Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Transitions To Four-Cylinder Power From V8

In place of the V8, the new entry-level GT sportscar from Mercedes-AMG features a four-cylinder engine that produces 415 horsepower thanks to an electronic turbocharger. The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 exclusively offers rear-wheel drive, eliminating the option for all-wheel-drive. It differs from the more powerful models thanks to its modified bodykit as well.

For those who want their cars "pure," AMG's first four-cylinder GT is the way to go. The lightweight engine and rear-wheel-drive layout make it what Mercedes calls an "agile cornering artist with extremely dynamic handling and a lot of driving fun." 

AMG, drawing inspiration from Formula One, designed the 48V mild-hybrid system, which includes a belt-driven generator and an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The engine is a downsized 2.0-liter four-cylinder. All of the power goes to the back wheels via a nine-speed multi-clutch gearbox, which is the only transmission available.

In addition to the mill's 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the electric motor produces an additional 13 horsepower. This implies that, compared to the physically identical SL 43 roadster, the AMG GT 43 offers 40 more horsepower, but it's 53 horsepower less powerful than the V8-powered GT 53.

With a peak speed of 280 km/h (174 mph), the entry-level AMG GT can go from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, according to Mercedes. Even though most buyers won't care, the 0.7-second acceleration number is slower than that of the similarly powerful but all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic hot hatchback.

Mercedes designed the GT 43 uniquely to distinguish it from the V8-powered GT 53 and 63 models. The new front bumper has bigger, linked intakes and does away with the grille extension. Meanwhile, the front and rear fenders have slimmed down, accompanied by smaller side gills. The quad-round tailpipes and the absence of vertical outlets on the rear bumper give it a more streamlined appearance.

The standard model comes with 19-inch wheels, but AMG provides a variety of wheel sizes up to 21 inches, a fixed rear wing, and packages that add high-gloss chrome or black elements for customers who want to amp up the external look.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43's cabin continues with the standard 11.9-inch touchscreen for MBUX infotainment and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Nappa leather upholstery is standard on the sports seats, but owners also have the option to acquire AMG Performance seats.

The chassis configuration of the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is different from that of the GT 53 and 63 in that it features smaller tracks. Suspension components include steel springs, aluminum shocks, lightweight coil springs, and five-link front and rear axles as standard equipment. 

Like the more advanced AMG Ride Control Chassis, rear-wheel steering is an optional extra. In addition to the features already mentioned, the AMG Dynamic Plus package has features such as an electronically controlled rear locking differential, active underbody aerodynamics, an additional race driving mode, yellow brake calipers, and dynamic engine mounts.

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

 

Mercedes-AMG reportedly plans to launch the GT 43 in the North American market for the 2025 model year. We anticipate the four-cylinder variant to be more affordable compared to the V8-powered models, which start at $134,900.