Mercedes reveals 2016 SLC 16 | 12 | 2015
MERCEDES-BENZ HAS LIFTED the wraps from its facelifted SLK range, and given the car a new name: SLC. The heavily reworked rear-wheel-drive roadster range — which will go on-sale in Scotland next Spring _ will be topped by a new 362bhp Mercedes-AMG SLC43.
Replacing the SLK55 AMG, the new SLC43 utilises the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine used by the S400 Coupe, mated to Mercedes' latest nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, which features Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Eco and Individual driving modes.
According to Mercedes, the SLC43 hits 62mph from standstill in 4.7sec — 0.1sec slower than the SLK55 — while top speed remains limited to 155mph.
At the pumps, the range-topper returns 36.2mpg, with average CO2 emissions of 178g/km.
Elsewhere in the range — which will make its public debut at next month's Detroit Motor Show — there's a new engine for the SLC200, which replaces the SLK200. Out goes the old 1.8-litre unit replaced by a more contemporary 2.0-litre powerplant delivering the same 181bhp, but with more torque.
The SLK250 is replaced by the SLC300, which uses a more highly tuned version of the SLC200’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 242bhp and 273lb/ft.
Related: Mercedes unveils S65 Cabriolet
The new SLC range nuclides one diesel, the SLC250d, powered by a 201bhp carry-over version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder oil-burner used by the SLK250 CDI.
While the SLC200 gets a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, all other models receive the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The auto box delivers improvements in fuel economy and CO2 emissions across the line-up, with the SLC250d returning 64.2mpg and 114g/km.
Externally, the new SLC range benefits from a number of styling changes, including a new front bumper with larger ducts for improved engine bay cooling. There's also an altered grille featuring a Mercedes-Benz’s latest diamond-shaped insert design and revised headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and fresh internal graphics.
The rear of the car is distinguished by a reprofiled bumper with integrated tailpipes and a more pronounced diffuser element, and new LED tail-light graphics.
Mercedes has also added improvements to the SLC’s folding hard-top. Not only can the roof now be opened without having to manually set the luggage cover in place, but it can also now be operated at speeds of up to 25mph.
Sensibly, Mercedes is continuing to offer customers the option of purchasing the optional Magic Sky Control glass roof, which employs an electrochromatic process to vary the amount of light entering the cabin.
Amongst the interior changes are revised instruments, new trim applications, a larger 4.in infotainment monitor and a new three-spoke steering wheel.
Related: New Mercedes E-Class interior revealed
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Jim McGill