By: IOL Motoring Staff
Stuttgart, Germany - Despite AMG's reputation as a sledgehammer manufacturer (or perhaps because of it!) Affalterbach's latest creation focuses more on driving dynamics than blunt force trauma.
The new C43 4Matic Coupé combines a quick-revving three-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 9G-tronic transmission specifically upgraded for quicker cog-swopping (particularly downshifts, thanks to an auto double-declutching function in Sport Plus mode), all-wheel drive biased 31:69 towards the rear axle, special suspension bushings and a new front axle for more accurate steering, to produce a more agile AMG.
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More than that, this C-Class two-door is just the first in a range of '43' AMG models that will use the new V6, according to AMG boss Tobias Moers. Rated for 270kW from 5500-6000 revs and 520Nm from 2000-4200rpm, it'll push the C43 from 0-100 in 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited 250km/h, while slurping a nominal eight litres per 100km under laboratory conditions.
Tune the powertrain to your driving mood through five modes - Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, each of which means exactly what it says - and the suspension through three Ride Control modes - Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus - and finally, you can set the Drift Nanny (electronic stability control) to one of three stages, including 'Off' for closed circuit hooning.
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The C43 comes with a diamond-mesh grille, distinctive front and rear aprons, special tailpipes and gloss black five-spoked 18 inch (19 inch optional) rims wearing 225/45 front and 245/40 rear radials.
Inside, you get a sporty two-tube instrument cluster with chequered flag graphics on a 280km/h scale and an 4.5 inch AMG main menu that includes a lap timer, above a leather-trimmed, flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel.
Special AMG sports seats, trimmed in a mix of Artico synthetic leather and Dinamica microfiber, offer improved lateral support for exuberant cornering; their red contrast stitching matches the red seatbelts and black floormats with red edging.
The rest of the cabin is also finished in Artico synthetic leather with red contrast stitching and brushed-aluminium trim elements in the instrument panel and doors.
The C43 AMG Coupé will be released in South Africa around September this year; prices, as always, when they get here.