201 Horsepower Per Litre Mercedes-AMG C43 Resets Record Books
Mercedes-AMG’s new 300 kW C43 4-Matic will benefit a hybrid electric power boost when it goes on sale later this year. It will be the most powerful four-cylinder C-Class money can buy. The first AMG to benefit Mercedes’ new mild-hybrid 2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine featuring 48V electric architecture. The longitudinally-mounted power unit is still known as M139.
AMG C43 Has 300 kW, 400 Nm From a 4-Pot
The new C43 has been comprehensively re-engineered. It replaces the old car’s turbocharged 3-litre V6 C43 to take on BMW’s M340i. The unit makes its debut in the the sixth-generation C-Class, which launched late last year. It now features an electric turbocharger to replace the outgoing exhaust-gas turbocharger, and a newly configured belt-driven starter-generator. To boost reserves momentarily under full load. The 300 kW 500 Nm 1991cc power plant develops an impressive 201 horsepower per litre
Based on the standard M270 engine used across the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the M139 is partially hand assembled at Affalterbach. It turns a MCT nine-speed automatic gearbox with a Race Start function. AMG-specific 4Matic all-wheel drive system splits drive 31:69 front to rear. AMG remains mum on acceleration. It does admit that an optional Driver’s Package ups the 1765 kg C43’s top speed from 250 to 255 km/h.
C43 gets a modified exhaust with a rorty AMG tone. There’s an optional synthesised AMG Real Performance Sound package to ‘enhance the exhaust note’ via the car’s speakers. Bing me a broom! C43’s suspension gets a revised front axle, model-specific steering knuckles and load-bearing joints. Double wishbones do duty up front with a multi-link rear set-up. Aided and abetted by standard adaptive dampers and AMG Ride Control and AMG-tuned all-wheel steering.
Compeltely Re-fettled in Every Technical Way
Stopping is courtesy of 370 mm discs with four-piston brake callipers up front. And 320 mm discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear. It rolls on standard 18-inch wheels, but can be specified with 19 or 20-inch options.
A series of traditional AMG styling touches including a Panamericana-style grille. There’s an AMG bumper, beefier side sills too. And a reworked rear bumper with a diffuser and chromed tailpipes set C43 apart. Inside are AMG-specific digital instrument and infotainment displays behind the leather-bound AMG Performance flat-bottom steering wheel. Artificial leather and microfibre trimmed AMG sport seats trimmed, pedals and red seatbelts, are among the trim changes.
