Mercedes has taken the slow approach to revealing its new AMG GT supercar. We've seen the interior and some hazy shots of its profile, but until now we didn't know anything about how it would perform. Finally, Mercedes has released some details. So what is under the GT's hood?
The new powerplant is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, putting out some seriously impressive power numbers – namely 510 hp (375 kW) at 6250 RPM and 650 Nm of torque between 1750 and 4750 RPM. The engine features aluminum forged pistons, and places the turbochargers in between the cylinder bank to keep the engine compact and aid responsiveness.
Mercedes has fitted a dual mass flywheel, and the engine will sit on active mountings, which are designed to keep the car's ride comfortable without impacting handling. In order to keep things running smoothly, the cylinder barrels of the new engine will be coated with what AMG is calling "Nanoslide" in order to lower friction and oil consumption.
Oil isn't the only consumption figure Mercedes is trying to keep low: through lessening displacement and turbocharging, the new engine should record better emissions and economy figures than the 6.2-liter V8 it replaces.
Although impressive, the new 4.0-liter V8 (M178) actually less powerful than the 6.3-liter V8 from the outgoing SLS AMG, which made 560 hp (420 kW). The engine does, however, make the same amount of torque, and the new AMG GT is set to be smaller and lighter than the old car, so don't expect it to be slow.
There's no word as yet about the new GT's handling or suspension set up.
The new engine is detailed in the video below.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
The fewer the number of pistons, the bigger they need to be. The bigger they need to be, the more swept area they cover. Assuming piston ring pressure loads to be the same for any capacity, then surely the friction loads have to be about the same.
On top of that, a straight six would need a longer body in order to accommodate it, which would add to the vehicle weight.
Odd, did not have to do that on my Honda. Yet the BMW and the Porsche both have the above referenced very expensive issues.
Electric is the future, if you don't believe this, well sit back and watch the next 20 years, you will see.
If you are in the fossil fuel business, be afraid ........... be very afraid!
Scientia Non Domus,
antiguajohn