Mercedes-Benz was not shy in throwing down the gauntlets at the Detroit Motor Show 2016 last week, with the unveiling of, not only the new E-Class (link to E-Class blog) but also the replacement of Mercedes smallest sports car, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz SLC. We are itching to take it for a spin and park it alongside our own collection of Mercedes-Benz hire models.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster will undergo a mid-term facelift, adopting the new SLC name – losing the ‘K’ in line with Mercedes-Benz new, more logical name choosing process – and along with it, a new engine, flexible performance, exterior styling improvements, and new safety features. The roadster will, for sure, have the potential to pose as the perfect performance car hire option.
The range will include an entry-level model of the Mercedes-Benz SLC, the SLC180, boasting a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 154 BHP; the SLC200 hides a new engine, the 1.8-litre engine of the SLK200 replaced with a contemporary 2.0-litre power plant, delivering the same 181bhp as before but an added 22lb ft at 221lb ft. The SLC300 utilises a highly-tuned version of the 2.0-litre engine, thus boasting a powerful 242 BHP and 273lb ft. A carry-over version of this engine will be at work in the only diesel model in the range, the SLC250d, maintains the 201 BHP and 369lb ft of its predecessor, the SLK250 CDI. All models will come with Mercedes’ nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, bar the SLC180 and SLC200, which will, of course, have it available as an optional extra.
Introducing the Big Daddy…
At the helm of the range, the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC43 pushes the old SLK55 AMG to the side, stealing the crown and boasting a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. While the power is down compared to the 5.5-litre engine and 416 BHP performance of the SLK55 AMG, it is less noticeable thanks to the turbo, meaning the AMG SLC43 can produce 384lb ft from as low as 2000 RPM, and reaches 0-62 MPH in 4.7 seconds, only a tenth of a second slower than the SLK55 AMG. We wonder how it would fare in a race against our Mercedes-Benz hire model, the Mercedes E63 AMG. https://www.signaturecarhire.co.uk/mercedes-benz-e63-amg-rental
As a result, Mercedes-Benz showcased to us “the most efficient six-cylinder performance roadster on the market”, according to the men themselves, claiming it will return 36.2 MPG.
The smooth SLC is also rather easy on the eye – and you can even pop the roof as you drive
The Mercedes-Benz roadster has also had some aesthetical amendments; the model sees a new front bumper with larger ducts added underneath its bonnet aiding engine bay cooling, as well as featuring Mercedes-Benz latest diamond shaped altered grill. The SLC has been fitted with integrated LED daytime running lights, while at the rear of the car, the bumper sees a new profile applied, with integrated tailpipes and a conspicuous diffuser element.
Hop into the driver’s seat of the new Mercedes-Benz SLC, and you will notice all models come with Active Brake Assist as standard, featuring autonomous braking, traffic light recognition, lane keeping assist, and blind spot detection – a true aid while driving and a wonderful decision from Mercedes-Benz. There are also new trim applications, a sportier three-spoke steering wheel, and a larger infotainment monitor.
Last but not least, Mercedes-Benz have turned their attention to the roof of their prized roadster, and allowed it to operate at speeds of up to 25 MPH, avoiding the driver having to interrupt the drive and come to a standstill to enjoy the folding hard top – and obviously, the Magic Sky Control glass roof is still available to enjoy.
Let Signature Car Hire entertain you in the meantime
While we await the launch of the Mercedes SLC in the United Kingdom, we still want to showcase our extensive fleet of self-drive car hire options, alongside our luxury chauffeur services and wedding car hire options to you! Come along anytime, and we would be delighted to show you our marques and personalise their purpose to you – albeit supercar hire to impress a special someone, a casual weekend car hire, or even a special treat to yourself, because, well, why not?