(April 4, 2016) STUTTGART — To coincide with its 20-year anniversary, the archetypal SLK compact roadster is to be relaunched in U.S. showrooms this month with a new name — the SLC — as well as significantly optimized technology and an enhanced look. The name change acknowledges the roadster's close relationship with the C-Class.

There are new additions to the model line-up —namely, the sporty top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC43. In visual terms, stand-out features include the standard-fit diamond radiator grille and the LED Intelligent Light System (optional extra).



The SLC has an impressive heritage to live up to: its predecessor, the SLK, which was launched in 1996, won fans around the world and achieved sales of around 670,000 units.

The biggest changes come under the hood. The AMG version drops its V-8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged V-6, and the regular model will exclusively use four-cylinder power. The SLK350's 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 has been dropped. The previous SLK300 with its 2.0-liter turbo four returns as the SLC300 with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque mated to a nine-speed automatic. The AMG43 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

Mercedes claims the SLC300 can reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the AMG43 in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph and 155 mph, respectively.

"In 1996 Mercedes-Benz redefined the roadster with its innovative vario-roof, and combined open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. The renamed compact roadster remains the ideal combination of passion and rational common sense, appealing to both the heart and the mind," said Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG.

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the cult roadster's sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet, is particularly striking.   All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard. Its interior, post facelift, has an even higher-quality look. Highlights include new light (standard) or dark aluminum trim parts with a carbon-fibre finish. The instrument cluster has a new design too.

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver's behest.