While most of us were getting ready for the winter holiday, Mercedes-Benz was pulling the wraps off a facelifted version of the SLK, renamed to SLC.
It carries some visual tweaks on both ends, a slightly updated interior while in the range-topper, Mercedes-AMG dropped the 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 from the previous SLK 55 in favor of a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, on the SLC 43.
Surprisingly, the powertrain has lost 54hp during the swap but it gained 14lb-ft (19Nm) of torque at 362hp (367PS) and 383lb-ft (520Nm), respectively, enough to carry the car up to a limited 250km/h (155mph) and from naught to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.7 seconds, 0.1sec slower than its predecessor.
While some of its power was lost on the way, the new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is more economical, as it consumes 7.8L/100km (30.2mpg US) on the European combined cycle, while emitting 178g/km of CO2.
In order to celebrate another addition to the AMG family, Mercedes has introduced a video that highlights its driving dynamics. In the short film, the manufacturer puts the SLC 300 to the test as well, with its four-pot 2.0-liter powertrain producing 239hp (242PS) and 273lb-ft (370Nm) of torque.
These will be the only two versions of the roadster available in North America, both equipped with the 9-speed auto, while Europeans will get to enjoy the new SLC 180 entry-level, the SLC 200 and the SLC 250 d diesel on top. Sales will start this spring.