Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Spied With Less Visual Pizzazz Than V8-Powered GT 55

Unleashed in August 2023 as a 2024 model, the second generation is only available as a coupe because the SL has indirectly replaced the R190. For the time being, prospective customers are presented with two powertrain choices: the 55 and 63 series. Both rely on the Mercedes-AMG M177 twin-turbo V8, a hand-built engine that barely differs from the first generation's M178. The main difference is the wet-sump lubrication for the M177 as opposed to a dry sump for the M178. But that's not all, though…

Both the 55 and 63 are 4MATIC+ by default, meaning that Mercedes had to engineer the C192 for the AMG SpeedShift MCT nine-speed transmission rather than the dual-clutch unit of the C190/R190. All-wheel drive obviously adds weight, namely 1,970 kilograms (4,343 pounds) compared to 1,540 kilograms (3,395 pounds) for the 2015 model year.

Ridiculous, isn’t it? Looking at the glass half full, GT does stand for grand tourer. As expected of a modern-day AMG, the C192 also happens to cost a helluva lot of money. Back home in Germany, the Stuttgart-based automaker charges 188,704.25 euros for the 63 series. That would be $203,130 at current exchange rates. Pricing for the US of A hasn't been finalized.

Those in the market for a brand-new GT will soon be presented with a more affordable specification in the guise of the 43 series. Recently spied in sub-zero weather, the GT 43 hides a dirty secret under the hood. Similar to the SL 43, it's a four-cylinder lump with an electrically-assisted exhaust gas turbocharger. Said engine may be a proper AMG, but alas, a four-cylinder turbo in the GT is blasphemy.

The same can be said about the SL 43, which doesn't sell as well as the SL 55 and SL 63. The bad news doesn't end here, though, because Mercedes-AMG is much obliged to remind 43 owners of their choice through less visual pizzazz than the 55 and 63. From the lousy vents on the front fenders to the simplified design of the front bumper and the simplified rear end, the GT 43 doesn't look special enough to warrant its 100,000-plus-euro starting price. For reference, the SL 43 starts at a whopping €127,145.55 in Germany or $109,000 in the United States market.

Expected to launch sometime in 2024 as either a 2024 model or a 2025 model, the GT 43 should pack the very same 381 ps and 480 Nm as the SL 43. Otherwise put, 375 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,500 revolutions per minute and 354 pound-feet of torque between 2,250 and 4,500 revolutions per minute.

In combination with the AMG SpeedShift MCT version of the 9G-Tronic, the M139 engine should enable the GT 43 to reach 60 miles per hour in under 5.0 seconds. In the SL's case, Merc quotes 4.9 seconds to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) and a top speed of 275 kilometers per hour (171 miles per hour). Not exactly bad, yet disappointing for a car this expensive and when compared to the 55 series. Similarly disappointing is the sound of the M139 as opposed to the hot-vee M177 of the 55.

Unfortunately for AMG enthusiasts, the Affalterbach-based performance division appears to be enamored with small engines. The C 63 also flaunts the M139 of the SL 43 and GT 43, and the recently unveiled CLE 53 doesn't even sport an AMG engine. Described as an "AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder," this version of the M256 sports an exhaust gas turbo and an electric auxiliary compressor.