4cyl Mercedes AMG GT 43 revealed with 421hp

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled an entry-level version of its GT sports car, dubbed the GT 43. It swaps the GT 63’s snarling 585hp, 4.0-litre V8 for the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbo four-pot from the AMG A 45 S, which puts out 421hp and 500Nm of torque. As in the GT 63, power is transmitted through Mercedes’ 9-speed automatic gearbox, but only to the rear wheels, rather than all four. 

1. Mercedes-AMG GT 43 about 120kg lighter than GT 63
2. Does the 0-100kph sprint in 4.6 seconds
3. Less aggressive styling and smaller 19-inch alloys are the visual differences

The mechanical changes make the GT 43 significantly lighter overall, weighing in at 1,775kg, rather than the 1,895kg of the GT 63. They also bring a more “favourable weight distribution”, according to Mercedes. For reference, the GT 63’s mass is proportioned 54 percent over the front end and 46 percent over the rear.

Naturally, the smaller engine hampers the coupé's straight-line speed, with the GT 43 cracking the 0-100kph sprint in 4.6 seconds, 1.4 seconds slower than the GT 63. On the other hand, Mercedes is positioning the GT 43 as the most agile car in the GT line-up, with AMG CEO Michael Scheibe promising it “will put a smile on your face on winding roads”.

Rear-wheel steering, which activates at speeds up to 100kph to aid cornering capability, is also available as an optional extra. The GT 43 is otherwise mechanically identical to its thrustier sibling, with the same five-link front and rear suspension set-up that pairs traditional steel springs with adaptive twin-valve dampers.

It's visually distinguished by less aggressive styling, with a smaller front grille and a reprofiled front bumper reflecting its entry-level positioning. The wheel arches are also narrower than on the V8 car, and tucked beneath them are 19-inch wheels, rather than 20-inch ones.

Mercedes-AMG GT India details

A spokesperson confirmed to our sister publication Autocar UK that the GT 43 will not be available in that country, and there’s no word on whether it’ll be brought to India. However, the previous AMG GT was on sale in our market, and the brand does have the GT four-door coupe available, with prices starting at Rs 3.3 crore, ex-showroom, India.

Also see:

Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E Performance video review

Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door to have over 1000hp

Mercedes-AMG GT6 concept: Batman’s ride showcased in Mumbai