We all loved the gas guzzling V8 in SLK and when Mercedes decided to retire both, it meant bad news for most of the car enthusiasts. Mercedes then introduced the SLC 43 in 2017 with a low powered but more efficient V6, keeping the family values in mind. A retracting rooftop makes it the best of both worlds, coupe, and convertible.
SLC 43 is priced at $61,350 and comes with a 3.0L Bi-turbo V6. The AMG tuned V6 failed to excite the performance enthusiasts even with some performance uplifts. The new SLC 43 is equipped with AMG's high-performance braking system and torque vectoring brakes which provides it with a better handling.
Merc's SLK's best features were curated and fitted into the SLC 43, except the V8(sighs). Jolted with AMG's sports suspension and electronic stability program, SLC won't let you question on its performance. The climate control knobs might feel a bit cheap but the rest of SLC's interior won't make a fuzz about quality.
The Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 is available in only one trim and comes loaded with a lot of features. This AMG SLC is available with only RWD option and no 4Matic trims. The AMG upgrade includes an eye-catching sports grille and carbon-fiber trims in interiors.
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Trim
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2018 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43
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MSRP
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$61,350
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Key
Features
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Twin power sports seats with memory
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7" color screen and the central controller |
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Rearview camera |
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DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes |
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Sports exhaust with active sound |
SLC is also available with a keyless entry remote which can also work as a remote for the hard-top as well. This roadster was included with some top-shelf features such as Brake hold, Electric parking brakes and a panorama magic sky roof.
" The V6 growls politely compared to the old SLK55 V8's bark, and the outputs are down by 53hp and 14 lb-ft respectively. 0-60mph takes 0.1 seconds longer than the old SLK, and is accomplished in 4.6 seconds." - Carbuzz
SLC might don the AMG badge but it does not pack that performance under its hood. The heart of SLC is a 3.0L Bi-Turbo which was not hand-crafted by AMG but tuned. This 3.0L can easily smash 362hp of power and 384lb-ft. of torque on the wheel. Mercedes retired their line of uber V8s with SLK-55 and this might look like the end of an era, but the much-refined V6s are pretty good.
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Models
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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MSRP
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$61,350
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$63,850
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$59,000
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$64,900
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Engine
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3.0L Biturbo V6
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2.0L i4 Turbocharged
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2.0L 4-Cyl Horizontally Opposed Alum Alloy
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2.5L, 5-Cyl, Turbocharged
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Transmission
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9-Speed Automatic
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8-Speed Automatic
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6-Speed Manual
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7-speed S-Tronic
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Horsepower
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362 hp
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296 hp
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300 hp
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400hp
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Torque
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384 lb-ft
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295 lb-ft
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280 lb-ft
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354lb-ft.
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There is a smooth seamless 9-speed automatic transmission provided to SLC 43. The perfectly placed paddle-shifters can make the transmission more fun and shifts are pretty smooth too. On Sports+ mode you can hear the V6 revving quite efficiently. Jaguar is an expensive option and it is an underpowered one too. Whereas, Audi comes packed with an engine which churns out 400hp of power.
Acceleration
There is a mode for every mood, Sports+ is for adrenaline junkies. This mode will turn your Merc into a sports convertible in no time. It will take SLC to 60mph mark in just 4.6sec, it might not be best-in-class but it is not slowest amongst its rivals. The new 3.0L V6 takes 0.1sec more than its predecessor V8 which also gave you the muscle-car-like tone.
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Models
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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0-60 MPH
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4.6 sec
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5.4 sec
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4.9 sec
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3.6sec
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Quarter mile
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14.0 sec
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14.1 sec
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14.2 sec
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11.9sec
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Engine
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3.0L
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2.0L
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2.0L
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2.5L
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
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7.7
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6.8
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7.3
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N/A
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The competition was quite clear in this segment with every manufacturer looking to produce an entry-level sports car. The quickest badge was awarded to Audi TT RS which took 3.6sec to reach 60mph and put rest of its rivals in its rear-view mirror. The slowest is the Brit F-type, Jaguar took 5.4sec to reach 60mph mark. Even the Boxster took 4.9sec to reach 60mph and it was quite impressive for a 2.0L engine.
Braking & Handling
SLC 43 is the heaviest in this segment and this makes it difficult to stop. Braking is done by AMG's sports braking system which brings it down to a halt from 70mph in 153ft. Even Audi TT RS being a performance-driven vehicle takes 154ft of tarmac to bring itself to a stop. Porsche being the lightest took the best braking award here with just 144ft of tarmac to bring itself to 0mph from 70.
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Model
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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Brake Front (in.)
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14.2
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14.0
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13.0
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14.6
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Brake Rear (in.)
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13.0
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12.8
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11.8
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12.2
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
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3,541
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3,405
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2,943
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3,306
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70-0 MPH (ft.)
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153
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149
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144
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154
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SLC might not what AMG enthusiasts had in mind but this car handles like an F-16. While cornering AMG's electromechanical steering provides this SLC a brilliant feedback and keeps the car in user's control. Handling can be improved with the optionally available limited slip differential which sends the power where it matters and this makes the SLC shoot out like a rocket around corners. AMG also provided this roadster with an adaptive damper which helps it out around wildest corners.
