When the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé was revealed back in March 2018, the brand’s Affalterbach-based arm confirmed that it would be offered in GT53, GT63 and GT63 S guises. But now the automaker has released details about a new GT43 derivative, which it describes as the “entry-level model”.
The GT43 uses the same 3,0-litre six-cylinder inline engine as the 320 kW/520 N.m GT53, but detuned to deliver 270 kW and 500 N.m. The result is a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,9 seconds (four-tenths slower than the GT53) and a top speed of 270 km/h.
As with the GT53, this powertrain features Mercedes-Benz’s “EQ Boost” starter-alternator, which delivers additional short-term output and torque of 16 kW and 250 N.m, respectively, courtesy of the 48-volt on-board power supply.
Mercedes-Benz says the exterior design and cabin of the GT43 are “identical” to those in the GT53, which also donates its nine-speed automatic transmission and active aerodynamics.
While this new Mercedes-AMG GT43 4Matic+ 4-Door Coupé has yet to be confirmed for South Africa, the new range (which has just gone into production at the brand’s Sindelfingen plant) is scheduled to launch locally in the first quarter of 2019.
