Mercedes Benz SLC prototype caught testing at the Nurburguring!

The successor to the Mercedes Benz SL Gullwing has been spotted in prototype form in and around Germany’s Nurburgring test circuit on a number of occasions in the recent past, but until now the car has been shrouded in heavy camouflage gear. A series of interior shots have now appeared on several Internet forums that are alleged to be the real deal.

The shots show a familiar Mercedes Benz steering wheel and a unique dash fitted with silver accented controls similar to that used in the current SLR supercar. Another interesting feature is the retro styled air-vents, which look similar to the units used by Mercedes Benz during the 1970s. The COMAND system knob located on the center console is also identical to the units used by other Mercedes models.

There are few other details known about the new car, which is thought to be called either the SLC or Gullwing, but one rumor that is quickly gaining credence is that it will be the first production model to be badged exclusively under AMG label.

The AMG SLC (or Gullwing) is expected to be shown in production trim at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, while a concept is expected to be shown at Frankfurt next year. A convertible variant, most likely sporting a cloth roof, is expected to be unveiled in 2011. The previous renderings give us a clue as to what the new car could look like, showing a vented bonnet and a new headlight design not seen on any previous Mercedes models.

The car’s exact dimensions have also been reported to be 4.65 meters long, 1.95 meters wide and just 1.25 meters tall, with a wheelbase of just 2.7 meters.

The decision to use only the AMG brand on the new car will also coincide with the release of the company’s first supercar since the end of its partnership with McLaren for the SLR.

Power will come from AMG’s familiar hand-built 6.2L V8 engine and is expected to top out at 580hp (433kW). The engine will be located up front but will be mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. Drive will be sent to the rear wheels via a newly developed dual-clutch transmission sitting in front of the rear axle. The SLC’s final kerb weight will be around 1,650kg, and with the V8 engine it should be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 300km/h.

The price of the car is expected to be roughly €150,000 (approximately $234,196), with production numbers likely to fall between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year.