag compared to that of its brother. Expect to pay somewhere under 100,000 Euro, or about $145,000 at the current exchange rates.
As a reminder, the SLC name was first used as a market name for the Mercedes C107 from 1971 to 1981. These vehicles were sold in three different versions - 280, 380 and 500 SLC - and were powered by either an inline-6 engine or a V8 for the top versions. The name, SLC, is expected to be revived sometime in 2014.
UPDATE 11/09/2011: British magazine, CAR, is offering new details on the upcoming Mercedes SLC set to be released in 2015 - when the SLS goes out of production. The model will be offered in both coupe and roadster versions and, unlike previous rumors have stated, will only be offered with a V8 engine downsized to 4.0 liter. The model will be built on the same aluminum-intensive engineering layout as the SLS, but it will feature a lighter curb weight, even better handling qualities, and exceptional performance.
UPDATE 01/13/2012: Motor Trend has revealed that the future baby SLS will make its world debut later this year at the 2012 Frankfurt Motor Show and that it will be the first model sold under the AMG badge. Their news, however, comes with a big problem: according to them, the new baby SLS is known as the SLV and will be ready to take on models like the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman. Previous rumors stated that the baby SLS would be known as the SLC and that it would compete against the Porsche 911. So, are we talking about two different models or a downgrade of expectations?
UPDATE 02/07/2012: Mercedes has finally green-lighted the upcoming SLC-Class, the company’s rival for the Porsche 911/991. In an interview with AutoCar, AMG boss Ola Kallenius confirmed that the model will be offered in both coupe and roadster versions and will go on sale in 2013. Prices will start from £80,000 - about $125k at the current exchange rates. Expect it to be powered by a 500 HP twin-turbocharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, which will sprint it up to a top speed of 180 mph.
