Here's one to make you feel old: the original Mercedes SLK was first shown in March 1996. Yes, that's nearly 20 years ago. The first of the folding hardtops that are now so common, the SLK was really quite innovative. The drive wasn't rated that highly and the car was dismissed by a few, but it brought a new level of usability to the cabrio market.
Sharpened up for its big birthday!
Here we are with the latest then, almost two decades on from the original SLK. Except it isn't an SLK anymore; it's an SLC. As part of Mercedes' new naming strategy (full details
here
if you're lost), the mini SL now uses 'C' to more closely identify it with the Mercedes saloon it shares most with. Just don't forget there will be a
C-Class Cabriolet
At least the engine line-up is a little less confusing. All engines bar the AMG are four-cylinder, from a 1.6-litre supercharged SLC180 with 156hp to an SLC300 with a 2.0-litre engine and 245hp. The SLC 200 and 250d are also available, the latter going head to head with the TT TDI for most joyless sports car award.
To the AMG, because that's what we're most interested in. Gone is the old 5.5-litre V8 - boo! - replaced by the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 used in the C450 AMG Sport. The vital numbers are identical - 367hp at 5,500-6,000rpm, 383lb ft at 2,000-4,200rpm - but the name is different. In a nod back to previous fast SLKs, the flagship will now be the Mercedes-AMG SLC43. Might take some getting used to after so many years of SLK55s!
Rest easy - there's no screen on the dash
But there's more than just an engine change for the AMG. The 9G-Tronic gearbox is standard, with software specially tuned to deliver more rapid shift times. There is a multiple downshift function, plus Mercedes says the manual mode will not shift up 'even when the engine speed reaches the limit.' Which is encouraging.
Suspension is either by the standard sports set up or optional AMG ride control with automatic adjustable damping. There are interesting suspension tweaks front and back, the overhaul more comprehensive than you might have expected from this particular AMG product. At the front there are stiffer steering knuckles, more negative camber and 'improved elastokinematics', those tweaks said to make the SLC more precise and communicative. The rear also gets increased negative camber and the elastokinematics tweaks, plus new track rods which are there to make the AMG 'more controllable when driven at the limit.'
Speaking of driving at the limit, there is an optional limited-slip diff available as part of a handling package. Mercedes says the traction and grip benefits are noticeable 'particularly when the driver adopts a sporty driving style.' That will work in conjunction with a three-mode traction control, with fully on and fully off (only for closed race circuits you understand) and a Sport handling mode. Then if it doesn't all go to plan, there is a high performance brake system to save you. As yet it appears carbon ceramics are not an option.
Scouring the city for TTs
A final couple of details on standard equipment, one rather more encouraging than the other. The good news is the sports exhaust, hopefully providing enough racket to ensure the V8 isn't missed too much. The bad news is the standard fitment of speed-sensitive power steering, with either a 'Comfort' or 'Sport' weighting. The ratio is fixed at least, and it apparently provides 'precise, highly authentic feedback'. Hmm.
All those dynamic parameters are adjustable in the usual fashion, both in the SLC43 and the non-AMG models, via the Dynamic Select switch now found across the Merc range. Indeed, the SLK-to-SLC metamorphosis is very similar to those which we've seen elsewhere in the line up; same light styling tweak including the new diamond grille, same bolstering of active safety equipment and same updates to the Comand Online infotainment system.
The new SLC is due for an official launch in March - presumably at the Geneva show - with prices announced in January. First verdict coming on that new V6 AMG as soon as possible!
Watch the promo video here.
