By: IOL Motoring Staff
Affalterbach, Germany - Feast your eyes on Mercedes-AMG’s latest beastly creation, which has the distinction of being the second vehicle to have been independently developed by the division.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT doesn’t pretend to directly replace the recently-discontinued SLS, in fact it doesn’t even sport gullwing doors. Instead the GT focuses on being a lighter and more agile machine that has its sights set on upper-range Jaguar F-Types and Porsche 911s. Prices have yet to be divulged, but the general expectation is that it’ll be around 40 percent less expensive than the SLS.
“TECHNOLOGICAL MASTERPIECE”
This car is available in two performance flavours: standard GT and GT S. At the heart of both versions is an all-new engine that its creator describes as a technological masterpiece.
The all-new 4-litre V8 has two very uniquely positioned turbochargers. They’re mounted on the inside of the 'V' to provide superior response and lower exhaust emissions, all within a more compact design. AMG's white-coated wizards call it a “hot inside V” configuration.
In the hotter of the two flavours, signified by the S badge, this lightweight V8 produces 375kW at 6250rpm and 650Nm from 1750 to 4750rpm and against the clock it pelts from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 311km/h, according to claims. The standard model is good for 339kW, 600Nm, an alleged 4.0-second 0-100 dash and 304km/h top end.
LIGHTWEIGHT CHASSIS
Granted, this downsized motor is less powerful than AMG’s bigger units so these performance figures only make sense when we consider the power to weight ratios. Thanks to the extensive use of lightweight components throughout the car and an aluminium chassis structure that weighs just 231kg, the GT tips the scales at a mere 1540kg (GT S 1570kg).
Though no one is going to acquire a GT for its fuel missing habits, its lightweight V8 engine is efficient for its size, featuring a third-generation direct fuel injection system with piezo injectors and numerous measures to reduce friction and enhance thermal efficiency.
Back to the more enticing aspects, Mercedes-AMG knows all too well how important it is to delight the driver with an emotive mechanical soundtrack and to that end the GT is fitted with a sports exhaust system featuring full variable flaps. In fact, engineers even ensured that the GT has its own “tonal characteristics” setting it apart from its AMG siblings.
AMG RIDE CONTROL
The V8 feeds the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and engineers have put much effort into creating a truly chuckable sports car. While the GT is fitted with a mechanical rear differential, the GT S comes with an electronically controlled diff that allows for even quicker response times. The aforementioned flagship also gets the AMG Ride Control suspension system with a three-stage variable damping system.
Inside the cockpit, stylists sought to create a sense of “emotion and sensuality” to set it apart from other sports cars. In design terms it expands on the 'aviation' theme also seen on the SLS, with a dashboard shaped like a wing and spotlight-style air vents.
The Mercedes-AMG GT will enjoy its first public show-off at the Paris Motor Show in early October, ahead of its hitting streets around the world next year. On that note, our MBSA contact said we can expect to see it on local shores by the fourth quarter of 2015.