topsider

From Car and Driver:

"A few weeks ago, we were a bit surprised to learn that the AMG version of Mercedes’ new SLC-class roadster—it replaces the SLK-class—would be powered by the engine found in the AMG Sport models of the C- and GLE-classes, the C450 AMG and GLE450 AMG. (AMG Sport was launched to neatly split the difference between regular Mercedes vehicles and full-bore AMGs.) AMG hadn’t offered a six-banger in many years, and the twin-turbocharged V-6, while an impressive powerplant, doesn’t adhere to Affalterbach’s “One Man, One Engine” gospel, whereby one technician assembles a complete engine from start to finish.


But the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 won’t be an exception—it actually sets a precedent, as the AMG Sport models will be rechristened and moved into the AMG lineup proper. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG will become the Mercedes-AMG C43, and a Mercedes-AMG E43 will launch later this year. Further models will follow.

We think the move is legit. The current AMG Sports already feature a lot of AMG-developed technology, and we’re not just talking about badges, red stitching, and carbon-fiber décor; they also get actual chassis upgrades. And if you’ve ever heard an AMG Sport model performing a full-throttle redline shift and the accompanying exhaust crackle, it’s clear that these machines mean serious business.

About the “43” moniker for the 3.0-liter V-6: While it would be nice if it had any relationship whatsoever to engine displacement, Benz believes it aligns nicely with the 63 badging used for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 models. Plus, there was a C43 in AMG’s history. So if you aspire to own an AMG, you will have a lot more choices soon."

rbrylaw

Interesting.......C400, then C450, soon to be C43. One day, it will stay the same from one year to the next......

stealth.pilot

Interesting. I guess it's like Audi with the S and RS models.

I wonder though if body kit will change. Right now C300 with AMG Sport body kit looks nearly same as C450.

ManiacGT

Popcorn is to hand.. Awaiting the purists to show up.

topsider

i can see both sides of it, if i was a C63 owner i wouldn't be too happy, but as someone who wants to upgrade in 2.5 years i am excited about possibly getting a C43, i wonder if this means they will now raise the price though

Zand3rs

Was just about to go sign on a new c450 this friday. Guess i will now wait a little while untill i hear whats going on. Would be really pissed if only a few months from now my car is old and has absolutly no resell value...

z28lt1

I'd be surprised if this was anything but a marketing/branding thing. It will likely be the same car with a different badge.

My real issue is, to follow the car on the forums, do I stay in the standard W205 forum, or do I need to move over to the AMG forums

MJ50

it's gettin' worse...

Zand3rs

Bringing popcorn!

BenzC400

All of us C400 owners know the feeling. We went through it last year. Even if your C450 is renamed and maybe updated a bit, it is still an awesome car that you will enjoy for years. I was disappointed when I heard the C400 was discontinued. I even considered trading for a C450. It turns out after more than a year with the C400, I'm very happy with it. You'll be happy with your C450 too.

*Knowledge*

Well if MB is trying to appeal to many they sure are giving options. Within two years a customer can acquire a 400 or 450 relatively new for less. As a consumer you can't beat that.
Matter fact, I might pick up another 450 for the wifey in 18 months.

sdm100

I love my C450 and will update it to the new model with my new AMG badge on the rear that should keep it up to date

inhartwetrust

Yup, this solidifies 100% that I'll be holding off for MY 2017. Don't want to have a car that will be even more difficult than necessary to resell 5 years down the road, due to a change in model name.

Mike5215

The smart money is to wait for the relaunch and then scoop up a new C450 for a song and let MB eat the depreciation for you up front. Then the hit on the back end resale value won't matter.

mvw

Just lease it, beat the hell out of it and return it after 39 months.

Really looking forward to my 2019 C X 5490 AMG Dx or whatever stupid name they have for it by then...

inhartwetrust

For sure, this is my dual path option #2. I will probably be heading to the dealership in July, hopefully the full details of the C43 are out by then so that I can make a fully informed decision between the two and see if the C43 is worth the extra cost. If not I will just wait an extra more or two until I know the full details.

Interesting turn to say the least, I posted this in the C450 thread over the weekend to see if anyone else had heard anything and expected to be told the link was bogus...never for a second really thought it would materialize.

AMG_BUFF

For me, this makes no real difference - it is really just a marketing tool. I would think that owners of the C63 might be a little miffed. Also, if the 3.0 V-6 is not going to be built by just one tech and if the C43 is not going to get the AMG brakes, I think it would still be considered (by some) not a "real" AMG. Ah, well.....

Mike5215

I don't get why the owners of the full blown AMG cars get upset if something downmarket gets branded as AMG.

I guess if they took a C450 and renamed it C63* that might be an issue. Because you could just use some dental floss and remove the asterisk.

RTX

So my c220 would be called c21d? That's not too bad ... as long as they throw an AMG badge.

Mike5215

Yep. Although instead of a badge it's a sticker.

stealth.pilot

Wait a sec. Do you realize that the 2017 C43 will be a one off since they will do the mid cycle styling facelift for the 2018 model year. So might as well hold off for that otherwise the 2017 will be hard to resell because it will be pre-facelift.

That's the trouble with this thinking. It basically forces you to buy a car in its sunset years when they have run out of things to refresh.

supersky3k

Now they have a reason to put in a 400HP engine on the 2017 AMG C43. Infiniti just announced launching the Q60 with 400HP in the coming summer of 2016. Mercedes wants to beat all of the competitors in this price segment.

inhartwetrust

No, I realize that I was going to be ordering in mid to late summer anyway...so it probably makes sense to be patient for another month or two for the C43.

If there are very marginal updates and it financially makes sense to buy a C450 at a discount and hedge the year 1 depreciation, I'll do that. Either way, I'm ordering with badge removal.

T.O_c240

Wow, definitely some exciting times for the w205 and Mercedes' new model line-ups coming out such as the SLC 43, GLC, CLA, W213, etc. etc. If I was a C450 owner I might be a little ticked off that they didn't just offer that off the bat. As a C400 owner I purchased the car knowing in 8 months the C450 would be out but in the end I'm happy with my decision because I highly value the Airmatic ride with adjustable ride heights and I have the option to install a lowering module to lower the car further or raise it at the push of a few buttons. Also I got to enjoy the car a lot earlier and in the summer versus waiting until the fall as I've now put the car away for the winter and am driving the old faithful w203

Zand3rs

No information available from my source. he wont even comment if its true or not. :/