JUST in time for the 20th birthday of its segment, the archetypal compact roadster enjoys a new evolution - with a new name, optimized technology and an enhanced look. The new Mercedes-Benz SLC (previously SLK) takes the roadster’s driving pleasure to a new level thanks to an unrivalled combination of sportiness and comfort. Comprehensively refined, and with a model line-up ranging from the entry level SLC 200 to the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the renamed compact roadster will appeal to today’s confident individualist determined to experience life’s exclusive pleasures.
“Compact, powerful and economical, the new SLC offers drivers pure AMG driving pleasure in a compact and stylish open-top two-seater,” said Lennart Mueller-Teut, Head of Marketing & Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East. “Having been a technology leader in its segment since it first introduced the innovative vario-roof, the new SLC combines open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather, to unite the classic virtues of a roadster with exemplary efficiency.”
The new SLC 43 represents the entry point into the current roadster world of AMG. Apart from the renaming of the SLK to SLC, the open-top two-seater also comes with a new AMG nomenclature. With its overall “engineered in Affalterbach” package of typical AMG driving dynamics, engine response and high efficiency, the SLC 43 is competitively positioned in the segment. The 43 stands for the further-developed AMG 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine. The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is therefore the first V6 model from Affalterbach to feature the new nomenclature.
Thanks to the combination of a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine and a 9G- TRONIC sport transmission, the 362 hp roadster is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the SLK 55 with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is also the most efficient six-cylinder performance roadster on the market. The specially developed suspension and model-specific mountings for the engine and rear-axle gear unit are designed for high lateral acceleration and low roll. Even greater driving dynamics are optionally available with the AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive adjustable damping, and the Handling package with mechanical limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
The 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine offers impressive performance with its 362 hp maximum power and peak torque of 384 lb-ft: sprinting from 0 - 60 in 4.6 seconds, its top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph. With newly developed front and rear axles, new engine/rear-axle gear unit mountings, stiff elastokinematics and highly precise steering.
With Dynamic Select, the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver’s behest. The five modes – “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Eco” and “Individual” are easy to select using the Dynamic Select button in the upper control panel on the dashboard console. Drivers who choose the Dynamic Handling package, which features a 10 millimeter lower chassis, an adaptive damping system, direct steering and ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, can also use Dynamic Select to specify the damping force in “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” modes. Here the damping force at each individual wheel is automatically and continuously adapted to the current driving conditions. With the sports exhaust system the sound experience can be intensified as the acoustics can be adjusted via an integral exhaust flap in conjunction with the Dynamic Select transmission modes.
A new feature for the SLC is the standard-fit Active Brake Assist, known in other model series as Collision Prevention Assist Plus. In addition to radar-based proximity warning and braking assistance by Adaptive Brake Assist, this Active Brake Assist system carries out autonomous braking to reduce the danger of rear-end collisions. If the driver fails to act when a risk of a collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will initiate automatic braking. This significantly reduces the vehicle speed. At low relative speeds, this intervention may be sufficient to prevent a rear-end collision with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles. Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist also remain available.
For optimum visibility on high roads, when cornering and on bends, the optional LED Intelligent Light System automatically adapts to all light and driving conditions. The LED technology features low energy consumption, a long service life and a pleasant white light, which approximates the daylight spectrum. The five functions of the LED Intelligent Light System include motorway mode, cornering light function, camera-based active light function, roundabout light function and also the enhanced fog light function. — SG
