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Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Gets Official Presentation Clip, Still Feels Wrong with No V8

3531 Views 22 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  wja96
Sorry Folks I was looking for the SLC Section but Jeff still has problems to accept the fact that the V8 is gone I guess it will be a while before we see the SLC Section.:grin::grin:



Just as most of us were beginning to shop for last Christmas, the new Mercedes-Benz SLC came along, providing a much-needed update to the aging SLK roadster and giving it a new name at the same time.

As facelifts go, the one suffered by the SLK can be considered as a major one, with the front end suffering most of the changes while the rear and the interior were trailing closely behind. Yet what hurt the most was the across-the-range engine downsizing, starting with the SLC180 that uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and culminating with the AMG version.

The new sports version wears the somewhat confusing nomenclature of SLC43, with the numeric part of that name seemingly chose at random as it can’t really be linked to anything. The A-Class has less power and a smaller engine, and yet it’s called AMG A45, while the rest of the Affalterbach models get the classic 63 or 65 callsigns.

But if that were the only problem, we’d be over it in no time. No, the real issue lies with what’s actually under the hood. Mercedes-AMG can make all the glitzy presentation clips it wants, we’re still not ready to get over the fact that its new smallest roadster only uses a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 367 hp.

We’re not saying that’s not plenty of power or that it’s not worthy of an AMG model - even though the rest of the cars that use this engine aren’t full-blown AMG models but members of the newly formed AMG Sport sub-brand (which is about to get canned, apparently - more on that here). It’s the idea.

When you opt for a Mercedes-AMG SLC, you don’t just buy an AMG car, you buy a small roadster with a ridiculous V8 engine. The whole car is preposterous, and that’s the point. You don’t want one that makes more sense, that’s more affordable or more economical, you want the V8 one.

But that’s where we’re headed. Mercedes-AMG needs to cut down on emissions and fuel consumption, and the SLC drew the short stick and was the first to suffer the consequences. Oh, well, they could have used a dumbed-down version of the new 4.0-liter V8 engine, but they probably know better. And since the two-liter four-cylinder unit in the AMG A45 sounds so damn good, here’s to hoping the V6 will be at least just as obnoxious.

One thing is certain: the new Mercedes-AMG SLC43 is definitely helped by the design changes, and that’s plain to see in the clip below. What we’re still waiting for is to hear the sound the V6 makes on the SLC, and that’s something this clip, unfortunately, doesn’t clarify for us.


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Mission statement "Mercedes-Benz the best or nothing" doesn't work without a V8 in the AMG does it :frown:
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From the Mercedes AMG website -----

With the AMG A 45 Mercedes proudly proclaims:
AMG 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine
Handcrafted by Mercedes-AMG
One Man – One Engine

And for the new AMG SLC 43 Mercedes proudly proclaims:
AMG front and rear axles, including AMG-specific mounts for the engine and rear axle differential

Sure makes an SLC 43 driver proud to drive with AMG motor mounts.:frown:
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From the Mercedes AMG website -----

With the AMG A 45 Mercedes proudly proclaims:
AMG 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine
Handcrafted by Mercedes-AMG
One Man – One Engine

And for the new AMG SLC 43 Mercedes proudly proclaims:
AMG front and rear axles, including AMG-specific mounts for the engine and rear axle differential

Sure makes an SLC 43 driver proud to drive with AMG motor mounts.:frown:
Yeah...but they get a badge and an entry into the AMG Private Lounge also.:wink:
Can't wait for the SLC43 to come out, I'm gonna get a full day test drive rag the butt off it and tell the salesman how inadequate the car is with a V6 mongrel engine in it compared to the V8 even if it's brilliant.

>:D

Riverside Red
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I'm actually very pleased by the SLC43 spec -

Because I won't want one. Which is good for my bank account.

Although I do like aspects of the redesigned exterior; the changes aren't significant enough to motivate a change on that basis alone. I may actually feel a smug since of superiority should the Jr. AMG be next to me at the lights. Which is good for my ego.

I'm trying hard to think of another model, Mercedes or otherwise, where the incoming car is inferior to the outgoing one.
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If I buy a SLC43 in a few years I'm going to need an aftermarket tune of at least 440hp, change the exhaust to true AMG exhaust. Minor things are AMG gear shifter and AMG logo on the seats
Daniel, my V8 is not gone. I'm driving it! :D
Does the SLC carry the R172 designation still?
The writing was on the wall when they started putting diesels in SLKs. Can't help feeling it's all part of a move to make SLs more attractive.
Seems like Merc is following Ford & Acura developing "high output" V6's

I think it's a crying shame this high strung smallish displacement trend we are seeing.
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Makes me sad :(

So is this the R173 or just a facelift?
Facelift. Still a r172. each generation, R170,r171,r172 lasts about 7 years with a facelift mixed in
Let's hope the R173 is a lot bolder and that AMG embrace it fully.
Facelift. Still a r172. each generation, R170,r171,r172 lasts about 7 years with a facelift mixed in
If it was a facelift would they not just keep the model SLK as opposed to SLC? And then in a couple of years call it an SLC when the expected soft top comes along. I think MB have lost the plot a bit on this one.:frown:
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You would think so, but they wanted the SLC to match all the other name changes they made. Go figure!

Under the new naming convention, the Stuttgart-based automaker will begin the name of all of its SUVs with the letter G — in honor of Mercedes' iconic G-Class. As a result, the current M-Class will become the GLE. The GLK compact SUV will becomes the GLC, while the full-size GL will will become the GLS.

In addition, the SLK sports car will now be known as the SLC.

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And to think they pay people to come up with these changes:nerd:
No wonder buyers are confused, will the C450 AMG owners get a new badge to become a C43 when they go in for their service? :wink:
And for the new AMG SLC 43 Mercedes proudly proclaims:
AMG front and rear axles, including AMG-specific mounts for the engine and rear axle differential

Sure makes an SLC 43 driver proud to drive with AMG motor mounts.:frown:
One man...one engine mount.

:frown:

Doesn't quite create a feeling of exclusivity and craftsmanship
Amg v8?

News flash. Not all AMG's of the past were V8's. Only those of the recent years. There were others.

My first AMG was the C36. One of 1000. It used a 3.6 liter screamer of a in-line six with variable timing DOHC. The only car I have owned that got better gas mileage at 100mph than at 70mph. :surprise:

My 2nd AMG was a C32 with the supercharged V6. The only supercharged V6 ever produced by AMG (it used the same engine in the SLK32 as well). With a simple, reliable overdrive pulley installed in one afternoon, I did not need a V8 and was running manifold pressure of about 18psi. It was fast. It did not sound as great as the C36 or my newer V8 powered SLK but it had an exotic sound from the whine of the screw compressor that few cars can claim. It was a fun ride.

Don't forget the big S65 AMG either. It is a V12 beast. A friend of mine has one that was tweaked by Hennesy and it is well amazing. Not a V8. Variety is good. Performance is also good. From what I see the little 4 cyl turbo is not a bad performer. If you do not like it, vote with your purse. They will figure it out.

Irish
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I think the issue is not with non-V8s, but with the move away from the "one man, one motor" approach that has been an AMG mantra. I'm confident the performance will still be good.
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