The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabriolet

Soon after the Sedan and Wagon, the C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabriolet are set to receive their own extensive update. Shared visual features are the twin-louvre AMG radiator grille, muscular front apron and new rear apron with round twin tailpipe trim elements. The interior benefits from an optional fully digital cockpit with distinctive AMG displays and the new generation of steering wheels. The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine now delivers 385 hp. Together with the fast-reacting AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and rear-biased AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, driving dynamics and agility have been further enhanced.

"With the new C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabriolet, we offer our customers extensively upgraded, visually and technically distinctive entry-level options into the performance world of Mercedes-AMG," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

With a host of carefully coordinated measures, the developers at AMG have further improved the driving dynamics. The 3.0-litre V6 engine now delivers 385 hp and therefore 23 hp more than before. The peak torque of 384 lb- is available in a broad engine speed band from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. The new C 43 4MATIC Coupe accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the Cabriolet does the same in 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h.

Sporty and distinctive: the exterior design 

The exterior of the C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabriolet is considerably more expressive, even more strongly identifying the new models as members of the AMG family. New distinguishing features include the AMG radiator grille with twin louvre in matte iridium silver and the powerfully sculpted front apron with additional flics. The side air curtains in the front apron help with optimum guidance of the front airstream. The attachment on the cross fins plus the trim element on the front splitter are finished in silver chrome.

When viewed from the side, eye-catching features include the sporty side skirts plus new, aerodynamically optimized AMG light-alloy wheels. Their specifically designed outer aero rings and spoke geometry which has been optimised in the wind tunnel help to improve air flow around the wheels and thus increase aerodynamic efficiency. As part of this the developers aimed for the optimum combination of aerodynamics, weight and brake cooling, together with maximum performance and reduced fuel consumption.

The rear view also conveys a sense of sporty aesthetics with two round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome. The rear apron with side air outlet look and the significantly more expressive diffuser improve the air flow at the rear. The spoiler lip on the trunk lid is painted in the vehicle colour.

The optional AMG Optic package creates highlights which are even sportier: the more expressive front splitter, spoiler lip, broader side skirt inserts and flics in the rear bumper are finished in high-gloss black. Additional customizable equipment options include but are not limited to the exterior-mirror housings and the spoiler lip on the trunk The AMG Night package contains black elements such as the exterior-mirror housings, front splitter and tailpipe trim.

Sporty look with model-specific details: the interior design

Sporty materials such as leather, DINAMICA microfibre and aluminum in a high-quality finish continue the theme of the expressive exterior in the interior. The optional AMG Performance seats provide optimum lateral support when adopting a dynamic driving style, thanks to the special design of the seat side bolsters of the seat cushion and backrest. As an option in conjunction with leather upholstery, the seat side bolsters can be perfectly adjusted by means of built-in air cushions. The Performance seats additionally lend the interior an even more distinctive character with their racing look. In the Cabriolet, they can also be equipped with AIRSCARF neck-level heating for the first time.

The standard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black with red topstitching underscores the dynamic driving character. Matching the seat design, the door centre panels and dashboard are finished in ARTICO man-made leather with red topstitching. Aluminum sports pedals with black studs, trim elements in black piano lacquer with light longitudinal-grain aluminum, the black roof liner and available red seat belts create further sporty highlights.

Comprehensive customization options

As an option, there is a comprehensive choice of customization options. With regards to trim, the range includes trim in black open-pore ash wood, aluminum, high-gloss dark-brown fineline wood, anthracite open-pore oak wood, as well as AMG trim in carbon fibre and matte silver fibreglass.

In terms of upholstery, as an option there is leather in black, black with red topstitching, cranberry red/black, magma grey/black, saddle brown/black and porcelain/black.

Interior with innovative display concept and operating system

Whether with touchpad and Controller, Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel or via voice entry: the operating system of the C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabriolet is just as versatile as it is flexible. All options are aimed at enabling the control tasks to be carried out as conveniently, quickly and appropriately to the situation as possible in this sporty environment.

Just as flexible is the display of the optional, fully digital instrument cluster with 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) screen diagonal, which brings the vehicle functions directly to life with the three AMG-specific display styles of "Classic", "Sport" or "Supersport".

The driver is able to use the available smartphone integration to incorporate an iPhone® into the vehicle via Apple CarPlay™, and/or Android smartphones via Android Auto. These may be operated by voice control and, in some cases, via the vehicle controls. The smartphone connection offers access to up-to-date software as well as data such as navigation and traffic information, streaming media and Internet radio, in addition to contact data, telephony and messaging. To prevent driver distraction, there is no complete duplication of smartphone content.

A host of additional AMG information

Via the specific AMG menu, the driver is able to call up a host of additional information, such as Warm-up, Setup, G-Force, Race Timer or Engine Data, to make the driving experience even sportier. In addition, there is a digital indication of the current speed and selected gear. The manual transmission mode is identified by a yellow "M" and a prompt to shift up when reaching maximum engine speed, a touch inspired by the world of Formula 1. The visualisations in the central media display likewise enable further vehicle functions to be experienced even better, e.g. with animated presentation of the driving assistance, vehicle and communication systems.

