The Mercedes Sports Car That Crossed the Line

AMG’s symbolic V8
Facing backlash over expanded 4-cylinder application
Traditional coupes are not exceptions

Mercedes-Benz‘s high-performance division, AMG, may be losing its identity. The iconic large-displacement V8 engine, a symbol of AMG, is being replaced as the application range for the 4-cylinder engine broadens.

Mercedes has no choice, as this is due to the increasingly stringent emissions regulations in the European Union. However, adding a 4-cylinder specification to the traditional coupe, neither a sedan nor an SUV in the AMG lineup, has received mixed reactions from enthusiasts.

AMG GT43 Coupe equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine revealed

Mercedes AMG unveiled the entry trim “GT43” of the 2-door coupe model GT on the 19th (local time). The previously released GT63 and GT55 come equipped with a 4.0L V8 bi-turbo engine, each delivering a maximum output of 585 horsepower and 476 horsepower and a maximum torque of 599 ft-lbs and 526 ft-lbs, respectively. However, the newly added GT43 has only a 4-cylinder engine.

The GT43’s 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine is shared with the AMG entry model A45 and the convertible SL43, which are based on the same platform. However, the GT43’s actual performance is superior due to different settings. It delivers a maximum output of 427 horsepower and a maximum torque of 370 ft-lbs. With this, it completes 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.6 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited at 174 mph.

Impressive option level

In addition, a lightweight coil spring suspension has been applied, and options such as rear-wheel steering and an AMG ride control chassis are provided, offering a satisfactory configuration. The interior has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, an 11.9-inch center display, and AMG sports seats. The transmission links to the same MCT 9-speed as the GT63 and GT55, but unlike these all-wheel drive models, it only operates as a rear-wheel drive.

The exterior features a widened air intake to emphasize the car’s width, a reduced grill size, and other differentiating elements. The volume of the front and rear fenders has also been reduced, and the rear features an oval quad muffler end. The bumper side air duct and fixed rear wing are omitted, giving a more modest impression than the GT63 and GT55.

Backlash from hardcore fans

Ever since the second-generation GT was unveiled, fan reactions have been mixed. The car has been criticized for focusing on practicality, changing the seating arrangement from a pure 2-seater to a 2+2 seat, and choosing an all-wheel drive, which compromises the purity of traditional sports cars. There is also considerable backlash against the decision to equip a 2-door coupe, which can be considered a core AMG model, with a 4-cylinder engine.

However, there are a few consoling parts. While the rest of the models equipped with an 8-cylinder engine only have the option of all-wheel drive, the GT43 is the only one with rear-wheel drive. In addition, the car is about 441 lbs lighter than the 8-cylinder models. Particularly, the weight reduction focused on the engine room could synergize with the characteristics of the long-nose short-deck coupe, potentially leading to more agile handling. The release of the AMG GT43 on the Korean market is yet to be determined.