Mercedes SLC and SL Phased Out ? VETTE Hard Top Right On Time ?

[Frenzy36]

GM may be on the right track offering a HT Convertible - Mercedes may AXE their SL HT Convertibles and SLC Hardtop Convertibles. Check this out

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Mercedes-Benz SLC future uncertain due to low demand

October 2, 2018 admin Leave a comment


Model may not be replaced as the global market for two-seat convertibles contracts

The Mercedes-Benz SLC faces an uncertain future after Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche said a replacement is by no means a formality.

“These speciality cars have lost their share in our total portfolio,” said Zetsche. “For a particularly long time, China has led growth, and China shows little interest in cars such as these.

“Our portfolio is not something defined for eternity. We revisit constantly, and that’s what we’re doing. Any decisions we will communicate in the future.”

Without referring to the SLC, Mercedes development boss Ola Källenius also said that Mercedes could look to make changes to its product line-up in the future.

“We’ve has 20-plus years of uninterrupted broadening of the portfolio,” he said. “In 2022, we’ll have 40-plus models. Even if we love every child – and we do – we’ll be rational. We will not hesitate to slim down if we look at the economics. We will look at the next 10 years and cater to where the market is going.”

Källenius added that Mercedes is still open to finding yet more niches. “We won’t rule out creativity,” he said.

The SLC, badged SLK until 2016, was launched in 1996 and kick-started the industry-wide trend for folding hard-top convertibles.





Read more:

Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 review

Mercedes-AMG to launch Porsche 718 Cayman rival

Another SLC will not do if AMG is to take on the Cayman

2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC prices and specs released



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[Frenzy36]

»«

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• Next Mercedes-Benz SL to Lose Retractable Hardtop
  
  
  Cars News Mercedes Mercedes SL-Class Mercedes SLK-Class Convertible Sports cars Future cars

If you’ve been a fan of the retractable hardtop on the Mercedes SL and, prepare yourself for some bad news. Apparently, the next-generation SL will be available only as soft-top models. The SLK, which will share its underpinnings with the SL in the next generation, will carry on with its hard top.

The changes are still significant enough that it could alter the look of the SL. But that’s the gamble Mercedes in trying to reduce the car’s weight. In some ways, that could be a boon for fans of the luxury roadster, as less weight means it will use its power more effectively.

Speaking of power, the next-gen SL and SLK models are also expected to be offered with new engines, including four- and six-cylinders for the SLK, and a new 3.0-liter, inline-six for the SL. Performance numbers haven’t been announced just yet, but the four-cylinder in the SLK is likely able to produce around 240 horsepower, with the six-cylinder ticked significantly higher at around 335 horsepower to 435 horsepower. As for the SL’s new inline-six, that baby could have 365 ponies on tap.

With all these changes in tow, don’t expect these changes to happen soon, as a next-gen SL isn’t expected until 2021.

Note: Current Mercedes SLK pictured here.

Click past the jump to read more about the current Mercedes SLK. Read More:

• 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing auctioned for $4.62 million
• Mercedes SL500 by Inden Design

Mercedes SLK

The US market gets its own share of SLK models in the form of the SLK 350 and SLK 250.

Depending on the trim the new SLK will get a V-6 or a four-cylinder engine. These engines will be mated to a six-speed manual or a 7G‑TRONIC PLUS transmission. The fuel economy has been considerably improved, while the top speed is limited as usual at 155 mph.

[meyerweb]

I'm not sure I understand the comment that "GM may be on the right track offering an HT convertible." The article says Mercedes is phasing out HT convertibles because of slow sales. But apparently continuing a soft-top convertible.

[Frenzy36]

I'm not sure I understand the comment that "GM may be on the right track offering an HT convertible." The article says Mercedes is phasing out HT convertibles because of slow sales. But apparently continuing a soft-top convertible.

meyerweb, I have always been a fan of the HT Convertibles. If the new C8 offers a HT Convertible, I'm purchasing one. I have been a big fan of the Mercedes SL and SLK, SLC All Hardtop Convertibles. If they are getting rid of them and only offering a softop as BMW may also do, the Corvette will be much more attractive to many other buyers who prefer a Hard Top Convertible.

[John]

Big diff as to whether we are talking about true sports cars or sporty sedans.

[Frenzy36]

Big diff as to whether we are talking about true sports cars or sporty sedans.

John, they are all 2 Seater Sport Cars with a Retractable Hardtop. None are Sedans. The SL65 AMG being the best of the bunch with 621 HP Hardtop 2 Seat Convertible with base model starting at $222K

[John]

Exactly, that the the sporty MB’s sedans are continuing with soft convertible tops, but the MB sports cars are continuing with HT’s.

[Frenzy36]

No- They are all 2 Seat Hardtop Convertibles Here is the SL65

[Frenzy36]

[Frenzy36]

Sedans are 4 door cars- The models affected will be the 2 door sport cars. Hard Top Convertibles. HT Roadsters, Whatever you want to call them, but I believe this will be a big plus for GM if they really are going to offer a hardtop convertible as BMW and Mercedes will no longer offer any.

[John]

I believe the chances of the 2020 Corvette offering a HT convertible are over 95%, whereas the chances of it being offered in a soft top convertible are in the 1% range.

[Frenzy36]

That's Great - I hope your right. I will not buy a soft top . I'm in for a HT Convertible, or possibly 2 depending on prices and options powerplants, etc. Awwww hell I can always sell another car and get 2 anyway. LOL

[Busa Dave]

John, they are all 2 Seater Sport Cars with a Retractable Hardtop. None are Sedans. The SL65 AMG being the best of the bunch with 621 HP Hardtop 2 Seat Convertible with base model starting at $222K

My SLK 55 was one of my favorite road cars to dive from DFW to Cincinnati when my daughter was playing soccer at Xavier!! Most comfortable sports road car I have owned. Yes a little small for some but to drive up one day and then back the next was just the ticket! Very nimble and cruising at 90 was effortless and the hid lights were awesome as a lot of driving was at night..