In the spring of 2016 the new Mercedes-Benz SLC inspires an appetite for open-top driving. The compact roadster is the latest instalment in a two-decade success story which began in April 1996 with the premiere of the first Mercedes-Benz SLK. The compact roadsters with their characteristic Vario roof paved the way for an entire market segment focusing on open-top driving pleasure throughout the year.

Mercedes-AMG SLC 43

1994 SLK

SLK

SLK 200

“Innovative” and “attractive” were the buzzwords when Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLK (R 170) 20 years ago at the 66th Turin Motor Show.The premiere of this compact, two-seater sports car at the end of April 1996 caused a sensation. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz was offering a small roadster positioned below the SL. At the same time, the vehicle set new standards in pioneering engineering and technology.

The folding sheet-metal roof drew particular attention from specialists and the general public alike. This Vario roof combined the advantages of a robust hard top with the flexibility of a classic fabric top. The innovative solution was one of the strengths which saw the SLK pave the way for an entire market segment focusing on open-top driving all year round with a sporty touch.

Mercedes-Benz had already provided a foretaste of the roadster two years previously, with an SLK study which was also unveiled in Turin. Giorgietto Giugiaro presented designers Bruno Sacco and Peter Pfeiffer with an award for their visionary design in April 1994. A more advanced SLK study featuring the Vario roof duly followed at the Paris Motor Show in October 1994.
The Stuttgart brand’s SLK appealed with great success to a new, lifestyle-oriented category of customers. Sales of the SLK across the three generations covered by the 170, 171 and 172 model series total more than 670,000 to date,with the R 170 which was built between 1996 and 2004 accounting for over 311,000 units alone. Following the introduction of a new nomenclature for the Mercedes-Benz model range, the R 172 has been redesignated the SLC in 2016. This underscores the roadster’s closeness to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in terms of engineering.

Open for success

At its market launch in 1996 the R 170 was available in the SLK 200 and SLK 230 K (supercharged) versions, in addition to which a supercharged SLK 200 K version was available for certain export markets. In 2000 Mercedes-Benz presented the facelifted generation of the R 170. A six-cylinder engine was now available for the first time, on board the SLK 320 (160 kW/218 hp). The new top-of-the-range model was the SLK 32 AMG (260 kW/354 hp), which was available exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission. From the end of 1995 to the beginning of 2004, some 311,222 vehicles rolled off the production line at the Bremen factory (including the null series).

Female customers displayed a particular predilection for the compact Mercedes-Benz roadster, whose Vario roof offered additional safety compared with the classic fabric top as well as increased noise insulation in closed state. The R 170 also boasted special merits in the area of passive safety:in the roadster measuring less than four metres in length, the Mercedes-Benz engineers employed an ellipsoidal bulkhead for the first time. In conjunction with the correspondingly thicker foot padding, this proved particularly effective in reducing peak acceleration forces in a collision. The SLK performed impressively in all relevant crash tests, such as offset, crabbed barrier, roof-drop and roll-over test with open top. It met Mercedes-Benz’s own standards, thereby exceeding the stipulated mandatory requirements.

With the DNA of the Silver Arrows

In January 2004 Mercedes-Benz presented the SLK of the R 171 model series. As a compact roadster with Vario roof it embodied the same essential design concept as its predecessor, while featuring a surprise in the form of a front design establishing visual links with the SLR McLaren super sports car and the McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 racing cars. The choice of models initially comprised the supercharged SLK 200 K, the SLK 350 with V6 engine and the SLK 55 AMG, which was the first SLK to feature a V8 engine (265 kW/360 hp). The SLK 280 followed in the autumn of 2005.

From SLK to SLC

A special highlight and a world-first in 2004 was the optionally available AIRSCARF, a neck warmer integrated in the seats which emits warm air into the neck area from under the head restraint, thus enabling open-top driving at low temperatures in conjunction with the draught stop. The established Vario roof had now undergone further development: the rear window turned automatically during folding of the roof. As a result, the folded roof took up less space and the luggage compartment volume with open roof rose from 145 litres in the R 170 to 208 litres. The facelift in January 2008 entailed slight modifications to the front and rear sections of the R 171 and revamping of the interior.

