New name, new face, but almost everything remains the same. At the Detroit Motor Show, Mercedes shows the two-seater Roadster SLC, better known as SLK for exactly 20 years. New features include a 1,6-liter entry-level engine with 115 kW / 156 hp and an AMG version based on downsizing.
The small Mercedes Roadster SLK has been particularly popular with female customers for two decades: it is handy, manoeuvrable and can be converted into a solid coupé at the push of a button in bad weather. The mostly feminine followers now have to get used to a new name and call their cuddly companion SLC in the future. After all: The "SL" remains and thus also the awareness of being on the road with a smaller and, above all, cheaper edition of the famous expensive sports car.
The designers have used the renaming to also update the appearance of the icon. Its chief Gorden Wagener names the most important change the radiator grille in diamond optics, which also adorns the large SL. The new impression is complemented by a bonnet that has been sharpened more than before. The headlights, now also with LED technology, became narrower and thus a touch more modern. The front apron was given larger air inlets that visually push the SLC onto the road a little more bulky. The same applies to the rear with its tailpipes embedded in the corrugated diffuser. The rear lights also shine with LEDs, and were also somewhat narrower than before.
Although the foldable steel roof has long gone out of fashion, Mercedes has retained this elaborate construction. Here, a change in the refresh made now would have been too expensive. In addition, the loyal customers have long since got used to the tiny trunk with the roof open. The so-called "Vario roof" can now be opened and closed at 40 km / h. However, the button responsible for this must be pressed while standing. You can only start driving when the roof starts to move with the help of several electric motors.
There are also changes in the interior. The instrument cluster and steering wheel have been redesigned, the monitor for the navigation system has been enlarged and the selector lever for the nine-speed automatic has been adapted to that of the SL. Many technical refinements can now be ordered from the C-Class gene dispenser. Whether parking or lane keeping assist, reversing camera and active LED light - the list of extras has been significantly expanded. And of course the SLC now also has Internet access.
The Mercedes updaters were also active under the hood. The new entry-level SLC 180 is content with a 1,6-liter turbo gasoline engine, which nevertheless sends 115 kW / 156 hp to the rear wheels and should not disappoint the sporty SLC drivers with a top speed of over 225 km / h. The two two-liter petrol engines (135 kW / 184 hp or 180 kW / 245 hp) and the diesel (150 kW / 204 hp) remain in the range. The previous AMG version with its 5,4-liter eight-cylinder engine and 310 kW / 422 hp, on the other hand, is history. It is replaced by the three-liter six-cylinder with double turbo (270 kW / 367 hp) and now bears the abbreviation AMG SLC 43.
The rolling womanizer will go on sale in just over two months. Mercedes is still persistently silent about the prices. They currently start at around 40.000 euros for the 184-hp petrol engine. The new basic version with 156 hp should be two to three thousand euros less.
Text: Peter Maahn / SP-X
