New Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Bows With 4-cyl Heart And RWD Setup

The second-gen Mercedesd-AMG GT sports coupe range grew a little with the introduction of this new 'baby' version dubbed the AMG GT 43.

When it debuted last year, the Mercedes-AMG GT supercar had entered its second-generation phase initially on a ‘proper’ note with a signature hand-built AMG V8 heart. It even grew a little to features a proper 2+2 cabin seating layout, thus making it a proper Porsche 911 rival.

Now though, Mercedes-Benz has elected to go down-market with its flagship sports coupe by introducing a new ‘entry-level’ Mercedes-AMG GT 43 guise. Whilst the V8-engined versions eyes up the Porsche 911 in their sights, this one will perhaps rival against the 718 Cayman instead.

Redesigned bumpers, narrower fenders, smaller side gills, and standard-equipped 19-inch wheels are key visual traits of the AMG GT 43 over its V8-engined twins.

Visually, the AMG GT 43 appears similar as its V8-engined twins, albeit with redesigned front and rear bumpers, both likely to match its narrower fenders. The redesign sees the AMG GT 43’s front bumper losing the grille extension but gaining larger, interconnected intakes.

Along with the narrower fenders comes smaller side gills too. The rear bumper also sees a cleaner new design minus the vertical outlets, whilst new quad round tailpipes finish things off. As standard, the AMG GT 43 rolls on 19-inch wheels.

Customers can customise things with several options that include larger 21-inch wheels, as well as Merc’s usual high-gloss chrome or black accents exterior packages. Also available as an optional add on is the fixed rear wing seen in the V8 versions.

No V8 in this 'baby' AMG GT, but it does use the manic A45 S super-hatch's 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo rated at 417 HP and 500 NM. Said mill is paired with a 9-speed DCT auto box and a traditional RWD setup.

Notable though is what powers this ‘baby’ AMG GT, which sees half the cylinder count of the V8 present instead. Though it may just be a 4-cyl, we’ll happily point out that it’s the same four-banger from the manic A45 S super-hatch – and, by default, the C63/GLC63 S E Performance too.

Though similar as what’s primed in the SL 43 Roadster, this ‘baby’ AMG GT does share the same outputs as the super-hatch from which its powertrain is derived from. Thanks to its F1-inspired electric exhaust gas turbo and mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, there’s 416 HP and 500 NM available.

Besides halving the cylinder count, drive has also been halved per se, with this AMG GT 43 guise making do with a traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup instead of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup primed in the V8-engined versions.

Despite the halved powertrain and driveline, the AMG GT 43 stands respectably rapid thanks to its claimed 4.6-sec 0-100 KM/H sprint time and claimed 280 KM/H V-Max.

Nevertheless, performance figures remain respectably rapid as the powertrain includes a slick 9-speed DCT auto box. 0-100 KM/H dashes take just 4.6 seconds, or just 0.7 seconds slower than the AWD-equipped A45 S super-hatch. V-Max, on the other hand, stands at 280 KM/H.

In terms of chassis setup, the GT 43 boasts narrower tracks over the V8 model but does come standard with composite brakes and steel spring suspension featuring five-link front and rear axles, aluminium shocks, and lightweight coil springs.

The trick AMG Ride Control Chassis is optional, as is rear-wheel steering. Furthermore, the AMG Dynamic Plus package adds dynamic engine mounts, an electronic rear locking diff, extra “Race” drive mode, active aerodynamics for the underbody, and yellow-painted brake calipers.

No changes to note with the cabin, but it can be personalised heavily - just like the V8 versions.

On board, the cabin appears similar as the V8 model as it features Merc’s usual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen. The standard AMG sports seats are wrapped in Nappa leather, but owners can customise things via the Manufaktur personalisation program.

Sales of this new Mercedes-AMG GT 43 have been confirmed for several key European and North American markets at least, however availability in other markets besides them remains uncertain for now.

What do you folks think of this ‘baby’ version of the second-gen AMG GT then? As usual, share your take in the comments below, and or social media pages…