Mercedes-Benz->ke187 is set to retire its flagship sports car -- the SLS->ke2504 -- next year. That's correct, the AMG-tuned Mercedes SLS will go out of production in July 2014, but the car that will take its place has been seen testing quite a few times and we know it as the Mercedes SLC. Some sources, however, suggest that the new car could be called the Mercedes GT instead.
Where the Mercedes SLS AMG was pitted against the Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Gallardo, among others, the 2015 Mercedes Benz GT (SLC) will rival the Porsche 911 Turbo. This means that Mercedes Benz will re-position the GT down a segment to compete in a much more lucrative market among the Porsches, Jaguars and Audis. That said, a more expensive and faster version will also be available.
The new car will be assembled at Mercedes-Benz AMG at Afalterbach, Germany and will share the production line as its predecessor. According to Autocar, the Mercedes-Benz GT AMG is to be unveiled at the German Grand Prix next year and will go on sale in 2015.
More on the technical aspect of the Mercedes-Benz GT AMG after the jump.
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG
Sources close to Autocar reveal that the upcoming Mercedes SLC/GT AMG will use a new 4.0-liter, modular V-8 with a twin-turbocharger setup. This engine is touted to deliver about 500 horsepower, pitting it against the mighty 911 Turbo. Two more engines will be available on the SLC/GT AMG. The one in use on the current SLS AMG -- the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with just under 600 horsepower -- will carry over into the new flagship, and a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8, which sees use in other AMG cars, will also be available on the /SLCGT AMG.
On the outside, the GT will drop the SLS's famous gull-wing doors for a much more conventional setup, which is a sad, but necessary change to keep the costs down. Underneath, the new model use a similar framework as the SLS with an aluminium spaceframe chassis and aluminium composite body panels.
The GT AMG will measure 177 inches in length, and about the same height and width as the SLS. A retracting rear spoiler will be part of the standard package.
While, the addition of turbines will change the performance characteristics of the car, we can expect similar punch as the SLS, but lower down the rev band. Managing all that power will be a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox mounted towards the rear of the car for better weight distribution. The new Mercedes GT AMG will also benefit from weight saving, leading to a much lower curb weight of 3,415 pounds and a 0-to-60 mph time of about 4 seconds.