Singular image appears on Instagram showing evolutionary design for mystery non-V8 coupe variant
The big reveal of the next-generation 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT has been spoiled via a social media leak that shows the new coupe in its finished form months out from its global debut.
A single image of a computer monitor with the new GT paused on screen was posted to Instagram by user liucunyi_starandcar recently, revealing the design of Mercedes’ second-generation full-time flagship sports car will be more of a case of evolution rather than revolution.
The leak doesn’t actually ruin too much given we largely knew what the next AMG GT, which was designed and developed in tandem with the latest Mercedes-AMG SL – which replaces the GT Roadster – would look like thanks to previous spy images and its relation to the SL soft-top.
Web sleuths and AMG fans have speculated the pictured vehicle to be either an entry-level GT 43 or GT 53 dolled up with an optional exterior pack – rather than a GT 55 or flagship 63 – based on the relatively small front air intakes and the size of the main grille.
The exact engine line-up of the new GT range remains unclear, but the SL portfolio would suggest at least one electrified four-cylinder (43) and two V8 (55 and 63) powertrain variants will be available.
Rumour has it a monstrous V8 plug-in hybrid will also join the ranks somewhere along the line, while the ‘53’ nomenclature is expected to adorn the back of a high-powered six-cylinder as per other models within the AMG line-up.
Given the presence of the ‘4MATIC+’ motif within the image, we don’t expect the pictured variant to be an entry-level offering (the SL 43 is rear-drive), but we can’t totally rule it out given what AMG has been saying for a while now about the new GT being more track-focused than its predecessor.
There’s also no guarantee the range will even include a 43 variant on account of the coupe’s more athletic intent and the GT’s position as AMG’s premier performance offering.
We can confirm, however, that this isn’t the GT 63 simply by the lack of an obligatory ‘V8 bi-turbo’ motif on the front wings – a feature present on both V8 SL variants.
First global deliveries of the new Mercedes-AMG GT have been locked in for this year, meaning the reveal can’t be too far away and could even be brought forward in the wake of this preliminary leak.
Keyword: Second-gen Mercedes-AMG GT leaked online