Rumors have swirled for some time about Mercedes-Benz’s desire to build a new high-end sports car to compete with the likes of Porsche’s 911 Turbo and Audi’s pending higher-power R8 coupe (whose name has yet to be disclosed).

According to Hans Lehmann over at Hidden Image (whose spy shooters clocked this prototype), the car, dubbed “SLC,” will be built on the next-generation SL platform and be motivated by the company’s 6.2-liter AMG V-8. Given that it’s based on the SL’s architecture, the car is certain to be front-engined, and it’s likely to brandish around 500 horsepower, though a pair of turbos could be strapped on to provide a couple of hundred additional ponies if officials deem it necessary.

Like BMW’s M6, the SLC’s hard top is expected to be rendered in carbon fiber, a material which should be in good use throughout the vehicle.

Hidden Image expects the exotic to be revealed at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.