At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980, an uprated version
of the 107 series roadster and coupe was presented; the
equipment of the interior (including at long last the
steering wheel) had been brought up to the standard of
the S-Class sedans - as had the cars technology.
The former 3-speed automatic transmission was replaced
by a 4-speed version, and the light-alloy engines of the
S-Class were built into the 107 series models in slightly
modified form.
There were very few external differences to its predecessor;
the main external cosmetic change being the addition of
a black plastic rear spoiler.
Suspension upgrades included the use of a double wishbone
axle with coil springs and anti roll bar at front and
a diagnol swing axle at rear. Larger brake pads were also
introduced, and with that their longevity increased by
over 30%.
Interestingly, the new model 500SL and SLC's engine
developed the same horespower rating as the legendary
300SL from almost 30 years prior.
Even acceleration
times were near identical, the new model SL and SLC
beating the older model by only .6 of a second, attaining
0 - 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.
As with the SL, this was the first model SLC that
allowed the owner to option ABS.
