Mercedes-Benz SLC won’t be replaced – report
A new report indicates the Mercedes-Benz SLC won’t be renewed for another generation.
Overnight, Automobile magazine detailed parts of the three-pointed star’s near-term sports car strategy. According to the publication’s sources, the SLC has disappeared from the company’s product cycle plan.
If true, it’s likely the SLC will soldier on for a little while yet, with the car having received a facelift and a new name just last year.
The small two-seat convertible hardtop began life two generations ago in 1996. Until recently known as SLK, it helped to kick off a boom for convertible hardtop vehicles.
Many car companies, including Mitsubishi with the Colt CC and Daihatsu with the Copen, brought out vehicles with folding hardtops. Thanks to a general decline in consumer interest for speciality sports cars, the boom has fizzled out, leaving the SLC as one of the last players on the field.
Last year, Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz, indicated that the SLC’s replacement may be switched onto the A-Class’ front- and all-wheel drive platform. That idea now seems to be dead.
As a report late last year indicated, the larger SL will move onto a platform shared with the Mercedes-AMG GT two-door range. While the AMG GT coupe and convertible will remain strictly two-seat propositions, the SL will be larger and feature a 2+2 seating layout.
In line with current trends, the SL will ditch the current car’s folding hardtop in favour of a traditional fabric roof.
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