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New details emerge on forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLC

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Last we heard, the Mercedes-Benz SLC had been put on indefinite hold, but now Car Magazine is reporting that the Porsche 911-fighting "Baby SLS" coupe could be on sale by 2015. Riding on a modified SLS AMG chassis, the smaller and lighter SLC could be priced in the sub-$100,000 price bracket.

We'd already heard that the new car would feature conventional doors (instead of SLS-like gullwing doors), but this report focuses on some of the possible powertrains Mercedes-Benz is likely to use. At launch, the SLC could offer a pair of V8-powered models - a 485-horsepower SLC and a 585-hp SLC S - both being powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. About a year after launch, a new V6 model could emerge giving the SLC an estimated 333 horsepower and its lowest price point.

It also sounds like the car's name hasn't been completely finalized as some people within Mercedes are favoring a return of the SLR name.

New details emerge on forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLC put on indefinite hold

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Well this is all kinds of surprising: a brief report in German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, citing unnamed Mercedes-Benz sources, says the SLC sports car has been put on indefinite hold by the company board. The baby gullwing was supposedly deemed too expensive, so it has been placed "under observation." That gives the engineers a chance to redesign the car to fulfill its required niche and profit motives, but the report says there's no way we'll see it before 2014.

Not that we figured on seeing it before 2014 anyway: the SLC, reportedly greenlit seven months ago and charged with being a Porsche 911 fighter, had been scheduled to appear around the time the SLS AMG was ending its life in 2015. It was just caught testing a couple of weeks ago, with rumors being that it would use a twin-turbo V8 and eight-speed DCT, and possibly offer a V6 as well. It would be startling to think that after the success Mercedes has had with the SLS and the sportification of its lineup that it would just completely walk way from a car with a broader appeal and more accessible price. But if and when the SLC does arrive, it looks like those gullwing doors are almost certainly toast.

Mercedes-Benz SLC put on indefinite hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes greenlights 911 fighter, reviving SLC name

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Way back when we were calling the SLS the SLC, the men and women at AMG in Affalterbach were keeping a secret: there would be an SLC in addition to the SLS. The current car that we have had the opportunity to love in coupe and roadster forms is slated to end production in 2015. What will pick up where it leaves off is the SLC, a so-called "baby SLS" with a 4.0-liter V8 and an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Car magazine predicts the future coupe will have aluminum-intensive construction and be a better performer than the SLS it replaces. It could also be a median point, itself a 911 rival but perhaps serving as the basis for both an SLK variant and some other carbon fiber supercar beyond the SLS that could challenge a McLaren. After the unloved offspring that was the Mercedes McLaren SLR, we'd be in the front row of any grudge match to see if a hotted-up SLC could settle that sore score.

Mercedes greenlights 911 fighter, reviving SLC name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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De Tomaso SLC SLS images come online ahead of Geneva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Luxury, MISC

De Tomaso SLS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here we are, just days before the doors open at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and De Tomaso has unleashed a series of images along with a few more salient details of its new SLC concept car. Well, actually, De Tomaso is now referring to the machine as the SLS (and no, it has nothing to do with the Mercedes-Benz of the same name), which stands for Sport Luxury Sedan, as opposed to SLC, or Sport Luxury Crossover.

Fret not, Benz fans (and trademark lawyers). De Tomaso says it will give its future production model a new name that will be announced in Geneva.

Irrational naming conventions aside, what we have here is a somewhat high-riding humpback machine not unlike the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. According to the company, two engines are planned at launch, a 300-horsepower V6 and a 550-horsepower V8. Power is sent to all four wheels, and a diesel engine option is planned for a later time.

De Tomaso plans to build two more vehicles on the same architecture with the goal of selling a total of 8,000 units per year. We're hoping to hear more about the marque's future plans after we hit the ground in Geneva. In the meantime, feel free to peruse our high-res image gallery below and read the awkwardly translated press release after the break.

Gallery: De Tomaso Deauville Concept

[Source: De Tomaso via All Car Index]

Continue reading De Tomaso ~~SLC~~ SLS images come online ahead of Geneva

De Tomaso ~~SLC~~ SLS images come online ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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De Tomaso revival effort shown ahead of Geneva

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Luxury

Behold, the De Tomaso SLC Concept in all of its, um, glory. If you're like us, this probably wasn't the first thing that leapt to mind when you heard that De Tomaso was being resurrected (again) from the ashes of bankruptcy for a triumphant return to the world stage. The company says that the SLC is a luxury sports crossover.

Despite its stubby and somewhat odd proportions, this thing should be a blast to drive. According to reports, under the hood sits a 524-horsepower V8 engine, though buyers should be able to also opt for either a 296-horsepower V6 or a 247-horsepower turbodiesel six-pot should their hearts - or wallets - so desire.

