Mercedes-AMG will introduce a mid-range version of the C-Class Coupe at the Geneva Auto Show.
The two-door is called C43, a name last used years ago on a V8-powered, AMG-tuned variant of the original C-Class. Designed to slot between the regular C-Class Coupe and the full-blown C63 model, the C43 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine tuned to develop 362 horsepower from 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 384 lb-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 4,200 rpm. In comparison, the C63pumps out 469 ponies and 479 lb-ft. of twist in its most basic state of tune.
Also found under the hood of the C450 AMG Sport, the six sends its power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission capable of downshifting several gears at once. The coupe hits 60 mph from a stop in 4.6 seconds, and it keeps on accelerating until it reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Five driving modes called Eco, Comfort, Individual, Sport, and Sport Plus, respectively, are built into the C43.
Mercedes-AMG has upgraded the C Coupe with bigger brakes, revised suspension components, and a sportier steering setup.
The C43 does its best C63 impression by adopting a deep front bumper with large air dams, chrome-plated pins in the grille, side skirts, an air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper, and a small spoiler on the trunk lid. Five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels add a finishing touch to the look. Inside, the C43 gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum trim, a 180-mph speedometer, and sport seats with red contrast stitching. The seats, the top part of the dash, the door panels, and the center console are wrapped in a man-made leather called MB Tex.
We'll bring you full details about the Mercedes-AMG C43 straight from the show floor in Geneva next week. The C43 will share the spotlight on the Mercedes stand with the first-ever C-Class Cabriolet.
What's next?
Mercedes recently announcedthat every member of its AMG Sport lineup will be bumped up to the Mercedes-AMG brand and re-branded with the '43' designation. That means the aforementioned C450 AMG Sport will be renamed C43 in the near future, and it will be joined by a full roster of 43-badged models like an E43, a GLE43, and so forth.
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