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Mercedes SLC Loses V8 in Detroit, Is a Merc in Benz's Clothing

Now that Mercedes-Benz has replaced the E-Class with an all-new generation and doesn't have a facelift to invest EUR 1 billion in it, the carmaker has established a new trend, turning its mid-cycle revamps into deeper transformations that also bring along new nameplates. Case in point, the SLC, which comes just in time to celebrate the original SLK's 20th anniversary.
Mercedes-Benz SLC43 AMG 20 photos
Photo: Cory Wolfe
Mercedes-Benz SLC300Mercedes-Benz SLC300Mercedes-Benz SLC300Mercedes-Benz SLC300Mercedes-Benz SLCMercedes-Benz SLC300Mercedes-Benz SLCMercedes-Benz SLC300Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 rearMercedes-AMG SLC 43Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 front fasciaMercedes-AMG SLC 43Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 front grilleMercedes-AMG SLC 43 hood air ventMercedes-AMG SLC 43 headlightMercedes-AMG SLC 43Mercedes-AMG SLC 43Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 interiorMercedes-Benz SLC300 interior
Now that the SLC's designation has created a connection to the C-Class, the powertrain options have been given the downsizing treatment.

While in Europe this means things start with a 1.6-liter engine (no Kompressors, though) and also include a (the horror) diesel unit, the American line-up keeps things simple, only offering two engine options.

We'll start with the base model, the SLC 300, which is motivated by a two-liter turbo that packs 241 hp. By the way, thanks to a partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan, you can also find this engine in the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe.

If turbo four power doesn't cut it for you, Affalterbach is ready to cater to your needs with the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. Since the German automaker has always made sure not to threaten its other models with an SLK that was too powerful, the 43 uses the 362 hp twin-turbo 3-liter V6 found in the C3450 AMG Sport and SL450, for instance. And yes, this means the naturally-aspirated V8 of the SLK55 AMG is but a memory these days.

Nevertheless, the SLC 43 covers the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds, while being electronically limited to a top speed of (you've guessed it) 155 mph (250 km/h).

We won't complain about the changes in the transmission department, though, since both US models come with a nine-speed automatic. Just imagine pulling next to an S-Class Coupe driver and talking about his 7-speed box...

You can now use a Dynamic Select knob to adjust the settings of the engine, gearbox, steering and suspension, with the feature offering five driving modes.

The vario-roof that made the SLK famous is now easier to work with. Let's say you've started the opening/closing procedure and that traffic light mentioned above turns green. Well, you'll be able to operate the roof at speeds of up to 24.8 mph (40 km/h). Also, the boot separator, which makes sure the roof and your luggage don't become one, is now automatic (this is an option).

Oh, and if the new name of the compact roadster seems familiar, this might be the fault of the 1970s SLC, an elongated incarnation of the era's SL. And since we're discussing fine details, you'll find plenty of these in the press release below (PDF file).
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 Download: Mercedes-Benz SLC Press Release (PDF)

About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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