The facelift model of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, has been rebranded and revealed as the SLC.
The new SLC gets revised styling along with some minor mechanical changes across the range. Mercedes also plans to launch a entry-level model later.
With a totally new designed front bumper the new SLC also features revised headlamps with new detailing and daytime running LED lights. Also, larger vents have been used at the front of the car to provide more cooling. The rear consists of a new reshaped bumper with integrated exhausts in it. New reworked LED tail lamps can also be noted down easily.
With new trim inserts, new steering wheel, a brand new 4.0″ touchscreen infotainment system & revised instrument cluster; the interiors look new as well. On the hard top roadster, the opening and closing mechanism has also been redone which now doesn’t require owner to cover luggage manually. Also, the new rooftop can be operated while moving up to 40 kmph.
The new entry-level SLC 180 is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor developing 154 BHP of power and 25.44 kgm of torque. The SLC 200, the replacement for the SLK 200, is powered by a new 2.0-litre, turbocharged unit that develops 181 BHP of power (same as the SLK 200’s 1.8-litre engine) and 30.55 kgm of torque, which is 3kgm more than the outgoing engine’s output.
SLC 300 now replaces the SLK 200 which is a more powerful version of SLC 200’s engine, making a power output of 242 BHP and 37.74 kgm of torque. The diesel version however remains with the same engine and just a badge change from SLK 250 CDI to SLC 250d using the same 2.0L motor producing 201 BHP.
In the high-performance category, the SLK 55 AMG makes way for the new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. The 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 from the older car is replaced by a less powerful twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 that churns out 362 BHP of power and 51.02 kgm of torque – a decrease of 53 BHP and 1.94 kgm. As per Mercedes’ claims, the new AMG SLC 43 is 0.1 seconds slower than its predecessor but retains the electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
The SLC 180 & 200 come equipped with 6-speed manual gearbox while the rest of the range of SLC uses the 9-speed automatic gearbox. The SLC will make its public debut at the Detroit motor show in January 2016 alongside the next-gen E-class before going on sale internationally.