Not too long ago, it was revealed that Mercedes-Benz SUV models were set for a naming shake-up. Now a new report from Auto Express claims that the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK will also receive a new name and be dubbed the SLC.
The report also says that the German marque’s broader range of sports cars is set for name changes meaning the next-gen SL-Class could also wear different badging.
Beyond a possible new name, a selection of other details about the next-generation SLK, or SLC, are known. First and foremost, it will ride on the firm’s new modular sports car architecture (MSA) also to be shared with the next Mercedes-Benz SL. This platform allows for different wheelbases along with differing car lengths and widths. Thanks to the versatility of the platform, it should allow for both soft top and hard top folding roof mechanisms.
This new platform will also weigh less than the platform which the current SLK currently uses. The current car features its very own platform but as mentioned, the next-gen SLK will utilise the same one as the next SL and consequently, the car will be made in the same Bremen, Germany factory as the future SL.
More importantly however is the fact that the new MSA platform will allow for a plug-in hybrid powertrain to be fitted to select variants of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLK. As a result, this will be the first time the SLK is available as a hybrid. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system will also be offered for the first time.
[Via Auto Express]
