All the boys at my house get excited when they see an AMG-badged Mercedes-Benz in our driveway. They immediately hit me up for the keys so they can peek inside.
These performance-tuned automobiles are known for their track-worthy driving dynamics, blistering acceleration and, frankly, their lofty price tags. But you get what you pay for in this world, and in the case of today’s tester, a Cardinal Red Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG coupe, what you get is plenty.
Our tester, made available from the manufacturer for a one-week test drive, features a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that makes 385 horsepower. The lusty exhaust note and eye-catching red paint made me doubly cautious to not attract the attention of local law enforcement.
The C43 AMG coupe is a rocket, capable of completing the zero-to-60 mph dash in just 4.1 seconds, according to Car and Driver. The company estimates 4.5 seconds, but either way full-throttle acceleration will slam your shoulders into the $2,500 performance seats. The nine-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth, and the all-wheel-drive system seems to add a second layer of gravity to this road-hugging machine, which weighs a tick under two tons.
FAST FACTS
* Model: Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG coupe* Exterior color: Cardinal Red Metallic* Interior color: Black with red stitching* Engine: 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6* Horsepower: 385* Transmission: nine-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 27 mpg highway, 19 mpg city* Local Dealer: Mercedes-Benz at Long of Chattanooga* Price (as tested): $74,410