On January 11, Mercedes-Benz Japan announced the "Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance F1 Edition," the top performance model of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Provisional reservations are being accepted on the company's website until 6:00 PM on January 25 (Wednesday). With a limited production run of 35 units, a lottery will be held if more applications are received. Deliveries are scheduled to begin sequentially from February onwards.

The "Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe" is a sports car developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG. It is said to embody the ultimate high performance that is the identity of Mercedes-AMG, while also combining sensual design, a comfortable interior, and the practicality of four doors. It is positioned as a model that meets the needs of users who seek to pursue performance and design without compromising everyday usability.

The powertrain of the GT 63 S E Performance F1 Edition, which has now been released, combines a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with an AC synchronous motor, an AMG-developed high-performance battery, and the "4MATIC+" all-wheel-drive system with continuously variable torque distribution. This system distributes torque between the front and rear from a 50:50 to 0:100 split, depending on driving conditions and the driver's intentions, enabling intense initial acceleration and cornering that makes the driver and car feel as one, according to the company.

The 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and electric motor deliver a system output of 620 kW (843 hp) and a maximum system torque exceeding 1,400 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in under 10 seconds, and has a top speed of 315 km/h.

The 150 kW (204 hp) AC synchronous motor is mounted on the rear axle. It is integrated into a compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU) along with an electro-mechanically shifted 2-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, forming what is known as a P3 hybrid layout (where the electric motor is placed within or downstream of the transmission). The lightweight, high-performance battery is also mounted above the rear axle.

This compact design layout allows the electric motor to directly drive the rear axle, converting power more directly into traction. This provides additional acceleration (boost) during initial starts and acceleration. Furthermore, because the electronically controlled limited-slip differential is integrated, drive force is appropriately distributed to both rear wheels, improving agility during re-acceleration out of corners and ensuring reliable traction, thereby enhancing driving safety.

The AMG High Performance Battery (HPB) is developed based on advanced technology proven under the extremely demanding conditions used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in their F1 hybrid racing cars. It combines the ability to deliver high output repeatedly with a lightweight structure. Its fast charging speed and high power density are also notable features. This allows for immediate 100% power output on uphill sections of winding roads at high speeds, while enabling strong regenerative braking on downhill sections.

The battery installed in the GT 63 S E Performance has a capacity of 6.1 kWh and delivers a continuous output of 70 kW and a peak output of 150 kW for 10 seconds. This lightweight battery, weighing 89 kg, is designed with a focus on rapid discharge and charge rather than maximizing cruising range, providing an electric-only driving range of 12 km. This allows for silent, emission-free driving in residential areas late at night or early in the morning, for example.

The suspension features the "AMG RIDE CONTROL+ Air Suspension," which combines an air suspension system with a self-leveling function and electronically controlled adaptive dampers that allow for adjustment of damping characteristics. By widening the range between minimum and maximum damping forces and increasing the flexibility of the control maps, comfort is enhanced while achieving a balance with sporty driving dynamics.

AMG carbon-ceramic brakes are standard. The calipers are 6-piston fixed at the front in a bronze color and single-piston floating at the rear. The carbon-ceramic disc sizes are 420x40mm at the front and 380x32mm at the rear, larger than those on models with only a gasoline engine.

The exterior, painted in solid Alpine Grey, is striking with its adjustable rear wing spoiler and 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels painted in matte black with red rim flanges.

The interior features F1 Edition-exclusive AMG carbon-fiber interior trim, floor mats with F1 logos, red seatbelts, and illuminated step covers (with red accents). The infotainment system is also the latest specification, including the MBUX Interior Assistant, which allows for various operations via hand gestures, as standard.

It is available only in left-hand drive and is priced at 32.7 million yen.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance F1 Edition Provisional Reservation Site
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.jp/passengercars/mercedes-benz-cars/models/amg-gt/amg-gt-4-door-coupe/explore/gt63-s-e-p-f1.module.html
(Accepting applications until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023)