Mercedes Benz

Rumors hinting at a new supercar in the Affalterbach yard appeared recently after the world premiere of the SLS AMG Gullwing in September 2009. Several scenarios were advanced by so-called company insiders in the last year: some were claiming the new hyper vehicle will feature a mid-engine architecture and possibly a hybrid powertrain with a 9-speed gearbox. It now looks the situation is far simpler and less fictional: lightweight construction, biturbo V8 unit, AMG double-clutch transmission with 7 gears and further helpful systems to enhance sports driving pleasure.


In a recent interview, Christoph Jung, responsible for performance models' development at Mercedes-AMG, revealed company execs are seriously taking into consideration slotting a new supercar under the current SLS to gun for the Porsche 911. Unlike the Zuffenhausen rival, the future SLC will receive a radical exterior styling to highlight the thoroughly-bred dynamics. Inside, there will be room for only two passengers, but that's fairly enough as along with the extensive use of lightweight materials (aluminium, CFRP etc.), the car's overall mass will be kept as low as possible. Under the front bonnet, engineers will fit a powerful V8 engine, sporting biturbocharging and probably cylinder shut-off technology (for the sake of efficiency) and at least 500 hp of peak output. Other top figures include around 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h and 300 km/h maximum speed. Base price could start from 80,000 euros, which is half the amount of money you'd spend on a SLS AMG. The SLC AMG is tipped to be unveiled in the next two to three years, which means 2014 or 2015. The usual coupe version could be followed shortly by a roadster version. Look for the first camouflaged test prototypes to hit streets beginning with 2013.

Illustration: Auto Express

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