For those who feel that the C63 is just too mental of a car, Mercedes has devised a softer, more focused derivative in a coupe form. The C43 will be a fully fledged AMG model for the coupe variant while the sedan of this format is internationally known as the C450 AMG 4MATIC, a model which is assumed to acquire the C43 badge as well.
The C43 Coupe looks quite standard at first glance but the key details to be noticed are the specific light-alloy wheels, distinctive air intakes and rear apron with the silver diffuser insert. Other distinctive additions include the red metallic strip on the plastic engine cover, diamond meshes and silver chrome trimmings, specialised badging and chrome-plated pins on the diamond grille.
The C43 aims to take on the likes of he Audi S5 and the BMW 440i with its turbocharged 3,0-litre V6 engine and all-wheel drive 4MATIC drivetrain which will be mated to the 9G-tronic transmission. This will be good for 270 kW and 520 N.m of torque which will see it achieve a 0-100 km/h time of 4,7 seconds with a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The C43 will see AMG’s variable damping come equipped as standard fit making it suitable for both hard and agile driving and long-distance cruising. In addition to this a four-link front axle fitted with some special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints as well as more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle gives the C43 the cornering capabilities it needs.
Within the cabin of the C43 drivers will be able to make use of the Alcantara trimmed sports seats with red stitching to keep them in place. The same upholstery will be used for the steering wheel and the dash.
Last we heard the C450 sedan would be coming to South Africa this April, based on this its safe to assume that same holds for the coupe with both models adopting the C43 moniker.
