If you haven’t already heard, the next sedan from the German automaker has traded in two of its cylinders for more power. The 4-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C43 has been spotted in camouflage strutting its stuff around the Ring and it looks rapid, albeit without that characteristic V8 growl synonymous with previous AMG’s.
This day has been a long time coming for the automotive world. Downsizing has been least kind to the V8 behemoths from yesteryear with manufacturers from all over the globe now punting flagship models with much smaller displacements and cylinder-counts.
That doesn’t mean they are any less capable in serving their purpose however, the latest 4-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C43 is claimed to be capable of a whopping 300 kW and 500 N.m – more than its 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 W205 predecessor. This is compliments in no small part of Formula 1 derived technology taken from the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s dominant display during the turbocharged hybrid V6 era.
While the latest creation looks undoubtedly rapid around the Green Hell, it is difficult not to yearn for an engine note that outweighs tyre squeal when at full tilt. On the bright side, at least there is an engine note – the combustion engine lives to fight for another day in Stuttgart!
In a latest video with Nürburgring regular Automotive Mike, the 4-Cylinder Mercedes-AMG C43 is seen sharing the track with other camouflaged vehicles. Its underwhelming sound is immediately apparent and begs the question of whether this is the best it has to offer. For potential customers coming from the flagship V8 AMG models, this new sedan may just be a tough sell so we can only hope that this camouflaged model was holding back.
