All-new Mercedes-AMG GT keeps V8, adds seats - PistonHeads

From impressive if not incredible beginnings, the original AMG GT turned into something genuinely brilliant. The GT R Pro must rank as one of AMG’s greatest driver’s cars ever, and the Black Series was so fast around the Nordschleife it compelled Porsche to give the GT2 RS a Manthey overhaul to reclaim its ‘ring record. Now it’s time for the second generation. We’ve already had a preview of sorts with the latest AMG SL, a car that shares much with the GT - and given that car often feels like it wants to be a hunkered down hard top sports car rather than a laid-back drop top, hopes are high for the coupe.

The AMG was always a convenient rival for the Porsche 911 given its price and performance; now it seems hell-bent on bettering its rear-engined rival. The inclusion of tiny rear seats and a focus on usability this time around are perhaps the clearest giveaways. The Porsche continues to be overwhelmingly popular because it places so few demands on its driver and is remarkably practical for a two-door sports car. Mercedes-AMG appears to have zeroed in on this aspect (or, to put it another way, is evidence of it “responding to the wishes of our customers” according to Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG’s board) thereby creating a 2+2 with ‘increased suitability for everyday use’.  There’s even hands-free boot access. If that’s the sports car AMG customers want to buy, that’s the sports car AMG is going to make…

Fret not, however, as there’s lots of stuff to excite proper AMG enthusiasts as well. There’s the V8, for starters, offered in the same levels of tune as the SL, meaning a 476hp GT 55 and a 585hp GT 63. Presumably more powerful variants will follow in time, given the last model bowed out with 730hp and this 4.0-litre V8 can be hybridised to more than 800hp, but they’re more than enough to be getting on with from launch. The nine-speed MCT is standard on both models, as is the fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering, active anti-roll, active aero and a locking rear diff - this isn’t simply an AMG for poseurs. Not many of them are now, truth be told.

Indeed, the level of effort invested in making this GT as good to drive as possible seems impressive. It’s easy to be distracted by the giant screen or all the modes or ‘numerous connectivity services’, but there’s some proper hardware in this AMG as well. It keeps the SL’s basic platform, for starters, with aluminium, steel, magnesium and fibre composite used to make it as rigid and light as possible. Every suspension link and knuckle, plus the wheel carriers, are forged aluminium, to save unsprung weight; likewise, the composite brake discs are said to shave further precious kilos.

Elsewhere, high camber and toe rigidity should help with both cornering speed and feel. There’s bracing underneath to make the GT as torsionally stiff as possible, too. The AMG Active Ride Control dampers now feature two hydraulic connections on the compression and rebound side. Mercedes says that the ‘intelligent hydraulic interconnection of the four spring struts and the pressure regulation of the pump and switching valves allow a very wide roll spring rate with reduced rolling movements at the same time’. Which sounds like it has targeted superior comfort alongside higher performance, which is good. And there’s a nose lift now.

The new GT is also said to boast a ‘perfectly balanced relationship between low air resistance and reduced lift’, helped by the active Airpanel up front (which opens up slats where required), the retractable rear spoiler and some clever, patented underbody elements that create a Venturi effect. And if all that’s not enough, there’s an optional aero package with some fixed bits that further reduces lift and increases downforce. Plus it’ll lend the styling a bit more oomph, no doubt. Think where the last GT began and finished up, too - it’s only going to get punchier from here. And it looks pretty damn good to start with. For what it’s worth, special attention is paid by AMG to the long wheelbase, short overhangs, and steeply raked windscreen, said to make the GT look ‘compact and powerful’.

AMG says the interior is ‘hyper analogue’, bringing together ‘analogue geometry and the digital world’. Or, in layman’s terms, that whacking great portrait touchscreen with some lovely leather. Notable as well are the AMG performance wheel familiar from the SL, sports seats with integrated headrests (performance chairs are an option), and the AMG Track Pace data logger. Which feels of limited use in a 2+2 everyday sports car, but you never know. Those that don’t know the AMG Dynamic Select settings off by heart yet are reminded that they are Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race.

Herr Schiebe again: “The new AMG GT Coupe combines highly dynamic driving characteristics and distinctive sportiness with a high level of everyday comfort. Our new GT is clearly the top-of-the-line product in our diversified portfolio and is therefore not only AMG's youngest brand shaper, but also a clear commitment to the sports car made in Affalterbach.” Which is encouraging, really, given Mercedes’ focus of late has seemingly been on electric SUVs for anyone and everyone. Having debuted as part of Monterey Car Week - no better place to make your new sports car look great - the new AMG GT is slated for production imminently. Just in time for the update of the 911. Funny that. 

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2023-08-21 08:20:11Z
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