Mercedes has revealed the AMG C43 Coupe, the second AMG model in the carmaker's C-class Coupe line-up. Powered by a twin-turbo V6, the C43 Coupe is the second model in Mercedes' extended range of six-cylinder AMG models to be unveiled in 2016.
Set to make its public premiere alongside the new C-class Cabriolet at next week’s Geneva motor show, the four-wheel drive C43 4Matic Coupe joins the rear-wheel-drive C63 Coupe in a two-pronged assault by AMG on the likes of the BMW M4 and upcoming second-generation Audi RS5.
Originally carrying the 450 badge, AMG decided to do away with the 450 moniker in favour of reviving the 43 badge previously seen on the C43 AMG back in 1997. The first model to feature the change was the SLC43 that made its debut at the Detroit motor show 2016 in January.
“The extension of the C-class family to include the C 43 4Matic Coupe is another component in our growth strategy. It starts the introduction of a whole series of new 43 models", says Mercedes‑AMG chairman Tobias Moers.
Although the C43 Coupe looks similar to the more powerful AMG C63 Coupe, the car gets its own uniquely styled bumpers, grille inserts and alloy wheels. Inside, there is an AMG instrument and graphics package, a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel and sport seats among a range of other options.
Powering the AMG C43 Coupe is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine from the C 450 AMG and the GLE 450 AMG. Developing 362bhp and 52.95kgm of torque, the engine is paired with Mercedes’ new nine-speed automatic gearbox in place of the C63’s AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic. The nine-speed gearbox has been tweaked to allow for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system to apportion power in a rear-biased 39:61 split and also allow for throttle blips on downshifts.
Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division claims the C43 Coupe sprints from 0-100kph in 4.7sec, or around 0.7sec slower than the official time provided for the C63 Coupe. Like its more powerful sibling, top speed is limited to 250kph.
Mechanical changes to the model includes a heavily reworked chassis with a number of AMG upgrades, including components shared with the more powerful C63 Coupe. The car also features upgraded brakes with 360mm discs up front and 320mm discs at the rear. AMD has also equipped the C43 with variable damping control with three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
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