Sometime this year, there were rumours that Mercedes-Benz was seriously considering a two-door performance model as a possible rival to Porsche's 911 and they might also revive the SLC model (codename R190) name and use it for this particular application. Now it seems that the automaker has been given the green light to produce it which is slated for production by 2015.

Not many details were revealed about the new SLC except for its powertrain. Initially rumoured to use one of AMG tuned engines, the front-engined SLC will feature an all-new 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine instead. The new engine is part of Mercedes' future generation engines.

These new engines will have a 500 cubic centimetres per cylinder displacement. This means that Mercedes-Benz could either use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a 3.0-litre V6 or a 4.0-litre V8 engine in their future cars. Expected horsepower will be lower than the SLS AMG. Not known to us is what badge will the SLC use as nowadays Mercedes car labels have long lost the bearings of the actual capacity under the bonnet. (For example, the new E250 has a 1.8-litre engine)

The new SLC will also be smaller in size compared to the SLS AMG. It will first be offered as a coupe and a roadster version will be offered if demands are high enough. The car will utilise Mercedes' current 7-speed dual clutch transmission and expect much light weight parts, such as aluminium, to be utilised interiorly.

The original SLC life span didn't last long compared to other Mercedes Benz's models and a revival will increase the automaker's model line-up and place them in fierce contention with rival German manufacturers like Audi and BMW.

Photo credit: Ultimate Car Page and Concept Carz