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The previous AMG GT was sold only as a V8. Now the cheapest version of the new model uses a four-cylinder, and still weighs 1.8 tonnes – but it’s no ordinary 2.0-litre engine.
Mercedes-AMG has fitted its flagship series-production car – which costs more than $300,000 in V8 form – with the hand-built 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from its hottest hatchback.
Whereas the previous AMG GT two-door was sold exclusively with V8 power – in various states of tune to target different price points – the new entry model, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT43 coupe, is a four-cylinder, aided by F1 turbo tech.
It will not come to Australia, where the range will launch with the flagship GT63 V8 coupe in the second half of this year, Mercedes-Benz has advised.
Prices are yet to be revealed for the GT43 coupe in Europe, however its SL43 convertible twin costs €127,000 ($AU210,000) in Germany – or 35 per cent less than the SL63, which in Australia is priced from $373,370 plus on-road costs.
Given the GT63 coupe is €7000 cheaper than the SL63, the new GT43 is likely to cost about €120,000 ($AU200,000).
It is not any four-cylinder, however – rather the hand-built 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘M139’ debuted in the A45 S, and now available in the C43 and C63 S sports sedans, the latter with plug-in hybrid technology.
It develops 310kW (at 6750rpm) and 500Nm (from 3250-5000rpm), matching the A45 S – but unlike the hatch, the GT43 adds Formula One-derived tech that uses an electric motor to spin up the turbocharger at low speeds when exhaust gas is insufficient.
Mercedes-AMG claims this “improves the response behaviour right from idle speed and across the entire speed range,” and the system keeps the turbo spooled even when the driver lifts off the accelerator, to minimise turbo lag if they choose to accelerate again.
The engine is also aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system – which can add 10kW under hard acceleration – and powers the rear wheels through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission.
Removing half the cylinders – and deleting power to the front axle – means the GT43 is 195kg lighter than the all-wheel-drive, V8 GT63 coupe.
However, it still weighs 1775kg – 160kg more than the previous-generation, V8-powered AMG GT entry model.
The AMG GT43 can be differentiated from its siblings with narrower wheel track widths, different trim on the front wheel arches, a smaller front grille, reshaped front and rear bumpers, and four circular exhaust tips (rather than trapezoidal).
Standard are 19-inch wheels – with 20s and 21s available as an option – compared to the standard 20-inch alloys on the V8. A retractable rear spoiler is standard, with a fixed item available at an extra cost.
The new two-door GT – now sold only as a coupe, with the roadster succeeded by the new AMG SL – is a four-seater, with a longer body and wheelbase to accommodate a roomier cabin than its two-seat predecessor.
Under the skin, the GT43 is equipped with steel springs and passive dampers as standard, with adaptive dampers customisable in three modes an option.
The brakes are 390x36mm discs with six-piston callipers up front and 360x26mm discs with single-piston callipers at the rear.
Buyers can option rear-wheel steering, as well as an AMG Dynamic Plus package which adds dynamic engine mounts, an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, an active aerodynamic element under the engine, and yellow brake calipers.
It also adds a Race mode, on top of the standard Smooth, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings.
Further options include a chrome exterior trim pack, the Night Package with black highlights, and the Night Package II which builds on the aforementioned pack with a black finish on the radiator struts and badges.
Inside, there is the same 11.9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as V8 models, with standard power-adjustable nappa leather front sports seats able to be replaced with AMG performance bucket seats as an option.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT43 is expected in European showrooms later this year. It will not be sold in Australia, nor will its SL43 sibling – though the GT63 coupe is due in dealers locally by the end of this year.
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