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Mercedes-Benz SLC
By
Tim Pollard
09 August 2007 08:23
AMG's supercar: the lowdown
Under the distorted Viper bodyshell of this hard-working prototype lies one of the most eagerly awaited cars in Mercedes-Benz's history: it's the first sighting of the new supercar to replace the SLR. This time Mercedes-Benz is developing the car inhouse, after the wranglings of the Anglo-German McMerc SLR project, which - though hardly a flop - has been widely considered a disappointment. Not so next time; Merc's inhouse performance wing AMG and DTM racing division HWA are taking control of the three-pointed star's next super-coupe, dubbed SLC. Read on to find out more.
Mercedes SLC, you say? Tell me more...
Yep, under this mule's disguise is Merc's new range-topper that will turn to one of the brand's most iconic cars - the classic 300SL Gullwing - for inspiration. And we hear that the coupe newcomer may be endowed with lift-up doors like its 1955 forebear. The SLC will herald an important new technology for Mercedes. Although it has some experience of using aluminium, this will be the first time it has used the lightweight material extensively - and the low-volume SLC is designed to pave the way for wider use of alloys. The 2012 SL roadster, codenamed R231, will be next to get the lightweight treatment.
