Mercedes-Benz SLC - Spyshots

It's been no secret that Mercedes-Benz has not been content to let German rival VW/Audi bask in the glow of its much-lauded Audi R8, and has been developing a car to rival the vehicle which will reportedly be called the SLC.

The car has been spied before, but in a bizarre, Dodge Viperesque shell. These are the first spy photos of the vehicle as it begins to take its final shape. The super coupe is being developed and built by German sports car maker and AMG-collaborator HWA, which is investing heavily in its production center in Affalterbach, near Stuttgart, to handle the assembly.

Reportedly based on the next-generation SL, the front-engine SLC (a mid-engine configuration had been rumored) is said to be packing an AMG sourced, 6.2-liter V-8 delivering at least 500 horsepower. The power could approach a stratospheric 700 horsepower if a twin-turbo unit is mounted to the engine, according to sources.

Unlike the R8, the SLC is said to be more of a true sport machine similar in mission to Benz's Black Series vehicles. Hints to its extreme sporting intentions are the massive fenders and a rear wing that will reportedly retract into the body work. Four large exhaust pipes frame the rear diffuser, and expect multiple carbon fiber and other weight saving technology to be part of the package. Inside, the car will reportedly share much of its cabin with the next SL.

Expect to see the first official look at the SLC at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
Read Article

DaHarder - 9/25/2007 1:28:52 AM

+4 Boost

I'll give MB this...

They are currently THE ONLY vehicle manufacturer that seems to design nicely proportioned retractable hardtops, and this one is no exception.

Almost all the others (save the VW Eos) look like clumsy afterthoughts, especially the Lexus SC430 and the BMW 3-Series - Just Hideous!

Matthew1 - 9/25/2007 2:10:23 AM

+1 Boost

The 3-series convertible hideous? Top up or down?

I actually consider it (top up anyway) to be very well proportioned considering the design limitations of the technology, in fact at night, (when the panel gaps are hard to see) I have mistaken it for the regular coupe on more than one occasion. Well until you see the flat boot, of course...

nybimmer - 9/25/2007 11:14:45 AM

+2 Boost

I own a 328i retractible convertible (purchased early from internet photos) and its not pretty with the top up. The top is so heavy that the whole car sways during the top-stowing process.

Matthew1 - 9/25/2007 2:08:05 AM

+2 Boost

Is this a different car to the reported mini-SLR which was meant to rival the R8? I recall that being mid-engined though...

I thought it would have an all-new design, but judging by the photos and story, the SLC (the name hints at this) will be just a more extreme SL, in similar vein to the CLK DTM.

Of course, I can imagine this will be a sensational car, especially with the tantalising hard-core efforts AMG has already spawned, the SLK and CLK Black Series cars.

w209w114 - 9/25/2007 10:17:31 AM

+1 Boost

I dont doubt this could be the high performance version of the next SL (black series) instead of the SLC.

Threepoint1415926 - 9/25/2007 3:15:01 AM

+1 Boost

Holly-wow, look at those fenders! The front looks as wide as the hips of a 930 Porsche. Looks mean and I cant wait to hear what people say about a car designed almost entirely by HWA! AMG-HWA + Mercedes = Perfection.

Need4Speed - 9/25/2007 3:32:02 AM

+1 Boost

I agree!

minimalist - 9/25/2007 4:13:44 AM

+1 Boost

omg. all i know is that i want one.

Matthew1 - 9/25/2007 5:38:25 AM

+2 Boost

"It's been no secret that Mercedes-Benz has not been content to let German rival VW/Audi bask in the glow of its much-lauded Audi R8"

The irony of this is that the Mercedes Sprinter van in the background was co-developed with Volkswagen.

Matthew1 - 9/25/2007 5:39:18 AM

+2 Boost

I know commercial vehicle alliances are slightly different, but I thought it was amusing all the same.

JRobUSC - 9/25/2007 8:25:28 AM

+1 Boost

so basically it'll be an SL AMG Black, since like the SLK AMG Black the top is fixed and doesn't come down. I was hoping for something that looked different than the rest of their lineup, not just a coupe SL with really wide fenders.

alsarea3 - 9/25/2007 10:25:29 AM

+2 Boost

As JRobUSC said, This is SL63 - or even 65 - AMG Black Series ..

david989 - 9/25/2007 10:37:58 AM

-2 Boost

People think the IS-F looks like rice? Bullshit. This has rice written on it all over.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/26/2007 12:46:03 AM

+1 Boost

I don't know... this doesn't appear to have any direct competitors, but judging by the CLK Black's price, it may be over $200K. I just wouldn't get a Mercedes when you're up that high- especially not one based on a car that costs half as much.

It would be Ferrari, GT2, Aston, etc. for me.

Schwitzle - 9/25/2007 5:39:51 PM

-2 Boost

It's a Viper for and extra $100,000 in a Mercedes body. There's no dount that it is a great looking car but it's really a Viper SRT-10.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/26/2007 12:46:56 AM

+2 Boost

"Reportedly based on the next-generation SL, the front-engine SLC (a mid-engine configuration had been rumored) is said to be packing an AMG sourced, 6.2-liter V-8 delivering at least 500 horsepower."

S4cabriofoxone - 9/26/2007 12:49:16 AM

0 Boost

"Unlike the R8, the SLC is said to be more of a true sport machine similar in mission to Benz's Black Series vehicles."

This is what gets me. I have to give a few things:

• This will likely be twice the price of the R8

• The CLK Black isn't as good to drive as the R8 (it's a track car, for sure, but isn't as easy to drive well as the R8- nor as fast or as good around corners). So what makes them think the SL, a car noted for its touring abilities rather than its handling, will be much better?

• If it needs 700hp and a $200K pricetag to beat a 420hp car... nah, I'm not even going there.

It's going to be super-impressive, but please, don't compare it to the hotness that is the R8.