Posted on: Feb 03, 2013 | 20,975 reads

Mercedes 911-Fighter Back On

Although nothing has been finalized, it appears that Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to build a replacement for the SLS AMG that'll compete directly with the Porsche 911.

Several months ago it was reported that Mercedes-Benz had put its "Baby SLS" Porsche 911-fighter, called the SLC, on indefinite hold. No exact reason(s) were given but a rumor claimed the project was simply too expensive. Whatever the case, it appears now the car is back on and could be on sale for 2015. According to Car Magazine, the reason why the SLC could potentially be ready in such a relatively short amount of time is because it will ride on an updated version of the SLS's aluminum spaceframe architecture.

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In other words, it won't be entirely new from the ground-up. The report also claims the SLC will ditch the SLS's gullwing doors in favor of conventional side-hinged units in an effort to further reduce weight and enhance body stiffness. Also unlike the SLS, the SLC will likely be built as a coupe and not a convertible. Power will likely come from a 4.0-liter V8 that'll produce either 458 horsepower or 585 hp for the SLC and SLC S, respectively. The sole transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch sending power to the rear wheels. All-wheel-drive won't be possible due to the car's transaxle layout.

Roughly a year after its launch, Mercedes may even offer the SLC with a V6 option with an estimated 333 hp. "SLC" may also not be its final name, as there are rumors that the iconic SLR nameplate is also being considered.