Slotting comfortably in between the C300 and AMG C63 is Mercedes-AMG’s latest creation, the C43 coupe. Looking every bit the part of sinister sports coupe as its big brother, the C43 has a modified C300 chassis with a sport suspension featuring 3-stage adaptive variable damping, larger brakes, and sport-tuned steering.
Connections to the road come via 225/45-18 tires up front and 245/40-18s in the back. Glossy black 18-inch wheels are standard, with 19-inchers optional. Spectators can also tell the AMG C43 apart from a C300 by its diamond-mesh grill, rear lip spoiler, and optional carbon fiber trim pieces.
Forward momentum is provided by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 making 362 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque as low as 2,000 rpm. The car’s sole transmission will be a 9-speed automatic capable of rev-matching downshifts. According to AMG, the C43 should be able to produce a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Traction will be aided by M-B’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which is able to send 69 percent of available torque to the rear tires.
Inside, buyers of the C43 get red seatbelts, sport seats with red stitching, and aluminum trim as a hint to passengers of what their car can do. Other standard items include heated seats, Burmester audio system, blind-spot monitoring, rear-view camera, and LED lamps at all four corners. Optional safety features include a head-up display, auto high-beams, and adaptive headlamps. An 8.4-inch infotainment screen and 360-degree-view camera are also optional. Look for the AMG C43 to go on sale this fall as a 2017 model. Until we can get our hands one, check out this SL63 AMG Roadster… a 557 hp monster.
