AMG’s flagship sportscar is here with up to 577 hp, a 2+2 seating layout, and standard all-wheel-drive
Mercedes took the veils off the much anticipated second generation of the AMG GT sportscar at the Monterey Car Week. The Porsche 911 rival from Affalterbach has an evolutionary approach in styling but brings improved comfort and practicality coming with an optional 2+2 layout. The new GT is exclusively offered in coupe form leaving the open-air driving to the mechanically-related SL roadster, while featuring the latest in performance and chassis technology from AMG including a standard variable all-wheel-drive system.
The new GT remains instantly recognisable although every piece of the bodywork has been redesigned. The angry face features a Panamericana grille with a glossy black extension underneath reminiscent of the outgoing Black Series. The headlights have softer curves while the slim taillights are now connected via a trim piece underneath the active rear spoiler. The model rides on 20-inch wheels as standard, but its also available with optional 21-inch alloys.
The pronounced rear shoulders look even wider, sending 911 vibes, while the proportions are more balanced than before. This is attributed to the fact that the new AMG GT is 182 mm (7.2 inches) longer measuring 4,728 mm (186.1 inches), with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) being stretched by 70 mm (2.8 inches). The new generation is also 45 mm (1.8 inches) wider and 66 mm (2.5 inches) taller compared to its predecessor.
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Despite the familiar looks and proportions, the AMG GT is based on a new architecture made of aluminum, steel, magnesium, and fiber composites (glass and carbon), which allows extra room for the 2+2 layout and a larger boot.
Speaking of the interior, the dashboard with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch infotainment screen is carried over from the SL. The AMG Performance steering wheel and the bucket seats with integrated headrests which are optionally ventilated create a premium yet sporty atmosphere. Space at the back looks quite cramped as in most 2+2 offerings, with the rear seats being suitable for children or individuals measuring up to 1.5 m (4.9 feet) tall. Cargo capacity ranges between 321 lt (11.3 cubic feet) to 675 lt (23.8 cubic feet) making it suitable for longer trips.
The biturbo 4.0-liter V8 engine has been updated with more power and torque while being compatible with Euro 7 emission regulations. At launch, the model will be available in two V8-powered guises. The entry-level 55 makes 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque allowing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in an SL-matching 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The more potent GT 63 makes 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and topping out at 315 km/h (195.7 mph). It is not clear if AMG will offer a lesser 43 variant with the turbo four like in the SL, but judging from our spy shots, an even more powerful plug-in hybrid GT E Performance should be considered a given.
The sportscar is exclusively available with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic that is now mounted behind the engine featuring a wet starting clutch instead of a torque converter. Unlike its rear-wheel-drive predecessor, the GT now comes standard with the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The standard kit also includes tech goodies like the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization, an electronically-controlled rear-locking differential, active rear-axle steering, and active aerodynamics.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT is expected to arrive in the US in the first half of 2024. Pricing has yet to be announced but the sportscar is expected to be more expensive than the equivalent SL roadster.