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Mercedes-Benz C43 sedan modified by AMG for high performance
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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STRAWBERRY, Ariz. -- The latest car to wear that tri-star mark of Mercedes-Benz -- preeminent symbol of German automotive expertise -- envelops riders in the elegant package of a 4-door sedan rigged with world-class safety hardware and luxuriously comfortable appointments.
But this is not the typical family car: It rips from zero to 60 miles an hour in less than six seconds and run confidently at speeds in excess of 150 mph.
It's the new C43, a remarkable V8-powered supercar cast in limited numbers and designed for those who lust after awesome automotive performance in a supreme machine cloaked in the sedate disguise of a family vehicle.
Mercedes makes such a supercar only rarely.
In 1968, the 300SEL 6.3 full-size luxury sedan contained a 6.3-liter V8 to move it from zero to 60 in under seven seconds, while ten years later the 450SEL 6.9 used a larger version of this V8 to haul more than two tons of metal to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. In 1992, the E500 sedan got the 5.0-liter V8 from a roadster SL500, earning sub-6 zero-to-60 times.
This year, a sophisticated new single-cam V8 engine emerges from Mercedes, debuting in the E430 mid-size sedan. Yet this V8 also drops into a compact-size C Class sedan, following special powertrain and bodyworks modifications by independent tuner AMG, to forge the high-performance C43.
The AMG partnership with Mercedes traces to 1967 when a former Daimler-Benz worker founded a company to modify privately-owned Mercedes models for special performance. Most recently, the spirited C36 sedan of 1995 flowed through AMG, which also created some C Class racing cars that led to winning trophies for Mercedes at German and international touring car championship races.
To create a C43, Mercedes first produces at its Bremen assembly plant a C Class sedan with the AMG-modified 4.3-liter V8 shoehorned into its engine compartment.
Specific suspension and brake components developed by AMG are also installed at Bremen before the car moves to AMG's facility in Affalterbach, Germany, where unique exterior body parts are applied, along with an AMG-designed low-restriction exhaust system.
Ultimately, the completed C43 ships to a Mercedes facility in Sindelfingen for final tests by inspectors before release for export.
Only 1,500 of these vehicles will be produced during the next three years, and the first 500 arrive in the United States as 1998 models. Tab for this year's C43: $52,752, which includes the complete complement of advanced mechanical and safety assets developed by Mercedes.
One of the first models to land in North America showed up in Phoenix for road tests by automotive journalists, and this writer spent a day playing with a sleek silver C43 in a run up I-17 through Black Canyon to Camp Verde, then over twisty 2-lane Arizona routes 260 and 87 with a descent from the Mogollon Rim to Payson.
What a task: Take a high-powered performance sedan and see how it behaves across 300 miles of Arizona real estate that includes roads constructed over some of the most convoluted terrain on earth.
On a deserted desert straightaway a C43 punched in the accelerator leaps instantly to action, channeling as much as 302 hp and an equal measure of torque to rear wheels in a zippy take-off that pushes driver into seat and propels this thing at a pace many sports cars cannot match.
On multi-lane slabs the C43 reveals it can muster whatever speed you dare to achieve, while also maintaining a rock-solid attitude that's free of noise and vibration.
On curvy mountain roads with platform riding on the extremely wide track, a C43 hunkers on oversized 17-inch tires and glides around turns in surprisingly flat stance which promotes uncanny stability and precise control.
On congested boulevards the pretext of a high-powered supercar transcends to the leather-lined confines of an elegant people-hauler tipped toward luxury and comfort.
Clearly, C43 performs tricks of a wolfish sportster, although it's clothed demurely in a sedan's sheepish cover.
The exterior shape features a bold front grille with multi-step hoodline and flat sidewall doors.
Beneath the skin, a body structure of high-strength steel encases the passenger compartment and includes special crumple zones for front, sides and tail.
Front and door-mounted side airbags are in place, as well as special sensors in the front passenger's seat to detect installation of a child's safety seat and automatically deactivate passenger's airbag when a child weighing less than 26 pounds is aboard.
The suspension begins with a double wishbone arrangement in front for quick agility, and rear 5-arm design which minimizes throttle-induced steering effects and negates squat and lift tendencies in starting and stopping. Then AMG tweaks spring rates and applies Bilstein gas-charged shock absorbers tuned for taut control.
Front wheel track on C43 stretches to 62.6 inches, but the rear stands at 58.4 inches, creating a wider spread in front for more stability. Add 17-inch AMG monoblock alloy wheels capped by Michelin Pilot performance tires staggered with wider and lower profiles for the ones in back.
Power-assisted disc brakes tie to an anti-lock system and traction control, but the Mercedes innovation of Brake Assist is also aboard -- automatically applying full brake force during panic stops to shorten stopping distances by as much as 45 percent. Sensors aboard adapt and adjust the device to particular driving styles.
Then there's that power angle, drawn from the exceptional new 4.3-L V8. It has an aluminum alloy block, variable camshaft timing for higher output and lower emissions, plus computer-controlled Motronic management system with direct ignition and multiple spark firing.
Through special tuning by AMG, output increases to 302 hp, with torque extending to 302 lbs/ft between 3250-5000 rpm for absolutely flat muscle through the entire mid-range.
To this pounder Mercedes mates its automatic shifter with five forward gears and electronic controls which can adapt shift patterns via computer to individual driving styles. A gated shift level permits a hands-on driver to run through gears manually to exert even more control.
The interior package, with high-bolstered heated sport buckets in front of a bench for three, applies two-tone leather and burled walnut wood trimmings. A power sunroof and Bose audio system score among many standard features.
1998 MERCEDES-BENZ C43 SEDAN
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1998 MERCEDES BENZ C43 Specs |
| Description: |
Compact performance sedan |
| Model Options: |
Compact performance sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
105.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
177.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 4.3-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/5 |
| Drive: |
Rear |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
4 |
| Price: |
$ 52,752 |
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