In 2010 Mercedes-Benz launched the third generation of the SLK – model series R 172. The SLK was now available for the first time with a diesel engine, as the 250 CDI. The new version continued the compact roadster’s success story. As of 2016, the former SLK now goes by the name Mercedes-Benz SLC. Like its predecessors, it is built at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Bremen, alongside the SL within a flexible production set-up.

The roadster defined its own segment, with its innovative folding hardtop, the sporty two-seater set new standards that have yet to be matched by competitors.

Launching this spring the SLK will be relaunched as the SLC and will once again redefine and set the bar in its segment with a complete makeover. Stay tuned as we will bring you the complete details from the North American International Auto Show this month.

Mercedes-AMG SLC43

A name change usually indicates some major upgrades but that’s not going to happen with the SLK as the SLC moniker will come together only with a few mild cosmetic tweaks. This is a mid-life refresh for the R172 generation which is now about four years old and is bound to be updated with some remodeled front and rear bumpers along with revised graphics for the lighting clusters.

Mercedes-Benz SLC

Some interior tweaks are probably in the works as well to spice things up for Daimler’s smallest roadster which recently received a nine-speed automatic transmission and a new six-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, it also gained standard LED daytime running lights and a different infotainment system which will likely be carried over to the SLC.

The range will likely consist of the following models: SLC 200 with a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter rated at 184 PS (135 kW), followed by the SLC 300 with the same engine but upgraded to 245 PS (180 kW). There should also be a SLC 350 with a V6 3.5-liter producing 306 PS (225 kW) along with a range-topping SLC 63 AMG likely equipped with a twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter engine developing 476 PS and 510 PS in the S version. Mercedes-Benz will also offer a more economical SLC 250d model with a 4-cylinder 2.1-liter turbodiesel generating 204 PS (150 kW).

Chances are the SLC is also receiving an AMG Sport variant slotting right underneath the fully-fledged AMG model. If this happens, expect power to come from a twin-turbo V6 3.0-liter engine pushing out 367 PS (270 kW) and 517 Nm (382 lb-ft).

Via: WCF

The Mercedes-Benz SLK facelift set to be called SLC has been spied for the first time undergoing testing.

It was at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show when Mercedes-Benz introduced the third generation SLK (R172) and now they are working on a facelift which aside from cosmetic tweaks will also bring a name change. The SLK moniker will be dropped in favor of the SLC designation as a way to better reflect the car’s size in relation to the C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz SLC spied for the first time

There’s not much to talk about in terms of design as this is most likely an early test prototype which doesn’t carry all the changes as there is camouflage only on the rear bumper while the exhaust pipes appear to be different since they are split in the middle. Our sources say the car was being tested by AMG which could mean the prototype spotted here will be part of the recently introduced AMG Sport range or it could actually be the fully-fledged SLC 55 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz SLC spied for the first time

Speaking of the range-topping version, it will likely lose the naturally aspirated V8 5.5-liter engine in favor of the new twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter motor sourced from the AMG GT and C63 AMG. We’ll know for sure probably in the second half of 2015 when the SLC is expected to come out.

Mercedes-Benz SLC spied for the first time

Via: WCF

Whether you want to call it the Mercedes AMG GT, the SLC, Baby SLS, etc. one thing is certain, the new Mercedes AMG is going to be an amazing and powerful car.  Confirmed for launch this year, the new model will feature everything you’d expect in an AMG and more.

From the latest interior spy photos captured by Auto Zeitung, you can easily see the shift paddles behind the steering wheel as well as the speedometer that tops out at 220 mph.  There are also a plethora of buttons to choose your desired driving mode as well as an electronic parking brake button, climate controls and start/stop engine buttons.

