After months of teasing, Mercedes has finally revealed its new AMG GT sports car. Launched at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, the GT is powered by an all-new, twin-turbocharged V8, channeled through a dual-clutch, seven-speed gearbox.
The AMG GT's 4.0-liter V8 engine will be available in two different versions. The standard GT produces 340 kW (456 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 600 Nm of torque spread between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm, which allows a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 4.0 seconds. The GT S gains an extra 35 kW (47 hp) and 50 Nm, for a 0-62 time of just 3.8 seconds. Peak power comes in slightly later in the S model, with the full 375 kW (503 hp) available from 6,250 rpm.
Top speeds also differ between the standard GT and the GT S – the GT is limited to 189 mph (304 km/h), while the GT S tops out at 193 mph (310 km/h). Despite all of its power, Mercedes claims the standard GT will return economy figures of 9.4 l/100 km (25 mpg).
Mercedes says the car will be characterized by "extremely agile handling" thanks to its 47-53 front-rear weight distribution and low center of gravity. Built on an aluminum spaceframe, the GT takes also takes advantage of aluminum in its double-wishbone suspension setup, which helps keep kerb weight to 1540 kg (3395 lb). Although that may seem light, its worth bearing in mind that a base Porsche 911 weighs just 1455 kg (3207 lb).
On top of the standard double-wishbone setup, the GT S comes standard with electronic dampers that allow drivers to choose between comfort, sport and sport plus modes. The GT S also has an electronic locking rear differential, and can be specced with dynamic engine and transmission mounts that allows for a comfortable ride when you're cruising but will stiffen up when the driver is going for it. The mounts are controlled by AMG's Active Chassis Controller, which can independently adjust the stiffness of the transmission and engine mounts.
If you're doing some serious track work, the GT and GT S are available with carbon ceramic brakes.The standard brakes are nothing to be sniffed at: the GT comes with 360 mm drilled brake discs all round and the GT S is fitted with larger, 390 mm front discs. If they won't suffice Mercedes will sell you ceramic discs measuring 402 mm up front, and 360 mm at the rear. The ceramic brakes will hold up better under prolonged periods of heavy use, and reduce the car's mass.
The GT comes standard with lightweight, 19-inch wheels that sit on 255/35 tires up front, and 295/35 at the rear. The GT S gains 20-inch rear wheels, which are shod in 295/30 tires, while the 19-inch fronts are wrapped in 265/35's. Lightweight forged alloys are also available, and the GT S can be specced with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
On the styling front, Mercedes has taken cues from its current lineup and applied them to a slinky, coupe body. The headlights borrow from the SL Roadster, but gaping intakes and frameless doors, broad shoulders and wide rear taillights give the car a character that is distinct from the rest of the Mercedes range. Unlike the outgoing SLS, the GT doesn't feature gullwing doors.
Inside, Mercedes has focused on giving the car a high-tech, luxurious feel. The dash is topped by a 7-inch screen, which sits above four "spotlight style" air vents. The standard GT features leather trimmed sports seats and a speedo marked to 320 km/h (199 mph). The GT S gets the AMG crest stamped on the center console, a steering wheel trimmed in leather and microfiber and a speedo marked to 360 km/h (224 mph).
Mercedes has not confirmed exactly when the car will be on sale, but expects order books to open in early 2015.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
