A Name to Note

Mercedes-Benz has announced its new flagship model, the Mercedes-AMG GT. Developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG,SLS AMGthis second new sports car following the SLS AMG holds a different stance, as its name suggests. The SLS AMG bore the Mercedes-Benz name at the top, but this new model is named the "Mercedes-AMG GT." It's worth noting that "Mercedes-AMG" is the brand name, not Mercedes-Benz.

The body design follows the lineage of the SLS AMG, with an appearance that clearly marks it as its successor.



Its long-hood, short-deck proportions, characteristic of a front-engine, rear-drive layout, are striking, as are the domed hood and the sporty two-seater form with short overhangs. The rounded body, the air outlets behind the front fenders, and the three-dimensional sculpting of those areas are also notable design features of the AMG GT.

The headlights incorporate 18 LEDs for position lights, which also function as turn signals. The large front grille and the shape of the headlights echo the design language found in AMG's current lineup.



However, the AMG GT is significantly more compact than the SLS AMG. While the reduction in size undoubtedly has positive effects, the use of an aluminum spaceframe for the body, keeping the weight down to just 1,540kg, is also a major advantage for a sports car.

Mercedes-AMG GT | Mercedes-AMG GT

Its Next Rival: The Porsche 911

The SLS AMG Successor, the "AMG GT," Arrives (2)

A 4-Liter V8 Twin-Turbo Engine

While it is effectively the successor to the SLS AMG, the AMG GT differs from previous AMG flagship models not only in its name but also in its body size.



The SLS AMG was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine with a dry-sump lubrication system, known as the "M159." In contrast, the AMG GT is equipped with the "M178," a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with direct injection, created exclusively by AMG. This engine, developed from scratch, features a unique layout with two turbochargers mounted within the V of the cylinder banks.



In keeping with AMG tradition, each engine is meticulously assembled by a single master technician – the "one man, one engine" production system. These engines are hand-built at the AMG engine production facility in Affalterbach.



With a total displacement of 3,982cc, this latest model in the BlueDIRECT engine family, like the M159, features a dry-sump design and meets Euro 6 emission standards, including maximum particulate matter levels. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.3 liters per 100km (NEDC combined), translating to 10.7km per liter. This is poised to set a new benchmark for sports car fuel efficiency.



The impressive maximum output figures are 340kW (462hp) and 600Nm (61.2kgm) of torque for the base "AMG GT," and for the higher-performance "AMG GT S," using the same 3,982cc V8 twin-turbo specification, the output is increased to 375kW (510hp) and 650Nm (66.3kgm). It comes standard with an AMG Performance exhaust system featuring variable exhaust flaps.



This new generation of downsized V8 engine, like theSLR McLaren" and SLS AMG, is mounted in a front-midship position, and it also employs the traditional transaxle layout. This achieves an ideal weight distribution of 53:47 for a sports car. The transmission, located ahead of the rear axle, is the "AMG Speedshift DCT-7" 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.



According to data released by AMG, the "AMG GT" has a top speed of 304 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. The "AMG GT S" achieves a top speed of 310 km/h and completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

Meticulously Engineered Aerodynamics

Achieving these top speeds, along with ideal weight distribution, driving feel, handling stability, and effective cooling of the engine and components, while minimizing wind noise, are all hallmarks of the AMG GT's meticulously designed aerodynamics.



The automatically extending rear wing, front splitter, and front apron design not only reduce lift to ideal levels but also efficiently support the cooling modules for the engine and brakes. Airflow from the brake cooling ducts, in particular, enhances braking performance.



The rear diffuser enhances cooling for the transmission located at the rear and shapes optimal airflow beneath the car's floor. It plays a crucial role in minimizing lift at the rear axle at high speeds. This high degree of venturi effect can be highlighted as a sophisticated technology unique to this latest model.



Supporting these performance capabilities, the suspension employs a double-wishbone setup at both the front and rear. The "AMG GT" comes standard with 9x19-inch (front) and 11x19-inch (rear) wheels fitted with 255/35R19 and 295/35R19 tires, respectively, featuring a basic 10-spoke design.



The "AMG GT S" is equipped with wider 265/35R19 tires and 9x19-inch wheels at the front, and 295/30R20 tires with 11x20-inch wheels at the rear. Optional cross-spoke forged wheels with a high-gloss rim flange and bolt covers, as well as matte black painted wheels, are available for both models.

An Interior Emphasizing Sportiness

Meanwhile, the interior designas previously reported,is sporty and snug, exuding a cockpit-like atmosphere designed for driving.



The interior, finished in a striking two-tone color scheme, is reminiscent of recent Mercedes production models. However, the TFT display for the instrument cluster and the prominently protruding center console with its eight switches and embossed AMG emblem are particularly eye-catching.



This wide center console is named the AMG DRIVE UNIT and is designed with motifs inspired by the V8 engine's cylinders. The eight switches arranged in a V-shape include, from top left: drive mode select, engine start/stop, traction control off, and damper adjustment. From top right: infotainment controls, various setting switches, idle stop on/off, and exhaust sound adjustment. The familiar COMAND controller is integrated into a touchpad that also serves as a handrest, featuring Mercedes' latest design, and is paired with an 8.4-inch display.



The steering wheel is D-shaped, with a black Nappa leather rim and an Alcantara grip on the horizontal section, evoking the steering wheels of F1 cars. Aluminum shift paddles are also mounted on the steering column.



The sports seats, upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and black fabric, feature AMG ornamentation on the backrest and are designed for optimal lateral support. The cabin also includes two cup holders and various storage compartments for small items, enhancing usability for long journeys and daily driving. A 350-liter luggage space is provided, capable of holding two golf bags.

The Rival: Porsche 911

The comprehensive active and passive safety features are also a key characteristic of the AMG GT. The driving assistance systems, inherited from the newS-Class,are standard on the AMG GT. These include DISTRONIC PLUS, Adaptive Brake Assist, tire pressure monitoring system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, PRE-SAFE system, PARKTRONIC, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist within the Lane Tracking Package, Blind Spot Assist, and Traffic Sign Assist, ensuring the highest level of safety.




While the SLS AMG's size and gullwing doors were fitting for a flagship model, the Mercedes-AMG GT adopts a lighter, more compact body and a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. Opinions may differ on this downsizing approach, but regardless, the combination of a dieted body with an engine producing over 500hp, though less than the SLS AMG, promises exceptional performance.



When its rival is mentioned asPorsche "911",the profile of the Mercedes-AMG GT—its body size and engine displacement—becomes understandable. The actual car is scheduled to be publicly unveiled this autumn at the upcomingParis Motor Show.



While an official price announcement is still some time away, we anticipate a more accessible and significantly more exciting price point than the SLS AMG.