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2019 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Adds More Standard Equipment, Has More Power

In its third generation since 2011, the smallest roadster in the three-pointed star’s lineup enters the 2019 model year with a handful of upgrades. The range-topping SLC 43 is of utmost interest, boasting 23 more horsepower than the previous model.
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 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
Once the SLK turned into the SLC-Class in December 2015, the 55 AMG went the way of the dodo, relegating the SLC 43 as the top dog. With 385 horsepower (up from 362) on tap from the 3.0-liter bi-turbocharged V6, the two-seat roadster packs quite a punch. But at the end of the day, the 55 AMG as more exciting, full stop.

Dual-zone climate control and Active LED Headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist technology become standard for the 2019 model year. In regard to customization, the SLC 43 is now available with an exterior paint color named Graphite Grey. Other than that, it’s business as usual for the V6-powered SL 43.

As a whole, the SLC family (300 and 43 in the U.S.) features new stand-alone options that include Blind Spot Assist, the harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system, dashtop analog clock, and Ambient Lighting plus Parktronic. Despite these changes, there’s no escaping the fact the SLC is one of the oldest M-B models in production today.

Although Mercedes-Benz and the AMG division are out testing the platform for the next-generation SL, the SLC could be on the chopping block. At the launch of the SLC, head honcho Dieter Zetsche let it slip that the three-pointed star will turn its focus to sedans and SUVs rather than sports cars. The AMG division and Maybach echo the chief executive officer’s decision, putting the future of the SLC in doubt.

On the other hand, BMW prepares to take the veils off the all-new Z4, the arch-nemesis of the SLK and SLC. As if that wasn’t enough, Toyota is getting in on the action with the all-new Supra, which is twinned with the Bavarian automaker’s Z4.

If Mercedes were to pull the plug on the SLC, would you miss the little roadster?
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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