Mercedes-AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, today unveiled the 2017 C43 coupe ahead of its public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
There is a little confusion surrounding this model, so let's clear it up. The C43 Coupe is basically the coupe version of the Mercedes-Benz C450 sedan, which itself is expected to be rebranded a Mercedes-AMG C43. Both share the same engine and most of their performance goodies, but the "43" represents the naming strategy for the less-powerful versions of proper AMG models moving forward. The higher-power models retain "63" in their names.
The C43's engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 pumping out 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and is capable of a 0-to-60 mph run of 4.6 seconds.
DON'T MISS: 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Preview
Both the coupe and sedan come with the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, but the version in the C43 is newer and it has a 31 percent front, 69 percent rear torque bias while the C450 splits the the torque 33/67.
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe
AMG's adaptive Ride Control sport suspension, which is adopted from the more powerful C63 and has three damping modes, comes standard on the C43. The electronic stability control program has three modes as well. Compared to the C300, the C43 has more negative camber to provide neutral handling at the limit and has stiffer bushings front and rear. The front axle has also has new steering knuckles and load-bearing joints. The brakes are larger, too. The C43 has internally ventilated compound discs, 14.2 inches in diameter up front and 12.6 inches at the rear.
On the outside, the C43 Coupe sets itself apart with unique front and rear aprons, a silver-chrome front splitter, a diamond-pattern grille with chrome pins and gloss-black louvers, a rear apron with a matte iridium silver diffuser insert, and chrome tailpipes with a center divider.
Some of the trim is changed as well. You'll find black exterior mirror housings, as well as a gloss black waistline trim strip and gloss black window frames. An optional Night Package adds gloss black front apron trim, a gloss black diffuser-look insert at the rear, and black tailpipes.
CHECK OUT: New BMW 8-Series Due In 2020: Report
The five-spoke 18-inch wheels are painted gloss black and they mount 225/45 front tires and 245/40 rear tires. Various 19-inch wheel designs are optional.
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe
Inside, the C43 gets an AMG instrument cluster with a checkered flag design, a Race Meter, and a 180-mph speedometer. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel is trimmed in leather with red contrast stitching and is home to numerous controls. It matches the MB-Tex faux leather upholstery that features microfiber inserts on the sport seats.
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe will go on sale this fall. Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect it will run a few thousand dollars more than the C450 sedan, which starts around $52,000.
For more from Geneva, be sure to visit our dedicated hub.
_______________________________________
