The early reveals for the Geneva Motor Show are coming fast and furious now with Mercedes-AMG getting in on the action with its new C43 sedan.
The C-Class is Mercedes most popular model in its long history, at least in terms of total sales, and the new model with its four body variants, three available in the U.S., appears ready to carry on that legacy.
The new C43 received a variety of updates designed to make it more appealing inside and out. On the exterior, the new AMG radiator grille in a twin-louver design, powerfully sculpted front bumper and the new rear bumper with round twin tailpipe trim elements visibly enhance the new C43 Sedan and give it an even more distinct positioning.
On the inside, the classic Mercedes mix of high end materials mixed with the latest in technology continues, including an optional fully digital cockpit that provides the driver with all of the information he or she could need at a glance.
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Just as flexible is the display of the optional, fully digital instrument cluster with 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.”
If it’s an AMG, it has got to be powerful and the new model doesn’t disappoint. The AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 biturbo now delivers 23 more horsepower up to 385 hp. Partnered with with the AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission and rear-biased AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive, the engine combines agile driving dynamics with comfort on long journeys, the automaker says.
The vehicle also gets a new eye-catching feature aerodynamically optimized AMG light-alloy wheels. Their specifically designed outer aero rings and spoke geometry which has been optimized in the wind tunnel help to improve air flow around the wheels and thus increase aerodynamic efficiency.
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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 introduction of the new C43 comes amidst an odd time for Mercedes. The company just celebrated its best February ever. Last month, the maker sold 24,760 units, increasing 1% from the 24,522 vehicles sold during the same month last year.
“We’re off to a solid start to what will be another successful year,” said Dietmar Exler, president and CEO of MBUSA. “Growing demand for the S-Class and GLC model lines helped us set a new record for February, and we look forward to a strong close to the first quarter.”
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The company’s fast start in the U.S. this year follows the splendid 2017 it enjoy. However, that may all be in jeopardy now as President Donald Trump threated to place a 25% tariff on all European-built vehicles. Trump trotted out this idea out for the second time after it was suggested the EU place tariffs on certain American goods if Trump carries out his planned tariffs on steel and aluminum.
