Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG: first taste of Porsche 911 rival

Disguised with the body panels of the SLS AMG supercar, the Mercedes SLC will be roughly 150mm shorter than its big brother, riding on a more compact platform and sporting a shorter front overhang.

Due in 2014, the SLC Coupe will trade the SLS AMG’s gullwing doors for conventional fixtures, reducing development and production costs and making it easier for manufacturer to create the soft-top SLC Roadster spin-off, which is expected to join the line-up by 2016.

Our spy photographers said this SLC mule was spotted at AMG’s test centre just outside the Nurburgring where it has been undergoing serious engine and chassis testing.

The SLC’s powertrain details remain a mystery at this stage. Some international reports have suggested it will come standard with a V8, ranging in size from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre to a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre, while others believe Mercedes will offer a budget version with a less powerful but more fuel efficient V6.

The Mercedes-Benz SLC is expected to be priced from £75,000, roughly the same price as the entry-level Porsche 911 Carrera, which starts at $229,900 in Australia.