De Tomaso says that the SLC Concept will bow at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month and that we can expect a production run of around 3,000 units starting next year. The price tag for this fine piece of machinery is expected to sit at a cool €85,000 - around $115k Yankee bucks. Better start saving your milk money.

If you were hoping to see something more along the lines of the infamous Pantera, never fear. Word is that the company is also hard at work on a spiritual successor to that beast along with a four-door sedan designed to tango with the Porsche Panamera. Check out the link below for more images.

[Source: Il Tirreno (translated)]

De Tomaso revival effort shown ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: De Tomaso readying SLC for Geneva?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, MISC

De Tomaso SLC spy shot - Click above for image gallery

We've heard the rumors, and now we have a small series of spy photos that seem to corroborate the hearsay. Looks like De Tomaso is indeed readying at least one concept car to show off at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

We can't say for certain that the machine seen in these photos is the BMW X6-like crossover that has been talked about - in fact, it looks more sedan or wagon-like, but at least it appears to be proof that something is in the works. Current conjecture has this car will be called SLC.

Whatever the case, we can clearly see De Tomaso's new logo, along with some sensuous, flowing curves that piques our curiousity. See for yourself in our image gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: De Tomaso SLC

[Source: Jokeforblog.blogspot.com via Autoblog.nl]

Spy Shots: De Tomaso readying SLC for Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when we stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.

According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.

Although we've seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc's newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that's likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.

In person, the SLS' dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe's doors. We're assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC Convertible

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gullwing Returns: Official details on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

John Neff — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz has used the occasion of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show to release the first official details about a car that won't even be shown in Switzerland at all. It is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which has long been referred to as the SLC or modern day Gullwing. Mercedes has confirmed that the car will feature the same gullwing-style doors made famous by the classic 300SL, and from there things get very interesting.

While not ready to unveil the final design of the car, Mercedes did release dozens of images of SLS prototypes being tested by its engineers. It's readily apparent that the SLS looks smaller than Mercedes' current supercar, the SLR McLaren, but the smaller shape just hints at extensive weight saving measures. An all-new aluminum space frame contributes to a curb weight of just 3,571 lbs, a full 300 lbs less than the SLR McLaren. The SLS also rides on a long 105.5-inch wheelbase with a front track that's 1.2 inches wider than the rear.

Power will be provided by a tuned version of AMG's familiar 6.2L V8 producing 563 hp at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine, which sits low and behind the front axle, will send all that power across a carbon-fiber driveshaft to the rear axle where a new seven-speed dual clutch gearbox carves it up. There will even be a Race Start launch control function that guarantees an estimated 3.8-second 0-62 time every time. Top speed: 196 mph. Stopping? 15.4-inch discs in front squeezed by six-piston calipers and 14.2-inchers with four-piston calipers out back, and a full set of carbon ceramic rotors will be optional.

Pricing hasn't yet been released, but expect to drop at least 200 large on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG when it goes on sale. The car is clearly not ready for the showroom yet, but Mercedes just wanted us all to know it's coming... fast.

UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Gullwing Returns: Official details on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Gullwing Returns: Official details on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes Gullwing Mule freezing its arse off

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

It's been over a year since we first caught a glimpse of the new gullwing super coupe from Mercedes-Benz, and in the months that followed, we've seen it cloaked in Viper sheetmetal, its doors open to the world and a few shots of the interior. While it's still unclear whether the SLC will wear a Mercedes badge or an AMG logo (or both), development continues unabated as engineers flog the SLC through -15-degree weather in an undisclosed arctic locale.

We do know that motivation will be provided by a twin-turbocharged V8, likely the same 6.2-liter engine being fitted to all of M-B's AMG-badged products, and that 600 hp will be fed to the rear wheels thorough a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The chassis will be made of aluminum, and carbon fiber will make up the majority of the exterior panels. Sales of the SLC are expected to begin in 2010, assuming the world doesn't implode on itself in the meantime.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Mercedes Gullwing Mule freezing its arse off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details emerge on Gullwing SLC, but no Mercedes badge?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Fans of the classic Gullwing Mercedes 300 SL have been eagerly awaiting the new Gullwing SLC supercar, which Mercedes' tuning house AMG has been spied working on over the last year. But if emerging reports are to be believed, the SLC won't wear a Mercedes badge at all. The true successor to SLR McLaren will reportedly be the first vehicle to be badged exclusively as an AMG product, forgoing the vaunted three-pointed star altogether.

Reports also indicate that with dimensions of 4650mm long, 2700mm wheelbase, 1950mm wide, and 1250mm high, the SLC will be similar in proportions to a Ferrari F430. Project C197, as the Gullwing SLC is internally known, is expected to make its debut at the 2010 Geneva show, with a cloth-roofed convertible R197 version to follow a year later.

