Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the second generation of its flagship sports car, the AMG GT, at the Monterey Car Week in California. The new model, which will arrive in showrooms in the first half of 2024, is called the AMG GT Coupe and features a 2+2 seating layout, a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, and an all-wheel-drive system.
A New Platform Shared With the SL-Class
The AMG GT Coupe is based on a newly developed platform known as the MSA (Modular Sports Architecture), which also underpins the redesigned SL-Class convertible that debuted for 2022. The two models share many components and design elements, but have different lights and fascias to distinguish them.
The new platform is said to offer improved rigidity, weight distribution, and aerodynamics, as well as more space for passengers and luggage. The AMG GT Coupe is 6.4 inches longer, 0.5 inch narrower, and 2.9 inches taller than its predecessor, which was launched in 2014. The wheelbase has also been stretched by 1.8 inches, to 108.7 inches.
A Powerful V8 Engine With Two Outputs
The AMG GT Coupe will be offered in two variants, both powered by a hand-assembled, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that has been updated to meet stricter emission standards. The engine is mounted behind the front axle for better balance and sends power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission with a wet clutch.
The base model is the AMG GT 55 4Matic+, which produces 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The more potent version is the AMG GT 63 4Matic+, which delivers 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Both models feature an electronically controlled rear differential lock and a variable exhaust system.
The performance figures are impressive, with the AMG GT 63 sprinting from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 196 mph. The AMG GT 55 is slightly slower, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph.
A Sporty and Luxurious Interior With Four Seats
One of the most significant changes for the new AMG GT Coupe is the addition of two rear seats, making it a four-seater sports car for the first time. Mercedes-Benz says that the rear seats are suitable for occupants less than five feet tall, so they are not very spacious or comfortable for adults.
The front seats are heated and cooled, power-adjustable, and upholstered in Nappa leather. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment screen with a tilt function to reduce glare. The system supports the MBUX digital assistant and offers various online services and apps.
The interior also boasts an AMG Performance steering wheel with paddle shifters and drive mode buttons, ambient lighting with 64 colors, a Burmester surround sound system, and wireless charging. A head-up display and carbon-fiber trim are optional.
A Dynamic Driving Experience With Six Modes
The AMG GT Coupe promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine, all-wheel-drive system, and advanced suspension. The car features an AMG Ride Control+ suspension with adaptive damping and active roll stabilization, as well as rear-wheel steering for enhanced agility and stability.
The driver can choose from six driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual. Each mode adjusts various parameters such as the engine response, transmission shift points, suspension settings, steering feel, exhaust sound, and stability control intervention.
The car also comes with an AMG Track Pace data logger that records various performance metrics such as lap times, speed, acceleration, braking force, and lateral acceleration on racetracks or closed courses. The data can be displayed on the instrument cluster or the infotainment screen.
A Stylish and Aerodynamic Exterior With Eight Wheel Designs
The exterior design of the AMG GT Coupe is an evolution of the previous model’s sleek and muscular shape. The car features a wide Panamericana grille with vertical slats, flanked by LED headlights with a three-dot signature. The hood has subtle bulges that hint at the power underneath.
The side profile is smooth and flowing, with flush door handles and vents behind the front wheels. The rear shoulder area is pronounced and leads to a curvaceous tail with a full-width LED light bar. An active spoiler is integrated into the trunk lid and can adjust its angle according to the speed and driving mode.
The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with eight different designs to choose from. Optionally, 21-inch alloy wheels are available. There are also 11 paint colors and five exterior design packages on offer, including a carbon-fiber package and an aerodynamics package.
The AMG GT Coupe is expected to compete with the likes of the Porsche 911, the Audi R8, and the Aston Martin Vantage. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch, but the previous model started at around $120,000.