Also seen in the photos are four centralized air vents and a free-standing touchscreen display (not to be used when testing out the car’s sprint time)

Stay tuned as the official premiere creeps closer and more information and photos are revealed.  For now, head down to the photo gallery for a look at the new AMG GT.

We’ve been talking about the all-new Mercedes AMG GT, aka SLC, aka C190, aka SLS AMG replacement.  Call it what you will, the new model is a smaller, less expensive version of the outgoing SLS AMG but with nearly everything we’ve come to love about the more expensive and now departed SLS AMG.

2015 Mercedes SLC AMG

Though still covered heavily in camo, the new spy photos from GMotors show a long bonnet and large grille in the front, small spoiler in the back and traditional doors instead of gullwing doors.  It is a sleek and sexy design that we can’t wait to see more of.

2015 Mercedes SLC AMG

Under the hood will likely be the new V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine attached to a 7-speed speedshift dual-clutch gearbox that is capable of an output around 493 bhp (327 kW).

Expect to see the full reveal later this year.

Check out the new spy photos below as well as clicking here for additional spy photos.

2015 Mercedes AMG GT

Via: GMotors

Aiming to differentiate their forthcoming entrant into the sports car market from the current SLS AMG, it’s being rumored that Mercedes will forego the current SLC moniker that’s been widely used for the model, and instead title it simply the AMG GT.  As previously noted, the life of the SLS AMG will soon be coming to an end, while the new AMG GT will be the replacement, albeit at a significantly lower price tag.  Price and performance wise, it should be a direct competitor to the Porsche 911.  The change also marks the end of the Mercedes 6.2-Liter V8, as the new AMG GT is rumored to be sporting a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in either 485 HP (357 kW) or 550 HP (404 kW) configurations (along with a 585hp Black Series option).

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the Mercedes AMG GT are revealed.

New details on one of Mercedes’ future models, the SLC, have be revealed, including price, release date and engine details.

SLC AMG Spy Photo

The Mercedes SLS AMG has a starting price of $201,500 – a price that no matter how great the car is, is still going to be limiting from a volume standpoint.  Mercedes new and less expensive SLC however, is said to have a starting price in the low $100k’s, and will be poised to go head to head with the Porsche 911 (which sold 8,528 units in 2012), thus allowing for a higher volume of sales. For more performance, Mercedes will also offer an upgraded versions of the SLC, likely in the form of a top-of-the-line Black Series to battle the 911 Turbo.

For use in its AMG models, Mercedes is developing a new 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 that’s slated for use in the next-generation C63 AMG. Once in the new SLC, the twin-turbo V8 should be capable of producing around 480bhp – a number that could easily be dialed up to more than 500bhp with an optional AMG Performance Package. If those output numbers are correct, acceleration from 0-62 on the SLC would happen in the low four second range, putting it in the same range as cars like the Jaguar F-Type V8S, the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Based on the spy photos and information divulged from Mercedes, expect to see the SLC in the middle of 2015.

And answering the all important question, “Will Mercedes sell the SLS AMG alongside the smaller more affordable SLC?”, so far the answer is yes.

Source: AutoExpress

If you’re looking for what is unquestionably the coolest Mercedes on the planet, you can get it right now on eBay.  As the description notes, the 1979 Mercedes 450SLC “is the vehicle of choice for spy missions, special events, daredevil stunts, competitive motorsports, travel, satellite communications or just a romantic evening with Agent 006.9.”

