REPORT: Future Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG supercar arriving in 2016

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The anticipated mid-range supercar engineered by the Affalterbach-based firm is slated to hit streets in around 3 years from now, according to latest rumors. Although during spring 2012 there were numerous reports the outcome of the SLC AMG is put under question amidst expected high development costs, it now looks the new Star-badged performance vehicle is ever closer to serial production.

The C 190 project is intended to be a versatile, fun to drive and attractively priced mid-sized supercar to compete with Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo. First test mules should start on-road development in early 2014, whereas the first camouflaged, finished design test prototypes could appear towards the end of next year. Then we will likely depict the general silhouette, which allegedly boasts aerodynamic supercar proportions with a low centre of gravity and sleek design, unlike the retro-styled SLS AMG. There will be no Gullwing doors, but conventional ones (maybe upward opening "scissors"?), to shave off important kilograms, improve bodyshell rigidity and ride dynamics. Through 2017, a roadster version (R 190) of the SLC AMG, using a low-weight retractable cloth roof, could also arrive in the family.

The future SLC AMG will receive company's brand new twin-turbo V8 engine with a total displacement of 4.0 litres. In its most powerful version, this new powerplant, featuring state-of-the-art direct injection, cylinder management and further solutions to increase efficiency, boasts no less than 585 hp. A slightly less powerful variant of the same eight-cylinder unit, this time developing 485 hp, will also be offered for the new SLC AMG, while the entry-level model will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine rated at 333 hp. Power transmission to the rear axle will be the job of a new AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch 7-speed automatic gearbox which sends the torque through a limited slip differential.

The rear-wheel-drive architecture of the C 190 will be engineered from zero - the super-tweaked technical platform of the SLS AMG Black Series and Merc's new MRA rear-driven underpinnings should serve as inspiration for more cohesion and a smoother implementation. A new generation of the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension management system, as well as high performance, forged alloy/ceramic brakes and an enhanced 3-stage ESP, will also be fitted to the new SLC AMG.

Standard pricing for the Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG variants will spread over the €80,000 - €140,000 interval in Europe. The supercar is also bound to reach showrooms from the United States and China in 2017, at similar, currency updated price tags. In the upcoming years, we could get a preview of the SLC AMG in the form of a concept car to bow at one of the major auto shows, but that is still an assumption. If the sales of the "electrifying" SLS AMG go well, the C 190 might also receive an Electric Drive variant in 2018, while a range-topping, hardcore Black Series version for the SLC AMG is rather unlikely at the moment, given the high-end 585 hp model. However, it is highly possible the SLS AMG gets discontinued the same year the SLC AMG comes into force, as this future model is already seen as a replacement for the current Merc supercar.

Image Credits: Autocar

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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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