A Mercedes-Benz that directly rivals the Porsche 911 is close to getting the green light, according to reports.
An insider recently told Autocar that such a car, taking the form of a front-engined two-seater, has just been given an official codename and according to the publication, this is a crucial first step on the path towards development and, eventually, production.
Naturally, the sports car will slot beneath the SLS Gullwing and being another collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and AMG, the latter's all-new 5.5-litre biturbo V8 is a natural candidate for beneath the bonnet - although it might arrive sans the turbos in this lightweight sports car.
According the aforementioned report, the car will also revive the SLC name that was used for a tin-top SL during the 1970s. However, the modern sports car will have its own unique styling (it's said to look just as exciting as the SLS) and it'll be available in both coupe and roadster body styles.
But before you slap that chequebook on the counter, there will be a bit of a wait involved - the SLC not scheduled to appear any time before 2014.