Mercedes Sends Off SLC With New Final Edition


The Mercedes SLK was a huge hit when it was launched in 1996, but its popularity has faded with time.

In the United States, sales peaked at 12,930 units in 2000. Those are some pretty decent numbers, but SLC sales fell to 1,993 units last year. Given the drop in demand, it’s not that surprising Mercedes is ending production of the SLC later this year, without having communicated any plans for a successor. For now, what we know for sure is that they’re sending off the current SLC with a special Final Edition.


Designed to pay tribute to the iconic roadster, the SLC Final Edition features a number of unique touches. The US-spec SLC 300 has a Selenite Grey exterior with gloss black accents and 18-inch alloy wheels. Since the model is based on the AMG Line variant, it also has sporty bumpers, a sport-tuned suspension and an upgraded braking system.

Moving into the cabin, there’s two-tone Nappa leather sport seats, grey seat belts and “carbon leather” accents. Drivers will also find bright aluminum trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and special floor mats. Other niceties include heated seats, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system and plenty of “Final Edition” badging.


Fans looking for more performance can opt for the SLC43 Final Edition which features a Sun Yellow exterior that pays tribute to the SLK’s original launch color of Yellowstone. Other special touches include gloss black accents and 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels with a matte black finish.

Engine options carryover as the SLC 300 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 241 hp (180 kW / 244 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. This enables the roaster to run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).


The AMG variant has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine which churns out 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS) and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power, the dash from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) is cut to 4.6 seconds while the top speed remains unchanged.

The SLC Final Editions will arrive at U.S. dealership next year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.


European customers will receive a similar Final Edition, but theirs will be available two additional engine options. The SLC 180 has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. Fans can also order an SLC 200 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder packing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque.

Deliveries are slated to begin next month and German pricing ranges from €41,536.95 for the SLC 180 to €65,045.40 for the SLC 43 (including 19% VAT).

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more