2 1 AUGUST 2019 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 7
today’s GT R is set to generate
up to 700lb ft.
As a point of reference, the
most powerful current iteration
of AMG’s V8, codenamed
M178, resides in the GT63 S
4Matic 4-Door Coupé, where it
kicks out 630bhp and 664lb ft
with an initial range of EQ
Boost functions. In today’s
form, the GT R makes 577bhp
and 516lb ft.
The new GT will once again
be produced in both coupé
and roadster bodystyles.
It’s scheduled to reach UK
showrooms in early 2022. Key
rivals for the new model include
the Porsche 911, which is also
set to adopt hybrid functions
when the facelifted version of
today’s 992-generation model
is launched, and the Aston
Martin Vantage.
But whereas Porsche is
looking to go down the full
plug-in hybrid route, including
all-electric capability for
limited distances, this has been
ruled out for future Mercedes-
AMG GT models because of
packaging concerns.
One source told Autocar:
“With a 75-litre fuel tank
behind the cabin, we’re already
at the limit on packaging.
For worthwhile distances onelectric, you need a battery
with at least 12kWh of capacity.
As well as commanding space,
it also adds quite significantly
to the weight.”
Key to the future of the GT is
a decision by Mercedes-Benz
to twin it with the successor
to the SL. Both models
share vital elements of their
platform, driveline and interior
in a move that, AMG insiders
told Autocar, has helped to
streamline and lower the
cost of their development
despite the adoption of
new technology.
Among that new tech is
a four-wheel-drive system
that can rapidly balance
drive between the front and
rear axles as well as a torque
vectoring function to vary the
amount of power sent to each
individual rear wheel.Together with a newly
developed transaxle, the added
traction of the new four-wheel-
drive system should rectify one
of the existing, rear-drive-only
GT’s weaknesses – namely its
standing-start acceleration in
comparison with the supercar
competition. But, like today’s
E63, it will feature a Drift
function, which sends power
exclusively to the rear wheels.
Although the GT is set to
retain its existing two-seat
layout, the new SL will adopt a
roomier 2+2 interior – a move,
Autocar has been told, that’s
aimed at ensuring the models
appeal to different customers.
The basis for the second-
generation GT is a revisedaluminium spaceframe that is
AMG LINES UP 680 BHP GT BLACK SERIES
Mercedes-AMG will crown its
current GT range with a long-
rumoured Black Series model
in the second half of 2020.
Spied in prototype form
sporting large bonnet vents
and a fixed rear wing, the
run-out Black Series will
feature the current twin-
turbocharged 4.0-litre V
taken to its limit, with an
output of 680bhp mooted by
insiders. That should bring the
0-62mph time below 3.5sec
and push the top speed
beyond 200mph.
Expect the price for the
Black Series to move towards
- and maybe even beyond –
the £200,000 mark.
SPY SHOT
MERC-AMG GT
BLACK SERIES
claimed to weigh less than the
233kg structure used by the
existing model. The weight
saving has been achieved in
part by the adoption of more
cast aluminium components
within load-bearing areas.
Mercedes-AMG is also
said to have met its aim of
increased rigidity, most
notably in the front end of
the new spaceframe, which
uses a newly designed
transverse member with what
is described as “improved
torsional properties”.
The new GT is expected to
feature a more contemporary
exterior, described as being
“a bigger step away from the
current GT as it was from
the earlier SLS”. The more
modern approach is also said
to be reflected inside, with
new Formula 1-inspired digital
graphics among the early
design proposals.
GREG KABLE
`
The new Mercedes-AMG GT
is scheduled to reach UK
showrooms in early 2022
a
Current model will
be replaced by coupé
and roadster variants
Big vents are to help
cool the highly tuned
twin-turbo 4.0 V