Gallery: Mercedes/AMG prototype - spy shots

[Source: Car via eurocarblog]

Details emerge on Gullwing SLC, but no Mercedes badge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC gullwing supercar raises its door

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:51:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The facts surrounding the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLC supercar are scarce, but one thing's for sure: gull-wing doors are part of the package. So far, we've only seen spy shots of the SLC wearing body panels pilfered from other M-B products, along with one Viper-clad mule. But these newest images procured by eMercedesBenz not only give us a glimpse of the gull-winged homage, but also provide us with some idea of the proportions of the new supercar.

Previous reports suggest that underneath the elongated aluminum hood lays a turbocharged version of AMG's 6.3-liter V8, putting out around 600 hp and an unruly amount of torque. The cab-backwards stance, short rear overhangs and makeshift spoiler all hint at the Merc's pavement punishing potential, and the raised driver's side door -- still far from complete -- appears to remain true to the original 300SL.

Click the image above to check out more shots from eMercedesBenz.

Gallery: Mercedes/AMG prototype - spy shots

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC gullwing supercar raises its door originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes test mule revealed

John Neff — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

click above image for high-res gallery

KGP Photographers have been following around Mercedes-Benz AMG engineers all day under the hot sun in California's "canyon country" just waiting for the right moment. It finally came when the engineers peeled back the car cover and revealed the mystery vehicle we showed you earlier. See this malforned Viper prototype does little to help us determine what production vehicle this car will eventually become, but we know it's property of Mercedes-Benz and involves the work of AMG, so everyone's best guess appears to be the upcoming SLC super coupe.

The SLC, you may recall, will be a transitional vehicle that Mercedes uses to implement a new all-aluminum space frame in its lineup. The car will be limited to a very low volume, though the processes used to build it will pave the way for aluminum to be injected into the new SL line of cars when they appear in 2012. There have been rumors that the SLC will feature gullwing doors like Mercs of yore, though these spy shots don't support that theory either way.

In fact, all we're able to see are general proportions at this point, and its clear from the extra-long bonnet that this car will be front-engine and rear-wheel-drive. We suppose all-wheel drive is a possibility, though we don't expect the AMG team to abandon their favorite layout.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Mercedes/AMG prototype - spy shots

Spy Shots: Mercedes test mule revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mystery Merc coupe spotted

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

It's well known that Mercedes-Benz is developing a new sports car with its racing partner HWA, but, until now, there's been very little evidence of the car apart from a few superficial media reports. However, proof that such a car is in development are these new spy shots that show a very low slung development mule being tested in a desert by AMG engineers.

Contrary to earlier speculation, the prototype's severely long snout suggests this will be a front-engined model, but its proportions put it close to rivaling the flagship SLR in size. The spy photographers managed to get up close to the car during the night and were able to measure its wheelbase, which stands at 106 inches.

The extended wheelbase makes it very hard to believe this is in fact the SL-based SLC super-sports car that HWA rep Hans Jürgen Matheis hinted at back in June. That, and the cab backward proportions could signal something different. Winding Road thinks it could even be a new Maybach coupe, which would be very interesting indeed.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Mystery Merc coupe spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe

John Neff — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

In late June we showed you spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz SCL, what we believe will be Mercedes' answer to the Audi R8. It seems that the new Merc will be armed with a new weapon when it enters the fight - a lower curb weight.

Just Auto is reporting that Mercedes has plans to build the SL model out of aluminum, much like Aston Martin, Audi, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce have done with some of their models. Expected to use an aluminum spaceframe and body panels, the new SL should be at least 10 - 15% lighter than the current model, the weight of which ranges from 3,860 lbs. to 4,500 lbs. depending on what model and options are chosen.

Not wanting an interruption in SL production when the new aluminum structure is phased in, Mercedes is planning the super coupe SLC as a car that will use the spaceframe but be produced only in limited numbers. The idea is to make sure all the kinks are ironed out of the new production process before it's applied to the higher volume SL. Expect only about 3,000 to 4,000 SLC coupes to be produced, and you'll be able to pick one up around 2010, two years before the new all-aluminum SL debuts.

The SLC, however, will not share a body panel with the SL, which means it could even be the retro "gull-wing" coupe at which insiders have been hinting. We're also not sure if Mercedes will even continue to produce the SLC after the new SL arrives in 2012. At this point, there remains more questions than answers.

[Source: Just Auto - sub. req'd]

Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes SLC Super Coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The SLC cometh. Mr. H. Lehmann and crew caught an early development mule out testing, and word is that the car will likely get its grunt from a front-mounted 6.2-liter V8 provided by AMG. In natural guise it would put out 500 bhp, but with a few blowers that could easily be "remedied" to 700 or so.

The SLC will be focused more on sport than luxury, and though based on the next-gen SL and sharing many of it parts, it will use carbon fiber throughout, including its hard top. We'll have to see what kind of weight specs (and body) are eventually revealed, but you're looking at Merc's main competitor for Audi's upcoming RS8.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Mercedes SLC Super Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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