SPY: The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift (R 231) and SLC (R 172) models get uncovered of secrets

For the 2016 model year, Mercedes-Benz will revamp both its roadster lineups. Along with the facelift, the current model generation SLK will receive a new title, according to the new nomenclature for Mercedes-Benz vehicles - SLC, which shows that the R 172 generation is derived from the C-Class. The SL moniker stays and will stay the same onwards, as it is an iconic name that has been around for more than 60 years.

The refreshment process for the new SLC will ensure the roadster receives a dramatically revised front fascia, which will be aligned with the Sensual Purity design language seen on most of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. The headlight shape will softened and thus will get rounder and more elegant than what is to be seen today on the SLK. The inner graphics will be instantly recognizable thanks to the upper LED lid, which is a design characteristic reminiscent of the C-Class and GLC-Class.

The radiator grille will sport a single-louvre appearance, but it will also premiere the sensational Diamond pattern, which is to be found today on the A-Class facelift and CLA-Class. The rear end will be just slightly revamped, with the tail lights receiving new LED graphics, similar to those found on the E-Class facelift (BR212) and the GLE-Class (W 166).

In what the new SL is concerned, designers have focused on rejuvenating the car's frontal appearance. The roughly-cut headlights will be replaced by rounded lamps with distinctive LED inner graphics, similar to those found on the upcoming SLC. Notably, the biggest change will be the addition of the inverted grille with the Mercedes-Benz star placed in the middle. This new type of grille is similar to the Panamericana grille found on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and it will also be gradually installed on several other models in the future. All these revisions will give the new SL facelift a radical appearance and will mean a radical departure from the current model generation.

The rear end will not be affected too much by the facelift, but the tail lights are bound to receive new LED graphics to match the current design philosophy of the brand. Both the new SL and the new SLC will feature newly-shaped front and rear bumpers and will also get new exhaust pipes with chrome finish. Inside, the once dashboard-integrated display for the COMAND Online infotainment system will be a thing of the past, as it will be replaced by a larger, dashboard-mounted display, like in the C-Class. Moreover, the fresh screens will be installed right in the centre of the dashboard, with the new air vents placed correctly in order to amend the current position imperfection.

Important changes are also programmed for the engine lineups as well. The new SL facelift will feature an upgraded powerplant for the SL 500 which delivers 455 hp, like in the S 500 model. The SL 600 V12 version will also get the engine from the S 600, rated at 530 hp. An SL 450 AMG 4MATIC with 367 hp is also possible, alongside the current SL 400 with 333 hp which will be kept in the offer as well. The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 65 will offer the same output as for the current generation: 585 hp and, respectively, 630 hp.

It is possible, yet rather unlikely knowing the brand's strategy, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 gets the new AMG V8 BITURBO with 4.0 litres, but then the output would have to be pushed beyond the current 585 hp to around 600 hp. Which means going from the 510 hp found in the M178 unit of the Mercedes-AMG GT (C 190) - not an impossible task, given that the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG GT X is said to deliver around 550 hp and the future Mercedes-AMG E 63 S (BR213) coming towards the end of 2016 is also announced to push the peak output over 600 hp using a modified version of the M178 unit.

For the SLC, Mercedes-Benz will likely add new engines in the upper range of versions. The current SLK 350 will be replaced by an all new SLC 400 model powered by a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine producing 333 hp. Moreso, the AMG SPORT lineup will expand thanks to the addition of the new SLC 450 AMG 4MATIC model with 367 hp. This new version will also become the first model of the SLK (former)/SLC (new) range to be equipped with a 4x4 platform in three generations (R 170, R 171 and today's R 172). Plans are the AMG model is ditched in favour of the above-mentioned SLC 450 AMG 4MATIC. However, the current Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG boasts a maximum output of 422 hp which is a long way from SLC 450 AMG 4MATIC's 367 hp. This leaves us to believe that the replacement model premiering with the arrival of facelift generation, which could be badged as Mercedes-AMG SLC 55 or even Mercedes-AMG SLC 63, should come equipped with the lower specification M178 unit found on the Mercedes-AMG GT and delivering 462 hp, 14 hp less than the M177 unit found on the Mercedes-AMG C 63.

