Mercedes-AMG are not only working on their dedicated
hypercar, baptized the Project One, but also on a new concept, which will
reportedly debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show.
The four-door study is based on Mercedes-Benz's specially modified
MRA modular rear architecture, which is also used in the AMG C63, E63 and S63,
Autocar reports.
Known as the GT4, it uses the heart of the latest
AMG performance models, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and is said to feature new
twin-scroll turbochargers fitted between the cylinder banks. With this recipe,
induction qualities are to be improved over the standard version of the engine.
Gunning for the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and BMW
6-Series Gran Coupe, the production version of the GT4 is expected to reach
European dealers in 2018. By then, it will adopt the aforementioned lump in two
power outputs: 4Matic+ and S 4Matic+. In the latter, output is believed to top
the 603 horsepower of the latest AMG E63 S.
The engine could feature a newly developed
integrated starter generator (ISG), which will allow it to deliver more power
for short periods of time, via the 20 HP electric motor mounted within the
transmission, and instant start-up. The ISG uses a 48V electrical system, and
the final production version of the car could adopt a lithium-ion battery, of
"moderate size".
Besides the 4.0-liter V8 engine, a 3.0-liter
inline-six unit could join it, probably with the same ISG. Both versions will
use latest iteration of the brand's dual-clutch automatic transmission.
