Revealed with much pomp in 2014, the C190 Mercedes-AMG GT came with 4.0-liter V8 powerplants exclusively. The only exception is the GT3 race car, for it packs a modified version of the 6.2-liter V8 used by the gull-winged SLS AMG.
Codenamed C192 rather than C191, the second generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT rolled out earlier this year with a different version of the original's 4.0-liter V8. Instead of the M178's dry-sump lubrication, the M177 sports a conventional setup. So, why did Affalterbach dumb it down?
The most straightforward answer is the MSA platform introduced by the R232-series SL, which is sold under the Mercedes-AMG brand exclusively. The second reason is the Speedshift MCT nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the 9G-Tronic's torque converter with a wet start-off clutch for less weight and improved throttle response.
At press time, you can get the GT in two flavors: GT 63 and GT 55. Both of them feature 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Not long now, the C192 will follow in the footsteps of the C190 with a rear-drive version. The problem with said version is the four-cylinder turbo hiding under the hood. Similar to the SL 43, the GT 43 is expected to pack 375 horsepower and 354 pound-feet (480 Nm) of torque for a top speed of 171 miles per hour (275 kilometers per hour) and zero-100 in just under 5 seconds. Depressing, isn't it?
Recently spied in Germany, the GT 43 is equipped with round tailpipes, a visual characteristic shared with the SL 43. Both the GT 63 and GT 55 flaunt a pair of vents on the front fenders, yet the four-cylinder GT 43 does not. The bad news doesn't end here, though, because the front bumper's design also reflects the 43's status in the GT lineup.
Photo: SH Proshots
The rear end of the 43 appears unfinished in comparison to the 55 and 63, for it eschews the big vents of the V8-powered versions. Even the rear aerodynamic diffuser is a bit cheapo. Our spy photographers didn't manage to snap the interior, although it's clear that not much will change over the 63 and 55. Think 12.3 inches of digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented infotainment system, and some distasteful gloss-black trim here and there.
Similar to the SL 43, the biggest problem of the GT 43 will be demand (or lack thereof). Who, in the name of all that is holy, would spend in excess of 100,000 euros for a sporty coupe with a four-cylinder turbo? In the German automaker's home market, a brand-new SL 43 will set you back 127,145.55 euros at the very least, meaning 139,870 dollars at current exchange rates. Nicely equipped Corvette Z06 money, that is, including the Z07 go-faster pack.
Expected to launch sometime during 2024 for the 2025 model year, the GT 43 doesn't really deserve your attention. Those interested in purchasing a C192 should wait a bit more for Mercedes-AMG to reveal the high-performance plug-in hybrid previewed by the Concept E Performance in September 2023.
Said concept brings together the 577-horsepower V8 of the 63 series and a rear-mounted electric motor. Total system output is estimated at well over 800 horsepower. In all likelihood, it will mirror the 831 horsepower and 1,084 pound-feet (1,470 Nm) of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance sedan.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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