Mercedes-Benz C43 High-Performance Sedan Arrives In Dealer Showrooms
30 March 1998
Mercedes-Benz C43 High-Performance Sedan Arrives In Dealer Showrooms
First V8-Powered C-Class Combines Scorching Performance With Luxury and
Exclusivity
MONTVALE, N.J., March 30 -- Mercedes-Benz dealers across the
U.S. have begun taking delivery of the new C43 supersedan, a
limited-production V8-powered version of its popular C-Class sedan. The new
C43 is modified by AMG, Germany's top automotive customizer and race "tuner,"
who has been partnered with Mercedes-Benz for decades.
Only 1,500 of these ultra-performance cars will be imported to the U.S.
over a three-year period. Priced at $52,750, the mid-size C43 features a
modified version of the new-generation V8 engine from the full-size E430
sedan. With higher-lift modular camshafts and a freer-flowing intake and
exhaust system, horsepower is boosted to 302 (up 10 percent over the standard
275 hp figure) for superb overall performance, including 0-60 mph acceleration
of 5.9 seconds.
High-Performance Chassis Complements V8 Engine Power
In addition to the potent 4.3-liter V8 engine, the Mercedes-Benz C43 sedan
is fitted with a heavy-duty transmission (from the SL500), larger four-wheel
vented disc brakes (adapted from AMG Mercedes race cars) and a sophisticated
sport suspension with firmer springs and stiffer shocks as well as heavy-duty
stabilizer bars. The new C43 also comes with wider 17-inch alloy wheels and
low-profile "staggered" tires (225/45 in front, 245/40 rear) along with a
deeper front air dam (specially designed for the V8 engine), a lower rear
apron and door sill panels.
Ultra Performance Combined With Unsurpassed Luxury
Inside, the C43 has standard leather sport seats, available in striking
two-tone colors, along with burl walnut wood trim, a thick-rim sport steering
wheel and AMG instrument cluster. Standard equipment also includes power
sunroof, automatic climate control (with charcoal and dust filters),
high-performance Bose audio system, cruise control, and a split folding rear
seat.
New-Generation V8 Is Lighter Than The Previous In-Line Six!
The 4.3-liter aluminum V8 engine in the C43 actually weighs 44 pounds less
than the 3.6-liter in-line six previously used in the C36! The C43 powerplant
shares innovative technology with the other new generation Mercedes-Benz V6
and V8 engines for 1998. In general, the new engines are more fuel-efficient,
compact and lightweight, with lower exhaust emissions and a broader torque
range than the previous engines.
The new Mercedes-Benz engines feature innovative three-valve-per-cylinder
technology which can reduce exhaust emissions over 40 percent, particularly
during the critical warm-up stage. An innovative offset-phase twin-plug
ignition system (good for 100,000 miles between spark plug replacements)
matched to the new three-valve technology improves performance in the new
engine.
AMG Partners With Mercedes-Benz On The Track And On The Road
The basic C43 vehicle for the U.S. is produced at the technologically
advanced Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Bremen, then shipped to the AMG
facility in Affalterbach, a small village near Stuttgart. While many of the
special C43 parts are line-installed during normal production (including the
17-inch wheels and tires, brake parts, instrumentation and seats), the special
interior, suspension and body parts are completed and installed at AMG.
The AMG company was founded by Hans-Werner Aufrecht, a former Mercedes
employee. The letters in the company name stand for Aufrecht, his former
partner Erhard Melcher and the town of Grossapach, Aufrecht's birthplace. The
company is currently located in Affalterbach, Germany. While AMG has been
customizing Mercedes-Benz cars since 1967 and successfully racing them since
1971, it had initially done so independently. In the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz and
AMG collaborated on several projects, including several title-winning race
efforts. Most recently, AMG helped the latest "Silver Arrows" -- the
Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR racing cars -- take top honors in the 1997 FIA GT
Championship.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.
