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…
1 / 8
