The New Mercedes-AMG GT43 Ditches AWD For Rear-Drive Fun

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43 will serve as the entry point to the GT lineup. Rather than making use of the larger car’s V8, this coupe will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (with a 48v mild-hybrid system) to produce 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. These specs might sound familiar to those up to speed on their AMG news- it’s the same four-cylinder found in the latest C43, albeit with just a hair more horsepower (14 to be exact). 60 mph is a respectable claimed 3.9 seconds, notably due to the way power is delivered- this Mercedes is rear-wheel drive. The GT43 will also make use of the brand’s 9-speed automatic transmission.

A rear-driven Mercedes coupe should arguably be more fun than one with all-wheel drive, but the brand has cooked up some ways to account for the loss of two driven wheels, namely in the aerodynamics department. For starters, there’s an electronically controlled spoiler for either reducing drag or adding downforce. At the front, there’s a louver that will open or close the grille depending on the engine's cooling needs, which also has the added benefit of making the AMG more slippery as it moves through the air. The new GT also uses a lighter aluminum multi-link suspension setup, and AMG Ride Control software will manage the adaptive dampers, and five total drive modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual) will manage the rest of the car’s various behaviors.

There will be aesthetic differentiators if the lack of V8 noise isn’t enough to tell the 43 apart from its more powerful family members. This includes a unique front fascia with narrower front and rear fenders compared to the bigger cars. 19-inch wheels are standard, but unique 19 and 20-inch options will be available as well. The car will reach dealers as a 2025 model, though a timeline for delivery and pricing hasn’t been announced.

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