The entry-level SLC will be the SLC 200 version boasting 184 hp, followed by the SLC 250 d with 204 hp and the SLC 250 model, whose output will rise from 211 hp to 218 hp. Technically speaking, both the SL facelift and SLC will be equipped with the latest safety and dynamic assistance systems that debuted on the S-Class and C-Class. The most recent generation of the COMAND Online infotainment system will be optionally available with Touchpad and Head Up Display (HUD). The Intelligent Drive safety package will also be offered as standard equipment, as well as the DIRECT SELECT suspension system and the AIRCAP and AIRSCARF aerodynamics and comfort features, borrowed from the E-Class Cabriolet (A 207).

Except the new SLC (R 172) and the new SL facelift (R 231) to be officially unveiled next year, either at the NAIAS Detroit in January or at Geneva Motor Show in March, following their official online presentation in December 2015 for the SLC and February 2016 for the SL facelift. Pricing is still unknown at this phase, but it should be kept the same for both models, given the fact we are talking about a mid-life cycle refreshment for the Mercedes-Benz roasters.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog / Walko-Art

Copyright � 2015, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2016 C-Class Coup� (C 205) is on its way to the official reveal

One year and a half after it introduced to the new 205 model series of the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its offering with the arrival of the all new C-Class Coup� (C 205) or, shortly, C-Coup�. The second iteration of the two-door model will be a radical departure from today's C 204 generation. First official photos will hit the internet by 20th August, according to latest indications. Public unveiling will take place in September, at the IAA Frankfurt 2015.

Right from the beginning, the engineers and designers behind the C 205 project had a key objective in their minds: refined sportiness. Compared to the outgoing C 204, the new C-Coup� is riding on a lower ground clearance. Moreover, the body is somehow wider to improve lateral stability, but inside, the rear space and boot capacity have been sacrificed in favour of driving dynamics.

The DYNAMIC SELECT chassis comes as standard on the higher specification models, so expect a good dose of agility. Efficiency will be ensured via the precise and intelligent 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, which will be offered as standard on the all diesel models and on a few, specific high-end variants. The exterior design is a continuation of the "Sensual Purity" dictone that was so lavishly demonstrated on the new S-Class Coup� (C 217). Gorden Wagener is confident enough to entitle the new C-Class Coup� as even more beautiful than its S-Class sibling.

The engine range will be borrowed from the limousine and estate variants. The entry-level model should not go below the current C 200 d Coup� with 136 hp. It will be then followed by the C 220 d Coup� with 177 hp, the C 200 Coup� with 184 hp, the C 250 d Coup� with 204 hp and the C 250 Coup� with 218 hp. The range-topping versions will be the C 400 Coup� with V6 power and 333 hp and the special C 450 AMG 4MATIC Coup� with 367 hp. We also expect to see the 4MATIC powertrain on several other versions, such as the C 220 d, the C 250 d, the C 250 and the C 400.

Mercedes-AMG will a dose of steroids to the new C-Class Coup�. At the start of sales, programmed for the end of 2015, the Affalterbach-based sports division will align at the starting grid two variants for the C 205: the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coup� model powered by the AMG M177 powerplant developing 476 hp and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coup� with an output-upgraded version of the same engine producing no less than 510 hp and making use of several tweaks for the chassis, suspension and brakes in order to deliver a radical sporty sensation.

To celebrate the online reveal of the new car, Mercedes-AMG have created a webspecial which previews the C-Class Coup� through a set a of exciting teaser videos. The webspecial is available at the next address: http://www.mercedes-amg.com/webspecial/ccoupe/index.php?lang=eng#home .

Image Credits: WorldCarFans

Copyright � 2015, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: First scoops of the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Facelift (X 166)

The current generation of the GL-Class launched during summer 2012 and the large-sized SUV is already prone to receive a makeover to refresh the model at the middle of its lifecycle. According to rumors, the facelift of the X 166 will be revealed next year as a 2016 model.

This decision to renew the GL-Class at quite the same with the reveal of the future MLC and the M-Class Facelift is rather surprising and it looks Mercedes-Benz plans to reduce the initial lifespan of its large-sized SUV in order to make the transition towards the forthcoming X 167 series, which will be developed under an all new 4x4 platform: the MHA or Modular High Architecture, designed to underpinned company's next generation of SUVs and crossovers.

The changes on the design of the GL-Class will be rather minimal and will include a new grille and headlights with more attractive inner LED graphics. The rear lamps will not be very different from the current ones, but expect them to receive a dark tint, just like the new CLS Facelift. Inside, the once dashboard-integrated display for the infotainment system will now be attached to the upper central section, similar to the latest Mercedes-Benz interiors. At the same time, the GL Facelift will also be equipped with the most recent COMAND Online generation, which also features a touchpad controller.

