The next AMG-GT will be more of a sports car than a grand tourer
Production of the first-generation Mercedes-AMG GT wrapped up earlier this year, and Mercedes is looking to replace the svelte sports coupe with a new model which we’ve caught testing.
We’ve spied the new car in V8-powered GT 63 guise, as well as an entry-level straight-six version, but these latest images show a range-topping model, which could come with a plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain.
As with other AMG-badged Mercedes models, the first version of the new AMG GT will likely receive an ‘Edition 1’ moniker. On this test car, the most notable changes are the addition of a fixed rear spoiler along with a new front lip spoiler.
Mercedes-AMG was heavily involved in the development of the new SL, so we expect Mercedes to position the GT further away as an even more hardcore sports car. The Porsche 911 rival will be based on an all-new platform shared with the SL, with the new GT set to be positioned as an even sportier version of the car it will replace.
Every test car spotted so far shows the redesigned body will provide a more aggressive profile, coupled with a heavily raked rear screen. The car’s pumped-up haunches are also evident from these camouflaged pre-production cars, and the AMG GT will retain its trademark long bonnet and Panamericana grille. We can see two versions of exhaust tips – the new entry-level model is fitted with round quad exit exhausts, with the GT 63 and Edition 1 using four trapezoidal tailpipes.
Our spy photographers have also caught the newcomer testing in two other variants – the V8-engined GT 63 and what could be a new entry-level version, badged either GT 53 or GT 55, depending on the engine it uses.
Kicking off the new range could be a GT 53 with a hybridised inline-six from the Mercedes AMG GT 53 4-Door. In the four-door super saloon, the setup provides 429bhp, supplemented by an electric motor producing 22bhp.
Above this, we expect to see a GT 55 with a detuned 4.0-litre V8 from the Mercedes-AMG SL 55, with 469bhp. What’s certain is that the AMG GT 63 will adopt a version of this V8 with potentially more than 600bhp, to put clear distance between it and the 63 version of the new SL. As has already been confirmed for Mercedes’ new drop-top, an E-Performance plug-in hybrid V8 version could also feature in the new GT line-up with over 800bhp.
Thanks to the new aluminium-intensive MSA platform that has been engineered to accept Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the next AMG GT is likely to break from the tradition set by the outgoing model and send its power to all four wheels.
As in other all-wheel-drive AMG models, the set-up will offer a more driver-focused bias by favouring the rear axle, and with the system’s parameters changing depending on the driving mode, boosting agility and stability. Expect rear-wheel steering, AMG’s Active Ride Control adaptive suspension and anti-roll tech too.
It’s expected that the next AMG GT’s interior will receive a complete overhaul as well, potentially inheriting elements of the SL’s cabin, including an 11.9-inch touchscreen. The new Mercedes Track Pace app will be included as standard, giving customers the opportunity to record their driving data on track days.
AMG’s Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann has already confirmed that the next GT won’t be offered in roadster form, with the new SL covering that market. It’s not known if the GT will inherit the SL’s 2+2 layout or if it’ll remain a strict two-seater.
Now read our review of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E-Performance…
Keyword: New 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT spied in range-topping form