The plans for reviving Mercedes SLC through a brand-new, lightweight and agile coupe have been canceled, we hear. We’ve been talking a lot about this new SLC Merc, a car that was supposed to rival the likes of Porsche 911 or Aston Martin V8 Vantage. But Mercedes’ top brass has reportedly pulled the plug, saying the project does not make sense financially. It will be too expensive for Mercedes to develop a 911 rival.

They do have a point. Mercedes already has a bunch of coupes and coupe/convertibles. The SLC was supposed to slot below the SLS as a sort of baby supercar. But that means developing a whole new platform that satisfies the lightness they’re after. It cannot be based on the SLS, because the end result would cost much more than the 911, and it can’t be based on the SL or CL, because it would be too heavy.

That is sad news. A compact sports car by Mercedes powered by an AMG V8 would be a hugely appealing car. We really hope they change their mind, again.

via automotorsport – rendering by insideline