Image Credits: WorldCarFans

Copyright � 2014, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz plans a Sportcoupe version for the future C-Class

The German constructor is growing faster than ever these days. With the impressive momentum brought by the new compact car lineup and the forthcoming portfolio on luxury models based on the recently unveiled S-Class, Mercedes-Benz will further build a solid advantage when the future C-Class generation gets revealed in 2014. Rumors already suggest plans to add a fifth variant for the 205 model series - the Sportcoupe.

This title has already been used in the past as well, when the 203 generation of the C-Class also comprised a hatchback version which, unfortunately, was far from being a sales success. In fact, the car was notorious for its construction faults and the lack of premium feel. But this a closed chapter from a dark period for Mercedes-Benz.

The future C-Class Sportcoupe (V 205 ??) is anything but a flop. Built as a combination between a sedan, a wagon and a coupe (sounds pretty familiar to the CLS Shooting Brake), the new addition to the C-Class family will sport dynamical proportions, a long roofline extending towards the back and general fastback shape with five doors for increased practicality.

Inside, the car will offer more room for its passengers and their luggage as well as an extra dose of uniqueness. Mercedes-Benz intends to market this new model as a lifestyle automobile that offers both comfort, luxury and agility. The overall length will exceed that of the limousine (W 205), whereas the height will be lower than that of its direct competitors - the BMW 3er GT and the Audi A5 Sportback.

Expect the C-Class Sportcoupe to be released sometime in 2016, as it still waits for an imminent production approval from the Daimler Board of Management. The technical package, with all the major novelties, will come from the 205 series. Alongside the standard RWD traction, the 4MATIC system will be offered on the high-end variants as an option, like the new 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. The standard engine variants will start with the 184 hp C 200 and go straight to the 333 hp C 400 range-topping model. An AMG-powered variant is also possibile from 2017 - in this case, power will come from the new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 unit rated at 462 hp. The starting price should be around 5,000 euros above the W 205 C-Class.

Illustration: Autobild

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: First sighting of the future 2016 Mercedes-Benz GT/SLC AMG (C 190)

Mercedes-AMG has just recently begun testing its brand new sports weapon in the mid-class segment: the new GT supercar, which could also be badged SLC AMG, is destined to arrive in the second part of 2015, with the world premiere probably planned for IAA Frankfurt the same year.

In numerous occassions we have debated on the issue of the future AMG supercar. At one moment, there would have been hardly any chance of the car making it onto streets as a prototype. Now, out of the blue, the first development vehicles have rolled off on the tarmac of Germany.

The engineers have been caught while they were taking the promenade at the wheel of a pre-series GT/SLC AMG vehicle near firm's headquarters in Affalterbach and inside the town. If you make a comparison with the renditions we have showcased in a previous article (see HERE), you will see the digital artist who came up with those CGIs were pretty accurate.

The philosophy based on the progressive approach of forms will ensure the design of the new AMG supercar ends up being even more thrilling and youthful when compared to the SLS AMG. At the same time, details such as the exterior lights, the front wings and apron and the rear diffuser will be added with a dose of sharpness which is set a load of sensation when seen. The single-louvre grille will further increase the heartbeat through the visual connection with the successful Mercedes-Benz performance cars from the past.

The GT/SLC AMG will be smaller in length to the SLS AMG, but the general proportions will be the same: a long engine bonnet with the cabin moved towards the rear extremity. Given the heavy cladding near the door, we can speculate this supercar could be 4-seater, although a 2-seat architecture is more likely given the dwarfed space behind the front seats.

Intensively speculated as an opponent to the Porsche 911, the C 190 will also target Nissan GT-R - no wonder they are testing it alongside this model as visible from some spy shots. Both sports cars are tough contenders, nonetheless, but the GT/SLC AMG will clearly set apart from its competitors.

Among its strong points: the ultra-lightweight architecture based on alloys, aluminium, composite materials and CFRP and the impressive engine list, combining both 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder units with outputs ranging from 333 hp up to 550 hp. The dedicated AMG management programes and systems, as well as the specially designed components (wheels, brakes, suspension etc.) will further increase the pleasure of driving a true supercar.

Image Credits: Gmotors.co.uk / Motor Authority

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.