Introducing the Mercedes-AMG GT43 Coupe with a High-Performance 4-Cylinder Engine

V8 removed, rear-wheel drive adopted in base model.

In 2022, Mercedes-AMG made the decision to equip their SL roadster with a four-cylinder engine. Now, they are following suit by placing the same small 2.0-liter unit in the coupe version. Known as the GT43, this model serves as the more affordable option due to its halved cylinder count in comparison to the higher-powered V8 models. Additionally, it ditches the all-wheel-drive system and instead opts for a rear-wheel-drive setup.

The latest AMG GT Coupe is a luxurious 2+2 grand tourer, in contrast to its predecessor which was designed solely as a two-seater sports car. The coupe takes inspiration from Formula 1 technology, with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger sourced from the SL43 model. However, this new version offers even more power with a four-cylinder engine producing 416 horsepower, a remarkable increase of 41 horsepower compared to the convertible.

The updated GT from AMG features a boosted torque of 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters), which is 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) higher than the SL43. This power increase is made possible by a mild-hybrid system designed by AMG, providing a temporary boost of 14 horsepower. The re-engineered GT is equipped with a nine-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers power to the rear axle.

The addition of a four-cylinder engine to the AMG GT Coupe may provide some extra vigor, but it remains a challenging concept for die-hard fans. As one can imagine, the smaller engine does not deliver an impressive level of speed. It takes 4.6 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), putting it on par with the Volkswagen Golf R – an unconventional comparison, to say the least. At its maximum speed, the GT Coupe will only reach 174 mph (280 km/h), which is only marginally higher than the hot hatchback from Wolfsburg.

Mercedes-AMG chooses not to disclose the weight of the car, but it is sure to have a noticeable decrease after the removal of four cylinders and the AWD setup. However, the latest iteration of this model is noticeably heavier than its previous version due to its shift to a bigger and more utilitarian GT vehicle. Just for comparison, the newly released GT63 with a V8 engine and all-wheel-drive has a staggering weight of 4,343 pounds (1,970 kilograms).

The present announcement is regarding the GT43 model specifically designed for the European market by Mercedes-AMG. The company plans to offer a standard two-seater layout for the base version, with the option of upgrading to a 2+2 seating arrangement. An additional expense will be required for all-wheel steering. This feature allows the rear wheels to turn in opposition to the front wheels when traveling at speeds lower than 62 mph (100 km/h) and in sync with the front wheels at higher speeds.

Upon contacting Mercedes, we have gathered that the car is set to make its way to the United States as a 2025 model year. More information will be revealed closer to its official release date. It seems likely, however, that it will cost considerably less than the GT55 coupe currently retailing for $136,050 in the US. To put things into perspective, the SL43 convertible comes at a price approximately $31,000 lower than the SL55.

The GT43 and SL43 are not the sole top-of-the-line options that utilize the 2.0-liter engine taken from the compact “45” models. In addition, AMG incorporates this smaller unit into the newest versions of the C63 and GLC63. Known internally as M139l, this four-cylinder engine is the most powerful of its kind in series production and is positioned longitudinally in these pricier vehicles, rather than transversally like in the CLA45 and GLA45.

An interesting detail – the standard Lotus Emira model features the M139 engine in a transverse layout.

Source: Mercedes-AMG