Mercedes SLC (or Mercedes GT): It's Official Spy photo time

Mercedes has released official ‘Spy’ photos of its upcoming smaller SLS 911 fighter – the Mercedes SLC (or GT) – as it heads for production.

Mercedes turn spy photographers for the baby SLS – the Mercedes SLC/GT

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It’s almost 4 years since we first revealed there were plans afoot at Mercedes-Benz to build a small, nimbler SLS to take on the Porsche 911 – a car subsequently dubbed the Mercedes SLC – but not until 2014.

Well, 2014 is less than half a year away, Mercedes confirmed the SLC was in the mix and now we get a set of ‘spy’ photos of the SLC (or Mercedes GT, perhaps) – straight from Mercedes.

It’s not the first time Mercedes has tried to put spy photographers out of business, as both the SLS had ‘official’ spy photos and video, as did the new Mercedes SLK. But at least it’s proof the baby SLS is on its way to give the Porsche 911 a bit of a run.

Despite spy photos, Mercedes are staying tight-lipped about the SLC (a name we’re finding a bit odd – an SLC should be a soft cross between an SL and an S Class, so maybe it will be the GT?), but we do know it will be shorter than the SLS and lose the gullwing doors.

The SLC/GT will also get aluminium underpinnings and a 4.0 litre V8 with something approaching 500bhp, with no doubt an AMG S version with a bit more and a Black Series with even more at some point after launch too. Oh, and there will doubtless be an SLC/GT Roadster.

When will the SLC/GT arrive in Mercedes Showrooms? Well, we said 2014 back in 2009 – and that does seem likely.