► Mercedes SLC spied testing
► It’s the new 2016 SLK roadster!
► New engines, wardrobe refresh
Mercedes is busy readying a facelifted SLK for launch in spring 2016 – you’re looking at the new coupe-cabriolet which will be renamed the SLC.
It’s all part of Mercedes’ rebadging policy, which has already seen the ML crossover become the GLE. Confused? Click here to read all about Mercedes’ new nomenclature.
Mercedes SLC scooped: what we know
These fresh spyshots were taken in Germany this week, as Daimler engineers shake down the soon-to-be-facelifted SLK replacement. It might be getting a new name, but this is essentially a mildly reheated version of the R172 model launched in 2011.
The last time the SLC badge was used was on the 107-edition SL that launched in 1971.
Our scoop photographs suggest that Merc will give only a modest facelift to the folding hard-top roadster, with fresh grille and lighting details, plus reprofiled bumpers at both ends. Expect some detailing to link this car to the big-daddy SL and new AMG GT sports car.
New engines as part of the SLK facelift
Expect engines to follow those recently announced for the 2015 model year SLK, available with a mix of six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic transmissions. We anticipate the following:
SLC 200 181bhp 2.0 four-cylinder
SLC 300 242bhp 2.0 four-cylinder
SLC 400 328bhp 3.5 V6
SLC 63 AMG 503bhp 4.0 V8
SLC 250d 201bhp 2.2 four-cylinder turbodiesel
Word is, the new model will be shown to the world at the 2016 Detroit motor show in January. This points to UK sales in time for summer 2016.
Is this enough to battle the new Audi TT roadster? Tell us in the comments below!