If you’ve ever wanted an SLS AMG but always thought they were perhaps a little too big for your garage, hold on for just a few more years, a smaller, just as potent version is coming. Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG, the new model will take on the likes of the Porsche 911.
(Image: rendered speculation only)
Mercedes-Benz doesn’t currently offer a vehicle for the serious two-door sports car market. It has the SLK 55 AMG, which is a V8 roadster designed more for speed rather than overall cross country ability and track agility, and then one up from that you have the SLS supercar.
According to a recent CAR magazine in the UK, the SLC – codenamed the C190 – is on the agenda and under development. It’s set to come in three different engine variants.
Starting from the meaty end of the showroom stick, sources suggest an SLC ‘S’ will come with a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing a cracking 436kW and 749Nm. This would make it 16kW more powerful than the SLS grand daddy.
Next down in the range is said to be a slightly less dramatic version using a similar engine producing around 362kW and 677Nm. This variant will apparently be the first to launch.
As far as we know, power for both of the V8s will go through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, similar to what is seen in the SLS, before spearing through a limited-slip diff and into the rear wheels.
Lastly, the entry-level variant is expected to come with a 3.0-litre V6 producing around 248kW. It isn’t set to arrive until after the other two are introduced.
Helping the SLC stand sturdily in the market as a serious rival to the 911 will be its relatively low kerb weight, tipped to be around the 1550kg mark. It’s understood most of the aluminum space frame and chassis components, except for the gullwing doors, will come from the SLS, albeit revised to suit to the smaller stature of the SLC.
In terms of market entry, the new model is expected to debut some time in 2015. A drop-top version is also rumoured to join the lineup further down the track.
