Four cylinders in the AMG GT? Yes, it’s possible. The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, an electrically driven turbine, and a 48V mild hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. Performance figures: 421 PS, 500 Nm, 0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds, and 280 kph top speed.
In theory but also practice, the Mercedes-AMG GT is a competitor to the Porsche 911, and that’s why customers expect at least a noble six-cylinder configuration from a sports car. But Mercedes decided otherwise and introduced a 4-cylinder engine on the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43. The same is happening on the Mercedes-AMG GT 43, which is the coupe version of the new SL.
In the case of the AMG SL 43 and AMG GT 43 Coupe, we are talking about a more special four-cylinder engine with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The turbocharger is operated via the 48-volt onboard electrical system, which also feeds the 10 kW (14 PS) belt-driven starter generator. So, the engine has both an electric exhaust gas turbocharger and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which supports the ICE engine during acceleration, ensures a smooth transition between start-stop and coasting functions, and enables coasting and recovery functions.
The technology used for the electrically driven exhaust gas turbocharger is similar to that used in F1. An approximately four-centimeter narrow electric motor is integrated directly into the shaft of the turbocharger, between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. Electronically controlled, this directly drives the shaft of the turbocharger and thus accelerates the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over the conventional drive.
The AMG 2-liter engine delivers 310 kW (421 PS)/6,750 rpm and 500 Nm/3,250-5,000 rpm and sends all power to the rear wheels via the 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission, unlike the AMG 63 4Matic version which have all-wheel drive.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe comes standard with steel spring suspension that has the same configuration as the V8 model: multilink front and rear axles with five links each. An optional AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension is available that varies suspension settings in “Comfort”, “Sport”, and “Sport”+ modes. Although it does not have all-wheel drive, the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe can optionally be configured with all-wheel steering that steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to 100 kph and in the same direction above 100 kph.
Six driving programmes
The driver can select from the AMG Dynamic Selector five driving programs – “Smooth”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual, plus “Race” if ordering the AMG Dynamic Plus package. This program includes the electronically controlled rear locking differential, the “Race” program, the active aerodynamic element, yellow-painted brake calipers, and the rigid rear wing.
The carbon-fiber active aero element is hidden under the floor, in front of the engine, and drops 40 mm at over 80 kph. This element creates a Venturi effect that practically glues the car to the road and reduces lift forces at the front axle.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe runs on 19-inch wheels with optional 19-inch or 20-inch light alloy and 21-inch forged wheel versions available.
The interior is similar to that of the V8 models, with an 11.9-inch portrait display for the multimedia system, and comes standard with AMG sports seats upholstered in Nappa leather, with optional AMG Performance seats and leather upholstery from the Manufaktur customization program.
Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing, but we expect a lower price than the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. Currently, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ costs 194,654 euros, and the four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG SL 43 version costs 127,145 euros.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+ Coupe is priced at 188,704 euros, 6,000 euros cheaper than the roadster version. Therefore, we expect the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 coupe version to cost around 121-122,000 euros compared to 127,145 euros for the roadster.