If you feel like buying a fuel-efficient sports car and do not feel like owning a mute electric car, SLC 43 is your car. 20mpg is quite a good for a sports car and gives it an edge over Audi TT RS. Whereas, Jaguar gives 23mpg on city driving conditions which is best-in-class. Even if we talk about highway driving conditions, Audi and Merc stand at the same point of 29mpg. Porsche might be better in city conditions but on the highway, it gives 28mpg which is not very satisfying.
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Model
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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MPG (city)
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20
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23
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21
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19
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MPG (highway)
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29
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30
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28
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29
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MPG (combined)
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23
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26
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24
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22
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"The SLC's interior displays the high-quality look and feel you expect from a Mercedes. It can feel a little intimate, but that's because it's a smaller vehicle." - Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
Mercedes has always been a maestro in comfort and creating noble interiors. SLC won't disappoint you with its interiors either. An interactive console is made more fun with a hint of carbon-fiber on its dashboard. You look inside, and you see a ton of buttons which might confuse you but getting used to it is pretty easy.
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Model
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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Passenger capacity
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2
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2
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2
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2
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Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
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39.1/52.2/42.5
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37.0/56.5/42.8
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N/A
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37.1/53.6/41.1
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Merc's SLC 43 is quite comfortable and this comfort is provided exclusively by AMG. There is an optional Nappa leather upholstery which is available only in SLC's AMG version. Mercedes also provided this roadster with Multi-color LED ambient lighting which puts the vehicle's ambiance at your fingertips.
Infotainment System
Mercedes decided to put a tiny screen between IWC's elite analog watch and those confusing buttons. Luckily, Mercedes decided to exclude their complicated touch navigation pad with the physical navigating button. The stock speakers might not be punchy enough while roof down, but you can always upgrade to the premium Harmon/Kardon speaker set.
Cargo volume
SLC might be good looking and luxurious but it will disappoint you with its trunk space. It might not be a good vehicle to kidnap your foes but you could definitely hang out with them in the front seats. Merc provided the SLC with 10.1ft3 of cargo space which is not quite enough. Whereas, Porsche is a bit congested back in its trunk and provides just 9.7ft3. Audi was generous and gave its TT RS 12.0ft3 of boot space which might make this a good getaway car.
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Model
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)
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10.1
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11.0
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9.7
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12.0
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2018 MERCEDES-AMG SLC 43 EXTERIOR
"The head- and taillamps gain subtle new shapes, while the front fascia brings gloss black and silver finishes on the air intakes and the splitters; they look particularly flattering against a bright red body. More gloss black adorns the mirror housings and the 18-inch wheels."-Caranddriver
Dimensions and Weight
SLK went through a little bit of nose-job by the cosmetic surgeons from AMG. Though we still are not able to recover from V8s being dead but looks are something to die for. Mercedes knows how to play with straight lines and SLC is a perfectly done job in this matter. As you go through the eye-warming design of this car you will notice how thoroughly aerodynamic this car is.
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Model
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Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC 43 Roadster
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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Porsche 718 Boxster
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Audi TT RS
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Curb weight (lbs.)
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3,541
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3,405
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2,943
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3,306
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Length(in)
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163.1
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176.5
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172.4
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165.0
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Width(in)
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71.5
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75.7
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70.9
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72.1
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Height(in)
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51.3
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51.3
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50.9
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52.9
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Ground clearance (in)
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3.5
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4.0
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4.3
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4.3
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Wheelbase (in)
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95.7
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103.2
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97.4
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98.6
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Track width (in) F/R
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61.0/61.7
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62.9/64.9
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59.6/60.3
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61.6/60.8
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SLC weighs 3,541lbs and it is the heaviest in this section. The lightest in this segment is the Porsche Boxster which stands at 2,943lbs. Even Audi TT RS lost some of its weight and this shedding got it at 3,306lbs. Jaguar at this matter gave there F-type a 3,405lbs of load to carry.
Safety Features
Below are the standard safety features available
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Infrared- remote hardtop operation
- Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature
IIHS & NHTSA ratings are not available.
Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Jaguar failed to impress us with its specifications. With a price tag of $63,850 and churning out 296hp of power, it is certainly not a good option. F-type is a good looking car and there is no denying that fact, but if you can shuffle your budget a bit, we'd recommend looking into higher trims. Jaguar could have made some more tweaks in their engine and made it a better car but the truth is, SLC 43 is a much better car in every aspect.
Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche is famous for its performance vehicles and Boxster is the undefeated champion in handling here. 718 Boxster is a handsome looking cousin of 911. The price for this Boxster is set at $59,000 and this might be a cheaper option here but certainly not a good one. With a 2.0L engine under its hood and generating 300hp of power. Boxster is a light vehicle and this greatly increases its handling efficiency. If you are looking for a 'toy' to play with, Porsche is your choice.
Audi TT RS
Audi is just $3,550 more expensive than Mercedes. A power packed, performance-driven vehicle, TT is clearly the best option in this segment. Generating a 400hp of power from its 2.5L engine it clearly surprised its competitors. Audi is also packed with a more tacky infotainment system and interiors give you simple yet relaxing vibes.
SLC 43 was introduced with a promise to provide Coupe-like luxury and an open-air experience. The hard retracting roof-top and the high revving V6 are some of the positive aspects of SLC. A hard-to-believe curb weight and the shoddy braking system even with AMG's braking system will definitely make you consider other options.
