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 longer measuring 4,728 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm being stretched by 70 mm. The new generation is
also 45 mm wider and 66 mm taller compared to its
predecessor. 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 tall. Cargo capacity ranges between 321 lt to 675 lt 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 and 700 Nm of
torque allowing a 0-100 km/h in an SL-matching 3.9 seconds and a top
speed of 295 km/h. The more potent GT 63 makes 577 hp and 800 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and topping out at 315 km/h. 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.
