Mercedes expands AMG lineup with C43 Coupe
Serving as a middle ground between non-AMG and AMG 63 models, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe packs plenty of performance, but with broader appeal.
There were rumors earlier this year that Mercedes-Benz was soon to kill off its short-lived AMG Sport lineup in favor of adding another badge under the performance oriented Mercedes-AMG brand. That's exactly what's happened here, as the C450 AMG Sport is now the Mercedes-AMG C43.
Some of the car's stats remain unchanged in the move to full-on AMG, which Mercedes-Benz says is meant to broaden the performance brand's customer base. Power output remains a healthy 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, which hits the ground by way of all four wheels. The car also maintains its three-mode adjustable suspension and its five transmission modes, as well.
That transmission, however, now has two extra gears (nine in total). The AWD system has been tweaked as well, to deliver 2 percent additional rear bias (69 percent overall). Those tweaks have dropped the car's 0-60 time by 0.3 seconds, to a respectable 4.6 seconds.
Style-wise, the car remains in the same middle ground between non-AMG and AMG, lacking the heavy muscular shape of the AMG C63, but still adding plenty of aggressive aesthetic by way of new bumpers, special tailpipes, AMG alloy wheels and blacked-out trim bits.
Inside, the story remains the same. Some AMG elements persist, like red contrast stitching, microfiber upholstery, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and sport seats. Your seatbelts will be red, too. Somewhat surprisingly, Mercedes made no mention of any in-cabin or safety-related technology in its unveiling, but I'd be surprised if the C43 couldn't equip Mercedes-Benz's excellent Distronic Plus safety suite.
The Mercedes-AMG will be shown off to the public at the Geneva auto show, but there's no word yet on pricing or availability.
