Mercedes has adopted an ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ philosophy with the GT 73 as spy photographers have caught the model undisguised near the Nürburgring. While there isn’t much new to see, the latest images give us a better glimpse at the high-performance plug-in hybrid.
The model follows in the footsteps of the
GT 63, but adopts a more aggressive front bumper with central air ducts. “V8
Biturbo E-Performance” badging also replaces the usual “V8 Biturbo 4Matic+”
messaging on the front fenders. More importantly, there’s a rear charging port
underneath the passenger side taillight.
While Mercedes hasn’t officially unveiled
the GT 73, they revealed an assortment of details about the model last month.
In particular, they said their upcoming performance hybrids will have four-and
eight-cylinder engines, a 6.1 kWh battery pack, all-wheel drive, and a
rear-mounted motor that produces up to 201 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
Mercedes went on to say their twin-turbo
4.0-liter V8 AMG Performance Hybrid powertrain will produce more than 805 hp and 1000 Nm of torque. This will enable some
variants – presumably the GT 73 – to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in
less than three seconds.
Besides releasing initial performance
specifications, Mercedes confirmed upcoming E-Performance models will have a
unique Electric drive mode that joins the familiar Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race
and Individual settings. As the name suggests, Electric mode will enable
vehicles to be driven on electricity alone at speeds up to 130 km/h.
Electric mode also enables the vehicle to
be rear-wheel drive, but Mercedes noted the “mechanical connection to the AMG
Performance 4MATIC+ components means that all-wheel drive is also available if
required: if, for example, the rear wheels suddenly lose traction, the power of
the electric motor is also transmitted to the front wheels via the cardan and
drive shafts.” A debut should be right around the corner, but there’s no word
on exact timing.
