REPORT: Mercedes-Benz approves SLC supercar for serial production

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The frequently speculated mid-range supercar from Mercedes-Benz will become reality in 2014, after it got the greenlight for production under the name SLC. The news was separately revealed by Daimler boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche and by chief designer Prof. Gorden Wagener. As in the case of the SLS, the Mercedes-AMG division will also be in charge of the development programme of the new medium-sized hypercar.

Supercars are an essential part of the prestigious history of Mercedes-Benz. The ambitious SLS AMG project has been a market success since the model was premiered in 2009. The idea of a smaller performance coupe positioned below the Gullwing and boasting a lower purchase value has fuelled enthusiastic minds since 2010. Now that the SLC is really coming, things will start heating up as first road test prototypes will be released 'out in the wild'. Compared to the bigger SLS, this new supercar tamed in Affalterbach will display an even more dynamic, youthful and striking exterior styling that will certainly attract a lot of curious eyes.

The entry-level, baby SLS will be fighting for the crown of the class with the legendary Porsche 911, its main opponent. The SLC will feature a lightweight construction, with the chassis and components made up of aluminium, steel and magnesium alloys. The intelligent spaceframe will also allow for a perfect and balanced mass distribution between the two axles, now that it was announced the SLC will have a front-engine architecture and conventional doors.

The heart of the new supercar will likely be a new 4.0-litre V8 powerplant, carefully refined by the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains specialists for maximum performance. We don't know anything about the peak output yet, but we predict at least 400 to 450 hp. Speculators insist there's also an increased chance a basic V6 unit with less than 400 hp and a smaller displacement will complete the engine lineup of the SLC AMG.

Note: SLS AMG pictured.

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