MERCEDES-BENZ C43 AMG 4MATIC CABRIOLET 2017
MERCEDES-BENZ C43 AMG 4MATIC CABRIOLET
Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the first open-top member of the still young C-Class family in the shape of the new C43 4MATIC Cabriolet. Just like the C43 4MATIC Coupé, the all-season Cabriolet features a combination of 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, fast-acting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The open-air enjoyment for four people is backed by the brand's hallmark Driving Performance thanks to discrete suspension with stiffer elastokinematics unique to AMG and three-stage adjustable damping. Driving pleasure is accompanied by high efficiency as the open-top version of the Mercedes-AMG C43 consumes a mere 8.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure).
Mercedes-AMG brought two models from the C-Class performance family to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. In addition to the C43 4MATIC Coupé, the sports car and performance brand based in Affalterbach is now also showcasing the C43 4MATIC Cabriolet. "The AMG product portfolio will continue to grow rapidly this year, making the world of Driving Performance more diverse than ever. Our new product line continues to expand at a fast pace and, with the C43 4MATIC Cabriolet, we are offering a younger target group yet another alternative to discover the fascinating world of AMG," says Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine in the new Cabriolet delivers impressive performance with its 270 kW (367 hp) maximum power and peak torque of 520 Nm: sprinting from rest to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, its speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. The agile driving experience is mainly thanks to the standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, the newly developed front axle, the stiff elastokinematics and the highly precise steering.
AMG: the 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine
The new 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is part of the BlueDIRECT engine family from Mercedes-Benz. Technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed the AMG engineers to increase the engine's power output and torque as well as its dynamism and flexibility to typical AMG levels. With 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Nm, the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment. The same NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is used in the Formula One engines of MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS. Especially tough and, therefore, wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert in the engine cover.
Short shift times, high efficiency: 9G-TRONIC
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is specially matched to the demands of the C43 4MATIC. By specifically adapting the software, the AMG developers have been able to significantly shorten the 9-speed transmission's shift times. The multiple downshift allows faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience. Furthermore, defined ignition adjustments allow even faster gear changes than in the "Eco" and "Comfort" modes.
"Manual" mode can be selected by pressing a button on the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Also, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.
With automatic adjustable damping: the sports suspension
Equipped as standard with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive three-stage adjustable damping, the Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Cabriolet has all the right ingredients to deliver outstanding driving dynamics and exceptionally high comfort on long journeys. The front axle has been provided with stiffer steering knuckles, improved elastokinematics and increased negative camber. In combination with the likewise newly developed wishbone guide bearings, this design results in significantly more agile cornering plus more precise and direct suspension feedback from the road. The driver can select the automatic adjustable damping system's three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus" using a button on the centre console to fully customise the driving impression.
Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
With the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes "Eco", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual", the characteristics of the C43 4MATIC Cabriolet can be individualised even further 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 set-up and steering.
To increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering
With its variable ratio, the speed-sensitive sports steering enhances the agile cornering of the new C43 4MATIC Cabriolet. It impresses with its precise and exceptionally authentic feedback. The power steering assistance can be varied in the "Comfort" or "Sport" setting. The corresponding characteristic is automatically activated depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised in "Individual" mode.