Bojan Vrbnjak
422 BAM in 500 Nm torque, 9-stage gearbox AMG Speedshift MCT and rear-wheel drive, 4,6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and maximum speed 280 km/h. Sounds pretty good so far, right? And yet some will now turn up their noses, because these numbers belong to the new Mercedes AMG GT 43 Coupé, which has now been introduced by 2,0-liter four-cylinder engine with 48 volt mild hybridization. Phew. But maybe it's not stupid at all?
Exterior
Four-cylinder entry model to the world GT companies Mercedes-AMG does not differ in size from its more powerful relatives. Model 43 is long 4,73 meters, wide 1,93 meters (five centimeters narrower) and straight 1,35 meters. However, you will also be able to visually distinguish the models from each other in the future. The newly designed one stands out in particular front bumper with large openings for air intake (also active aerodynamics) across the entire width of the vehicle. According to the manufacturer, narrower front and rear fenders and a reduced wheelbase should emphasize the elegant character.
It is also available a new decorative element for the front fenders. The rear view is characterized by an additional modified rear bumper and round instead of trapezoidal dual exhaust pipes on the left and right side. AMG GT43 series drives on 19-inch light alloy wheels. Additional versions with a diameter of 19 or 20 inches are available as an option. Forged 21-inch wheels are also available.
Interior and equipment
Also in inside there are no big surprises waiting for us: Absolutely digital instrument panel? We know her. 11,9-inch a multimedia touch screen in an upright format on the center console with an infotainment system MBUX? We know that too. It offers AMG-specific content in five display modes. Besides, it is AMG GT43 equipped as standard with electrically adjustable AMG sports seats in nappa leather. The same applies to optional seats AMG Performance with integrated headrests and increased lateral support.
Customization is also possible based on yours mood. With different upholstery in three colors and seven color combinations for the entire interior. In addition to the standard black color decorative elements made of high gloss are also available aluminum or carbon. Two cladding elements made of wood with aluminum strips are also available. This model is also available as an option 2+2-seater. If necessary, the luggage space can be increased with the help of the folding backrest of the rear seat.
Drives and technical details
Let's move on to central point and a point that is likely to cause discussions at the table of downsizing regulars. 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine (known from the AMG A 45 S model) also in the model AMG GT43 reaches maximum power 422 BAM at 6.750 rpm. Maximum torque 500 Nm and it is already available between 3.250 and 5.000 revolutions per minute. In a powerful compact car, this only happens at significantly higher engine speeds. Why is that?
Depending on the situation, the system cannot rely only on an additional boost of 14 hp from a starter generator driven by a belt drive. It is also used electric turbocharger for exhaust gases. An electric motor with a width of about four centimeters is installed directly on the shaft of the turbocharger - between turbine wheels on the exhaust gas side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. This electronically controlled motor drives directly turbocharger shaft and accelerates the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over conventional drive. Engine power is transmitted through 9-level automatic transmission, which replaces the torque converter with a wet clutch. This reduces weight (the ready-to-run model has a curb weight of 1,8 tonnes and is therefore around 200kg lighter than the V8-engined versions), and the reduced inertia is said to optimize the response to accelerator pedal commands.
AMG GT43 is equipped as standard with suspension with steel springs. The latest generation of adaptive damping is available as an option. Suspension control unit by analyzing the data, it adjusts the damping force for each wheel according to the conditions in a few milliseconds. Customization is possible in various ways. There are ways to “smoothness","Comfort","Sport","Sport +"In"Individual”TerRACE", which is included in the option package AMG DYNAMIC PLUS. Internally ventilated and perforated 390 x 36 mm discs with six-piston fixed calipers are mounted on the front axle, while single-piston 360 x 26 mm floating calipers are mounted on the rear axle. The AMG GT 43 can also be equipped with active rear axle steering on request.
Pricing and launch
How much will the manufacturer charge in the future for a model with a halved V8 engine? Half the number of cylinders, half the price. That would be logical. The model with a full engine, however, in to the configurator costs slightly less than 190.000 euros. EUR 95.000 would therefore be the target amount. However, this is probably unrealistic. We expect a starting price in the range of 130.000 to 150.000 euros. How much this really is, we will find out at the latest at the – also still unknown – start of sales on the market.