World’s Coolest Mercedes Demonstrating heat sinking missile capabilities

The seller’s listed options include:

• heat seeking missles
• ultrasonic doppler rangefinder
• laser targeting
• heads up display
• passenger side ejector seat
• 20mm cannons
• retractable landing gear
• submarine package
• external drop fuel tanks
• a high bypass turbofan powerplant
• vertical take off and landing capability
• marine outdrive
• retractable oxygen masks
• a button which reads “Hazard” and another button which says “Never Push This Button”
• bias ply radials that survive tank mines
• and the original eleven inch thick body armor which withstands a direct hit from a Panzer round

World’s coolest Mercedes being cool

As a final selling point, the current concludes by detailing every so briefly what’ it’s like to own the world’s coolest Mercedes:

“Everywhere I go ladies are literally taking their clothes off and crawling all over this vehicle. Forget about keeping the windows clean – I had to remain inside while the cheerleaders at the carwash scrubbed the roof wearing, clear stiletto heels, bikini bottoms, and soapy wet tank tops. I dont know if it is the thick muscular throaty V-8, the long lasting performance, the superb handling or its mature experienced luxurious, and rather calm distinguished demeanor. Rumor has it, this is the original Hollywood stunt vehicle used during the making of well known action movies starring John Konnery – a famous british secret service agent.”

It simply doesn’t get any cooler than this.  Check out the world’s coolest Mercedes in the gallery below, then head over to eBay to buy it.

Rumor has it that the death of the Mercedes SLS Gullwing may be just that, a rumor. When the SLC was first discussed over two years ago, the jury was still out on whether or not it would become a mini SLS or it’s successor. According to the latest reports however, the recently spied Mercedes SLC will be an addition to the AMG family and not an SLS replacement.

Flip through the photo gallery below for a look at the latest spy photos of the Mercedes SLC.

Last week, Mercedes-Benz revealed photos of its upcoming SLC AMG model, scheduled to go on sale in North America in early 2015.

The original photos came officially from Mercedes AMG and revealed a heavily camouflaged sports car that is significantly smaller than the current SLS AMG. This new sports car from Mercedes will be go head to head against the likes of the Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R. The guys over at GMotors grabbed some great shots of the new SLC right alongside a Nissan GT-R so that we could really compare the two. Even under heavy camo, we’re already fans of the SLC with it’s styling similar to to its SLS AMG big brother.

We’re told however that when the SLC goes into series production that it will drop the SLC title in order to distance itself from the SLS as it will not share any of it’s mechanics.

Whatever it’s title will be, the min-SLS sports car will likely be powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 capable of producing around 485 hp with a variant that produces a 500+ hp and possible a Black Series model developing around 600 hp.

Enjoy the photos and check back often as more photos are revealed.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT prototype codenamed the C190 was recently spied testing and thanks to our good friends at GMotors, we have the photos below.  Back in 2011, we began hearing rumors that Mercedes was planning a “baby SLS” dubbed the SLC but as more information has been leaked, some are now calling it the SLS AMG successor.  As fans of the more retro styled SLS AMG, we certainly hope it’s the former.

The SLC AMG (aka.SLS AMG Successor) will target younger buyers with more modern styling than the current SLS. It will have traditional doors instead of the gullwing doors and its engine will be an AMG-built V-8.  And, with the AMG division’s love of all-wheel-drive cars lately, it will probably also be AWD. It will also be smaller and lighter and far less expensive than the current model in order to compete with cars like the Porsche 911 or the Jaguar F-Type.

As news on the baby SLS surfaces, we will be sure to bring it your way.  In the meantime, check out the photo gallery below or our friends across the pond, GMotors.  HT: Andrus

We saw the first photos of what we believe to be a brand new model from Mercedes AMG, the SLC AMG.  Some reports indicate it could be a replacement for the SLS yet we’ve yet to receive a definitive answer and so for now we’ll treat it as a new model.  The new SLC would be Mercedes’ answer to the Porsche 911 in terms of pricing and most certainly performance.

At the time, the early stage prototype heavily borrowed the SLS body design but with a shorter wheelbase.  But while little was known about the baby SLS at the time, German magazine Auto Bild has revealed new information.

The lowest price point on the SLC AMG, expected out in 2016, would be €109,000 in Germany, a little more than the 911 Carrera S but less than the 4S. The Mercedes SLC will be powered by a new AMG engine called the M177, the engine is expected to make its world debut in the next-gen C63 AMG next year. In it’s base version, the SLC will output 485 HP and will possibly offer an S-Model with upwards of 550 HP. The SLC S-Model make quite a price jump and start around €145,000.

