It's been no secret that Mercedes-Benz has not been content to let German rival VW/Audi bask in the glow of its much-lauded Audi R8, and has been developing a car to rival the vehicle which will reportedly be called the SLC.
The car has been spied before, but in a bizarre, Dodge Viperesque shell. These are the first spy photos of the vehicle as it begins to take its final shape. The super coupe is being developed and built by German sports car maker and AMG-collaborator HWA, which is investing heavily in its production center in Affalterbach, near Stuttgart, to handle the assembly
Reportedly based on the next-generation SL, the front-engine SLC (a mid-engine configuration had been rumored) is said to be packing an AMG sourced, 6.2-liter V-8 delivering at least 500 horsepower. The power could approach a stratospheric 700 horsepower if a twin-turbo unit is mounted to the engine, according to sources.
Unlike the R8, the SLC is said to be more of a true sport machine similar in mission to Benz's Black Series vehicles. Hints to its extreme sporting intentions are the massive fenders and a rear wing that will reportedly retract into the body work. Four large exhaust pipes frame the rear diffuser, and expect multiple carbon fiber and other weight saving technology to be part of the package. Inside, the car will reportedly share much of its cabin with the next SL.
Expect to see the first official look at the SLC at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.