Auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is transforming its popular SLK roadster brand into the new SLC roadster. The new SLC brand is expected to debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Mercedes-Benz said that the SLC brand name means that the new roadster shares a close relationship with the company's C-Class lineup. It is also important to note that the new SLC series draws much of its technologies from the C-Class lineup.

Like Us on Facebook

Aside from rebranding to SLC, the new roadster received a facelift and now sports a new front section. It also has a steeply raked radiator and its hood is more arrow-shaped. The 2016 SLC also sports aerodynamic LED lights and revamped lower grille.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster is available in two engine models; a V6 and a 4-cylinder model.

The 4-cylinder engine packs 241 horsepower and torque of 273 pound-feet. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per second in 5.7 seconds.

The 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine is rated with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet torque. The engine s powerful enough to send the 2017 SLC from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

"In 1996 Mercedes-Benz redefined the roadster with its innovative vario-roof, and combined open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather. The renamed compact roadster remains an ideal combination of passion and common sense, appealing to both the heart and the mind," said Ola Kalenius, head of sales and marketing for Mercedes-Benz.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster will be released in the spring.

As for the upcoming 2016 North American International Auto Show, at least 40 new cars and trucks are expected to be unveiled during the event. The show will open on Jan. 16 and will last until Jan. 24. Press preview will run from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12.

Tags2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC, SLC, SLK, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Mercedes-Benz SLC, 2017 SLC, SLC specs, SLC release date, SLC price