The Mercedes AMG division is currently working on an entry level model that will sit alongside the already updated SLS AMG GT. While it is still up in the air whether this is the previously seen SLS Black Series or the smaller SLC is yet to bee seen. The new two-seater, that will likely be titled the SLC AMG, will be somewhat easier on the wallet and smaller than the SLS AMG GT, poised to go head to head with the Porsche 911 and Audi R8. Thanks to our good friend Andrus and GMotors.co.uk, we have the first photos of the new sports car testing in Germany.

According to GMotors, this early stage prototype/mule borrows the SLS body and looks almost identical to it, but at closer inspection you will notice a shorter wheelbase. The front and rear disguise is very likely hiding some of the final components.

Just as its bigger brother, the SLC AMG will be available in two body styles: coupé and roadster. The coupe version will come with regular front-hinged doors not the SLS’s expensive gullwing doors. Quite heavily disguised prototype has a shorter wheelbase and you can see that the front is also shorter when compared to the SLS. The new model uses a lightweight aluminium spaceframe and double wishbone suspension.

Power will likely come from a new twin-turbo V8 with up to 500bhp. A twin-turbo V6 might be offered as well for the base model. World debut is very likely in the end of 2013, early 2014.

We will of course keep you up to date on the latest news on the SLC, but for now check out the photo gallery below and decide for yourself which masterpiece it is.

Christoph Jung, development director of performance division AMG revealed that Mercedes-Benz is planning a smaller, less expensive sibling to the Mercedes SLS supercar. According to Jung, “There is room for an AMG model below the SLS, targeting the Porsche 911. This is the next market for AMG, and we are considering what is the right package.”

Jung also said that the success of the £168,000 SLS Gullwing – which has now sold 5,000 models since 2009 and grown to include a Roadster version – had paved the way for a second AMG model.

“It is important to work on our brand and grow it. Look at the Porsche 911 – it is a huge success. They have done a very good job in evolving it over the years. Now, thanks to the SLS, companies like Porsche see AMG as competition. Everyone recognises that AMG can produce super sports cars.”

Although this new sports car is only in the early stages, Jung did reveal a few details to AutoExpress. To keep it from becoming to heavy, it will have only two seats and as stated by Jung, “It has to be a V8. We have heritage and customers expect it.”

According to AutoExpress, the egnine will “most likely a development of the firm’s latest 5.5-litre twin-turbo, this engine would produce up to 500bhp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Expect 0-60mph in four seconds and a top speed of 185mph. “We have to have performance figures close to competitors, but we need much more,” Jung told us. “We need it to sound right and go right. It can’t just be the most powerful. It has to have the whole package.”

The new model is also likely to be highly efficient, boasting stop-start and other efficiency-boosting measures.

Jung said that AMG had been paying particular attention to Jaguar. “It is very interesting for me to see the C-X16 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but I think the starting price of 60,000 Euros [£52,000] is very ambitious.”

Jung hinted the new SLS model would have to start at around 80,000 Euros (£70,000) in order to be profitable. A coupe is a certainty, and a roadster could join it. “When you are new to a market, you can only offer one or two variants. You can’t expect to do more than that from the start.”

As always, stay tuned as we will bring you the latest news.

Mercedes-Benz is planning a little brother of the SLS Gullwing. It is designed to have a sleek design, with a potent six-cylinder with double turbocharging and 350 hp to 500 hp. Minor downsides of the baby SLS is that in order to keep cost down, the distinctive Gullwing doors could go. The price for the 350-horsepower model will presumably cost under € 100,000.

The SLC is still in preliminary development, currently with no launch date set. There are two scenarios that Auto Bild sees happening: It could be ready for its world introduction in 2014 or, should it be become the SLS’s successor, the world could have to wait till at least 2016.

Source: AutoBild