Next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT revealed – The V8 is alive and well

Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance AMG wing has unveiled the second-generation GT – the premium brand’s premier sports car.

The new GT’s performance characteristics have been sharpened compared to the outgoing model, and it has been more designed for everyday use in mind with higher outward visibility, extra packing space, and two optional seats for a total of four.

Two variants of the two-door will come to market namely the GT 55 and top-spec GT 63, both with a brutish V8 engine and class-leading technologies and equipment.

What’s new

Perhaps the most noticeable, and appreciable, aspect of the new GT in the era of electrification is that it does not use any electrons to turn the wheels, rather, it employs a 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbo engine running on good-old fossil fuels which was assembled by hand by the folks at Affalterbach.

The power unit is matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission as well as the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system with a rear-mounted diff lock for improved traction, with rear-axle steering up to 2.5 degrees being fitted as standard to ensure a tighter turning circle at low speeds and more stability when turning at high speeds.

In addition, the 55 was on the receiving end of the static AMG Ride Control suspension system, whereas the 63 got the AMG Active Ride Control dampers with roll stabilisation which electronically compensates for body roll while on the move in a matter of milliseconds.

Across the range, the GTs also provide six driving modes courtesy of the AMG Dynamic Select programme comprising Comfort, Individual, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, and Race, as well as the AMG high-performance compound brake system that “guarantees excellent deceleration values and precise metering,” said Mercedes.

The AMG Track Pace data logger is another standard ability, and it records up to 80 info points when attacking a race track to enable the driver to hone their skills by seeing where they could improve.

With these foundations, the coupes are capable of supercar-like numbers:

The design of the new GT is what Mercedes calls the “evolution of a modern, iconic sports car.”

With this in mind, the two-door boasts a recognisable but much more contemporary exterior look with a raft of active aerodynamics integrated into the shell, as well as a thoroughly updated interior with a “hyper analogue” design concept.

Outside, the Mercedes continues to impress with its long wheelbase (2,700mm), short overhangs, and steeply raked windscreen like before, complemented by redesigned Digital Light LED head and taillights, a deep and wide AMG-specific radiator grille, and 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke layout.

The bodywork incorporates multiple active aero components, too, such as the two-part Airpanel hiding in the lower and upper sections of the front apron with slats that open and close as needed to direct airflow either to the engine for cooling, or away from the motor towards the underbody to maximise airflow and reduce nose lift.

Another crucial component is the active spoiler integrated into the trunk lid that expands and retracts electronically based on current driving and steering speed as well as longitudinal and lateral acceleration for optimal downforce.

Finally, there is an AMG-patented “active aerodynamic element” hidden in the underbody in front of the engine that is built out of carbon fibre and only weighs around 2kg, which also contributes to improved handling by lowering the body up to 40mm at speeds of 80km/h or higher, depending on the selected drive mode.

“This creates a Venturi effect, which sucks the car onto the road and reduces lift on the front axle. The driver feels this positively in the steering as the AMG GT Coupe can be steered more precisely in bends with even more directional stability,” said Mercedes.

The cabin’s optional 2+2 seating arrangement also dictated that the new GT must be larger than before, measuring 4,728mm in length, 1,984mm in width, and 1,354mm in height – an increase of 182mm, 45mm, and 66mm, respectively.

Inside, the Mercedes pays special attention to a puristic driving experience through the clever combination of analogue and digital elements.

The centre console now seamlessly flows into the instrument panel providing better ergonomic freedom, the latter of which itself comprises an 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment display in a portrait format that offers more ease of use than before and a wide range of services such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, live traffic info, and Mercedes Me connect.

There is also a fully-digital driver’s display that can be personalised with individually-selectable main views, which sits behind an AMG-specific multifunction steering wheel in a double-spoke design.

Furthermore, the GTs are equipped with electrically-adjustable and massaging AMG Sports Seats featuring integrated headrests that are available in single and two‑tone Nappa leather upholstery, a combination of Microcut microfibre and Nappa leather, or particularly fine Manufaktur Nappa leather with diamond quilting.

Ambient lighting with 64 individual colours is also included, as are numerous driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control and steering and lane-change assist.

Several options continue to be offered to buyers of the GT, including a heads-up display, even sportier AMG Performance Seats, a nose lift system, 22-inch wheels, and an aerodynamics package.

Mercedes-AMG GT