Photo: Cory Wolfe
There is not much time left until every AMG Sport model driver will claim that they drive a proper AMG. And they won’t be wrong. Some voices claim that Mercedes-Benz plans to rename the AMG Sport models and move them into the full-blown AMG lineup.
The process has already started after the AMG version of the new SLC roadster was announced to be powered by the same engine found in the C and GLE AMG Sport versions.
There is nothing wrong with that, but given that AMG models are known for their unique character and hardcore performance, the “One man, One engine” policy, according to which one technician assembles a complete engine from start to finish and then adds a plaque with his signature, might not be so true anymore.
The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 will be followed by the C43, currently known as the C450 AMG, and later this year the Mercedes-AMG E43 will be launched. And this is just the beginning.
On the one hand, yes, this might be a logical move as the current AMG Sport models already feature a lot of AMG-developed technology, starting with badges, special stitching or carbon fiber and ending with actual chassis upgrades and exhaust systems.
From a car enthusiast’s point of view, this move will create a lot of confusion and will also make an AMG-badged model to become just a regular car, but with a fancy name. And personally, I agree with this. It’s just like you would put a GTI badge on your modified 1.4-liter Golf and everyone would think that’s the real thing.
According to CarAndDriver, the 3.0-liter V6 is named “43” because Mercedes thought it looked cool standing right next to the 63 badging for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 models. On top of it all, the German carmaker launched a proper C43 AMG model years ago, and it rocked. The new model doesn't have anything in common with that one.
Released in late 1997, the bad-ass C43 AMG was powered by a 4.3-liter V8, capable of 306 horsepower and 302 lb-ft. The car was the first one to be completely assembled at the AMG plant in Affalterbach and the first C-Class to carry the rumbling V8 engine.
There is nothing wrong with that, but given that AMG models are known for their unique character and hardcore performance, the “One man, One engine” policy, according to which one technician assembles a complete engine from start to finish and then adds a plaque with his signature, might not be so true anymore.
The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 will be followed by the C43, currently known as the C450 AMG, and later this year the Mercedes-AMG E43 will be launched. And this is just the beginning.
On the one hand, yes, this might be a logical move as the current AMG Sport models already feature a lot of AMG-developed technology, starting with badges, special stitching or carbon fiber and ending with actual chassis upgrades and exhaust systems.
From a car enthusiast’s point of view, this move will create a lot of confusion and will also make an AMG-badged model to become just a regular car, but with a fancy name. And personally, I agree with this. It’s just like you would put a GTI badge on your modified 1.4-liter Golf and everyone would think that’s the real thing.
According to CarAndDriver, the 3.0-liter V6 is named “43” because Mercedes thought it looked cool standing right next to the 63 badging for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 models. On top of it all, the German carmaker launched a proper C43 AMG model years ago, and it rocked. The new model doesn't have anything in common with that one.
Released in late 1997, the bad-ass C43 AMG was powered by a 4.3-liter V8, capable of 306 horsepower and 302 lb-ft. The car was the first one to be completely assembled at the AMG plant in Affalterbach and the first C-Class to carry the rumbling V8 engine.
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