Lighter, cheaper, rear-drive GT 43 launched in UK
We were denied the 421hp four-cylinder GT 43 when it arrived last year - now Mercedes has seen the light
Those with good memories - or a particular fondness for rare groove AMGs - might remember that just under a year ago a GT 43 was announced. Very interesting it was, too, with the whole hog A45 engine fitted - meaning 421hp, instead of the SL 43’s 382hp - and a substantial weight saving over the V8-engined ‘63. Only trouble was that UK buyers were denied it at launch. But there’s been a change of heart at Mercedes, as a GT 43 - alongside a GT 55 and the 63 Pro - are now available to order for UK buyers from today.
The 2.0-litre, rear-drive GT costs from £101,695, which may take some head unspinning. That being said, it’s thousands less than the equivalent SL (£108,250) and more powerful than the equivalent £100k 911 (the 394hp, 3.0-litre Carrera). It’ll come as little surprise to find that the four-cylinder AMG and flat-six 911 compare closely on paper, the GT boasting more power and torque (369lb ft against 332lb ft) but losing out when it comes to 0-62mph (4.6 seconds against 4.1) and top speed (174mph against 183mph.) Despite its weight saving over the V8, the GT 43 is still a fair bit heavier than the Carrera, at 1,790kg against 1,595kg.
Nevertheless, it’s an interesting addition to the GT range, and should be a fascinating match-up with the 911 on the road. The SL with the A45 engine, much like the Lotus Emira that has it, did feel like it really lacked the full-fat fizz of what is a great AMG engine. Hopefully the GT can deliver it. The 43 will be offered to customers here in Premium and Premium Plus (£109,185) specs.
The new next rung up the range ladder is a GT 55 4Matic+, sold only in Premium Plus configuration. It uses the same hot-v 4.0-litre turbo V8 as the ‘63, albeit with 476hp rather than 585hp. Thanks to the all-wheel drive it’ll scoot to 62mph in less than four seconds (even with the 1,970kg), though the ‘55 matches the 63’s official 20.2mpg and 319g/km exactly. So it looks like one for those that really must save the £20k+ (£143,605 versus £164,905 for the 63 Premium Plus) rather than for any dynamic benefit, though more V8 AMGs of any kind in the Mercedes line-up sounds like good news to us.
Finally, the hotly anticipated GT 63 Pro is now available to order over here. Despite boasting 612hp, a 3.2-second 0-62mph time and a £176,605 RRP, the Pro isn’t the most powerful, accelerative or expensive GT available in a now pretty broad range - that honour of course rests with the almighty E Performance.
Instead, the Pro exists for the track day fanatics, complete with monster brakes and super sticky Michelins, aiming to lure buyers out of their GT3s with a package that (hopefully) rekindles the spirit of the glorious old GT R Pro. Initial signs were encouraging, so let’s hope for more of the same when a UK car arrives. Just don’t be surprised if the four-cylinder GT gets even more attention…
Harry Metcalfe was reviewing the new 911 GTS and I think he pointed out it was 20-25% more expensive that the last one. I doubt its all profiteering as remotely accessible enthusiast cars are being legislated out of existence but it is a shame.
Driving a 4-pot one of these will make you feel like you've been robbed of the proper experience, no matter the power level.
It's also typical that this is the only version to be available without AWD. So basically I'd have a choice of an engine I don't want or a drivetrain I don't want...and that'd be a deal breaker for me!
I do get the impression that a lot of us would never try anything different, I mean it looks pretty good, its got 421 bhp and its lighter but all anyone gets hung up on is the cylinder count.
Plus, not everyone is that bothered, Mercedes cater to their customers, so there was obviously a business case for it.
I like the car in terms of looks, but I don't like the sound of a turbo 4 pot in that kind of car or at that price point, comparing it to the new Carrera I'd say Porsche ponies pull harder as well it's already been tested around 3.6 to 60mph so it would be hard to look last the 911 for many reasons.
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