Spy photographers have caught the Mercedes-AMG GT 73 on multiple occasions, but the automaker was quietly released a handful of images on their own. While the model doesn’t look terribly special at first glance, there are a couple of telltale clues this isn’t your typical GT 63. Starting up front, there’s new ducting in the central air intake. The outside intakes also trade horizontal slats for angular ones.
The model also appears to be equipped with
unique lightweight alloy wheels. However, the most telling feature is “V8
Biturbo E Performance” badging that replaces the usual “V8 Biturbo 4Matic+”
messaging on the 63.
While Mercedes isn’t ready to talk about
the car, it’s expected to have a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a
twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, an electric motor and a lightweight battery
pack. In the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT concept, this gave the model a combined
output of 805 PS. The concept could also rocket from 0-100 km/h in less than three seconds.
The pictures were released as part of an
announcement revealing closer ties between Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG
Petronas F1 team. The company said this will allow for an “even more in-depth,
mutual transfer in the development of future-oriented, electrified technologies
for motor racing and for the road.”
Mercedes-AMG Chairman Philipp Schiemer
added the E Performance label will be used to advance the company’s
“interpretation of a powerful and efficient hybrid technology for the future
road-going models.” The company also touted technology transfers as they noted
their electric turbocharger is “standing the test in Formula 1 under extreme
conditions and will soon be used in AMG production models.”