New generation of AMG steering wheels

Extremely sporty design, a grippy shape with a heavily contoured rim and intuitive operation are the key attributes of the new AMG steering wheel in nappa leather, which comes as standard equipment. It has a flattened bottom section and is perforated in the grip area. The galvanized steering wheel gearshift paddles support a sporty driving style with manual gear shifting. It is also available in nappa leather / DINAMICA microfiber as an option.

The built-in Touch Control buttons are a new feature. These can be used to control the functions of the instrument cluster (left) and the multimedia system (right) by means of horizontal and vertical swiping movements of the finger. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and the cruise control are adjusted in the control panels on the left. The control panels on the right are used to activate the voice control and telephone, and to regulate the sound volume, music selection and other functions of the multimedia system.

Well-proven and powerful: the AMG 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine

The V6 biturbo engine boasts a high power output combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The high power output comes courtesy of separate, larger turbochargers and 16 psi max boost pressure, among other things. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response. The AMG power unit can be identified by the engine cover with red aluminum insert and AMG lettering.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission with shorter shift times

The C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabriolet makes use of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which the Mercedes-AMG developers have tuned specifically for a dynamic driving experience. This has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times.

The multiple downshift function allows more spontaneous bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in "Sport" and "Sport+" drive programs makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gear shifts in the other modes. In all modes moving off occurs in first gear in order to always guarantee a dynamic driving experience.

"Manual" mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected drive program, and the driver can now change gears using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches redline.

Characteristics at the touch of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

With the proven DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual", the characteristics of the C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabrioletcan be customised at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected specifically on demand.

The fifth mode "Slippery" is new, and is identified by means of the snowflake symbol. The moderate and even power delivery is specially programmed for slippery or snow-covered road conditions.

Rear-biased and agile: AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear axle split of 31 to 69 percent. This configuration provides for enhanced driving dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road as well as improved traction when accelerating. The single-stage transfer case of the four-wheel drive system is flange-mounted to the transmission as a separate system.

This add-on solution makes it easier to modify the torque split for each particular model, thus allowing even more individual characteristics for the respective model series. Its compact design means that it does not entail any space restrictions for passengers or luggage.

With adaptive adjustable damping: AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension

With its adjustable, electronically controlled damping system, the AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension of the C 43 4MATIC Coupe and Cabrioletprovides both sporty driving dynamics and high comfort on long journeys. The basis for this is formed by the 4-link front axle and independent multilink rear suspension. The AMG-specific kinematics and elastokinematics with newly developed components result in very high camber stability when cornering at speed. The axial brake connection on the front axle supports the agile and precise handling.

The adaptive adjustable damping comes as standard. This fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the damping at each wheel to the current requirements. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The damping is adjusted individually for each wheel, and depends on the driving style, the road surface and the selected suspension setting. The ideal operating point can be selected at all times on the basis of a broad scope of information relating to acceleration or vehicle speed, for example. Via a switch on the centre console, the driver can select between three different sets of damper characteristics, namely "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+", and thus individually influence the driving experience — from highly comfortable to sporty.

Direct and with clear feedback: the AMG speed-sensitive steering

The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio. It impresses with its precise, authentic feedback. The steering servo assistance is reduced at high speeds, and continuously increases at lower speeds. This means that comparatively little steering force is required at low speeds, and that the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained at high speeds. The steering servo assistance depends on the selected suspension setting. In "Sport" mode, more feedback is conveyed about the driving conditions.

Data logger for use on the race track: AMG TRACK PACE

As the virtual race engineer for recording data when driving on closed-off race tracks, AMG TRACK PACE provides a significantly extended and even more precise scope of functions. AMG TRACK PACE is included in the AMG Driver’s Package.

If this function is enabled, over 80 vehicle-specific sets of data (e.g. speed, acceleration) are recorded ten times per second. On top of this there are displays of lap and sector times and also the respective difference for a reference time. Because specific display elements are shown in green or red, the driver is able to see at a glance without reading numbers whether he/she is currently faster or slower than the best time.

The data make it possible to analyze and improve the driver's skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved. Thanks to a new developed algorithm which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit is departed from or shortened. Alongside GPS data, the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds) are used.

The data are displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster and on the head-up display. Known racetracks, for example the Nürburgring, are already stored. Furthermore, it is also possible to record one’s own circuits. The map display can also be switched from 2D to 3D.

Technical data at a glance

* Electronically limited

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,700 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 48 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 52,298 vehicles in 2017. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fourth consecutive year.

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For more information, please contact:
JoAnne Caza                416 847-7550              joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Sinead Brown               416 847-7588              sinead.brown@mercedes-benz.ca