The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe got a redesign for 2024, and we’re big fans of the way it looks. When it was revealed, though, we only got to see the V8-powered GT55 and GT63 versions. They make 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, respectively. If you love the idea of the new GT Coupe but can’t swing the GT55’s $136,050 starting price, we have good news — the base model Mercedes-AMG GT43 Coupe has just been revealed.
Power for the GT43 comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine found in the Mercedes-AMG SL43, but in the GT43, you get 41 more horsepower and 15 extra lb-ft of torque. There’s also a mild-hybrid system that drives the allows for electric turbocharging and a smoother engine start/stop experience. The nine-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile, sends power to only the rear wheels.
You’ll most likely save a good bit of money by giving up four of the GT55’s cylinders, but you’ll also get a significantly slower car. Mercedes estimates a 4.5-second zero-to-60 mph time, so it certainly isn’t slow, but it’s still well off the GT55’s time of 3.8 seconds. It also tops out at “only” 174 mph.
The GT43 also doesn’t have the V8 model’s rear-wheel steering or hydraulic suspension. Instead, you get a steel spring setup with aluminum shock absorbers and coil springs that Mercedes says are lightweight. That’s not as fancy as the more expensive cars’ suspensions, but it should be lighter and less complicated. Add in the smaller, lighter engine, and the GT43 should lose a good bit of weight compared to the GT55 and GT63.
One feature you don’t give up by going with the cheaper GT43 is active aerodynamics, which Mercedes says improves efficiency by closing louvres on the front air intakes until more cooling is needed, as well as handling, with a retractable rear spoiler that adjusts its position depending on how you’re driving.
Mercedes hasn’t said how much the new GT43 will cost, but if you compare the SL43’s $109,900 base price with the $141,300 that Mercedes charges for the SL55, you can probably assume similar savings with the GT43. Say maybe about $105,000 or so? That’s a whole lot of money for a four-cylinder, and we had our issues with the powertrain when we drove the mechanically similar SL43, but on the other hand, you likely get a lighter, simpler car and should have plenty of money left to throw at options if you were considering the GT55.
Mercedes hasn’t said exactly when the GT43 will go on sale, but don’t expect to wait too long.
