2016 Mercedes SLC: The SLK facelift gets a new name and drops the AMG V8

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The 2016 Mercedes SLC revives and old name as the new name for the SLK Roadster, gets a cosmetic overhaul and drops the V8 engine for the SLC AMG.

Mercedes-Benz renaming strategy continues with the arrival of the new Mercedes SLC, which revives a name from Mercedes’ past as the new moniker for the SLK Roadster.

Older readers will still remember the SLC as a coupe take on the 1970s SL – effectively the range-topper – but the new SLC sits at the other end of Mercedes Roadster line-up as the baby SL, with a name which reflects its place in Mercedes new nomenclature – basically, a C-Class size SL.

Cosmetic updates for the new SLC include the usual facelift fodder, with tweaked lights, a grill that looks to have been borrowed from the new SL, new bumpers front and back, new exhaust tail pipes and a folding hard top that can be optioned with a panoramic glass roof.

Interior changes include new leather, a bigger 7″ Infotainment screen for Sat Nav, internet access, aluminium trim and a new steering wheel.

Engine options for the non-AMG SLC include the 2.0 litre petrol in the SLC 200 and SLC 300 with 181bhp and 242bhp respectively, and a 2.1 litre diesel in the SLC 250d which, although not what you’d consider an ideal engine for a sport Roadster, contrives to offer official economy of 64mpg and the ability to scoot to 62mph in 6.9 seconds.

The SLC 250d and 300 come with Mercedes’ nine-speed auto ‘box, which is an option on the SLC 200.

Mercedes-AMG SLC 43

Mercedes has dropped the V8 engine option we’re used to in the SLK 55 AMG, and replaced it with a 3.0 litre 326bhp twin-turbo V6, complete with 9-speed auto, which gets the SLC AMG to 62mph in 4.7 seconds (within a gnats of the 55’s time) and has official economy of 36mpg.

Mercedes say the AMG SLC gets specially developed suspension which can be further enhanced with the optional AMG Ride Control with adaptive adjustable damping, and the Handling Package with a limited slip diff.

Interior highlights include a black nappa leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports seats, nappa leather/Dinamica upholstery with red piping, AMG instrument cluster and the option of Mercedes’ Airscarf to keep you warm with the top down in chilly weather.

The new Mercedes SLC will debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January and go on sale in spring 2016. No SLC prices yet.