All-new Mercedes-AMG GT laid bare

Mercedes AMG’s all-new V8 bahn-stormer has been officially unveiled. Developed entirely in-house by AMG, the Mercedes-AMG GT sits beneath the SLS AMG supercar and will become the firm’s ultimate performance machine before the next-generation SLS AMG is released a few years down the track.

Developed on a modified version of the SLS’s aluminium body structure, the AMG GT competes with the likes of the Porsche 911 Carrera S and Aston Martin Vantage V8.

At the heart of the AMG GT is a new V8 engine – codenamed M178 – that displaces 3,982 cc and is equipped with dry sump lubrication and twin turbochargers. In the more powerful and higher revving GT S form it produces its peak output of 510 hp (380kW) at 6,250 rpm, accompanied by 650Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,750 rpm. The GT variant packs 462hp (344kW) at 6,000rpm and 600Nm between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm.

The new hand-built AMG V8 engine employs a unique design where two turbochargers are mounted inside the engine’s V cylinder banks configuration, rather than on the outside – experts call it a “hot inside V”. The benefits are a compact engine design, an optimum response from the turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters.

The dry sump lubrication ensures continuous oil supply during high lateral forces and allows the engine to be installed lower, thus moving the centre of gravity closer to the road and forming the basis for high lateral acceleration. The new V8 biturbo engine is the world’s first sports car engine with ‘hot inside V’ and dry sump lubrication.

Like the SLS AMG, the GT’s front mid-engine layout optimises weight distribution, giving front to rear distribution of 47:53. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration at the rear axle spins the rear wheels, propelling the GT S from standstill to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and the GT in 4.0 seconds.

Standard on the AMG GT S is an AMG performance exhaust system with fully variable exhaust flaps. Depending on the selected mode the driver can enjoy the soundtrack from the V8 with a focus on comfort and relaxed, long-distance journeys or with a more powerful, emotive, motorsport-inspired touch.

As standard, the GT is shod in 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, 9 x 19 inch (front) and 11 x 19 inch (rear), with 255/35 R 19 and 295/35 R 19 tyres. On the GT S the dimensions are 9 x 19 inch (front) with 265/35 R 19 tyres and 11 x 20 inch (rear) with 295/30 R 20 tyres. A host of different design and colour variants are available as options for both models, such as the ultralight forged wheels in cross-spoke design, painted black matt, with high-sheen rim flange and fully integrated wheel bolt covers.

In combination with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, specially developed sports tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2) are available for the GT S as an option – ideal for aspiring racing drivers on closed-off circuits.

Positively arched surfaces give the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GT its sensuous character and the appearance of a sculpture. The brand’s now familiar three-dimensional diamond radiator grille with central Mercedes star, a broad louvre and AMG lettering stands in the centre of the front end. The rear is dominated by the flat, wide tail lights with new sequential turn signals. 18 individual LEDs on each side indicate where the driver intends to turn by sequentially illuminating them from the inside to the outside.

Inside, a dominant aspect in the cockpit of the GT is the further stylistic development of the central “aviation design” theme which is has become typical of the brand’s sports cars line up. The dashboard places an extreme emphasis on width, creating an impression of a powerful wing. This effect is supported by the four central spotlight-style vents and the individual vents at the left and right ends of the dashboard.

The dominant centre console draws inspiration from motor racing with a design reminiscent of a NACA air intake. Another standout design feature comes in the form of the controls on the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which are arranged like eight cylinders in a V layout, further bolstering the powerful and high-tech impression made by the centre console.

“The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a sports car in its purest form – breath-taking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars from the past. The GT is a consummate combination of beauty and intelligence.” said Gorden Wagener, Vice President of Design, Daimler AG.

The Mercedes-AMG GT will be one of the highlights at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October. Sales is expected to begin in early 2015.