Looks like the long-awaited Mercedes SLC, Daimler’s Porsche 911 rival, is one step closer to production. We have been hearing rumors about this car ever since the SLS was released, but this time the reports sound solid. They even revel what kind of engine the SLC will have and how may horsepower it produces.
According to AutoBild, the SLC will be powered by a new 4.0 liter AMG V8 codenamed M177, mounted behind the front axle. So it will be a front mid-engined car. The V8 is boosted with a couple of turbochargers giving it an output of 485 horsepower, and fuel economy on the par with the Porsche Carrera S.
The M177 engine is said to be the replacement for the current M157 5.5 liter V8 in the smaller models such as the C63 AMG. In spite of its rather small size, this engine has the potential to top the M157. Already they are talking about an S-Model version of the SLC with 550 horsepower. That would be the rival for the Porsche 911 Turbo.
The Mercedes SLC will more compact and a lot lighter than the SLS, and it almost certainly won’t get the gullwing doors. If it wants to compete with the mac daddy of all sports cars that is the Porsche 911, it should go easy on the garnish and focus more on the substance.
The new Benz, reportedly slated for a 2016 launch, will be priced like the 911 as well, which means the base model will cost just over 100K Euros.
