Old-School ‘One Man One Engine’ Meets Digital in AMG GT Coupé
Mercedes-AMG’s new range-topping performance car is the GT Coupé promising supercar performance in a luxury road-going package thanks to a blend of traditional engine building and software upgrades.
High-tech components such as the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization, rear-axle steering as standard and active aerodynamics help to elevate the car’s sporting credentials. The downside for some purists is that it also features for the first time the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, albeit promising to be fully variable so it should be able to mimic the superior dynamics of rear-wheel drive in some shape or form.
However, the powertrain goes some way to offset this driving dynamics challenge boasting
The market launch will take place as the AMG GT 63 4Matic+ Coupé with an output of 430 kW (576bhp) and as the AMG GT 55 4Matic+ Coupé with an output of 350 kW (468bhp). Oddly both power output version claims the same fuel efficiency at 20mpg (16.68mpg US) combined fuel consumption on the WLTP rating and combined CO2 emissions of 319 g/km).
Powertrains feature the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers and are assembled entirely by hand at the company’s site in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. The range topping GT 63 also claims a maximum torque of 590ft-lbs over a wide engine speed range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm aiding its 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.2 seconds on the way to a top speed 195mph. In the GT 55 there’s 516ft-lbs of torque and performance claims of 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and the top speed is 183mph.
For use in the AMG GT Coupé, the engine received a new oil pan, repositioned intercooler, and active crankcase ventilation. The inlet and outlet ports have been improved for more effective gas exchange and the exhaust gas routing for the catalytic converter box and Otto particle filter has been enlarged. The developers achieved the additional output of the AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé primarily through higher boost pressure and greater air throughput as well as modified engine software.
Michael Schiebe, chairman of the management board of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and head of business units Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach, said: “Our new GT is clearly the top-of-the-line product in our diversified portfolio and is therefore not only AMG’s youngest brand shaper but also a clear commitment to the sports car made in Affalterbach. With the new dimension concept and optional 2+2 seats, we are directly responding to the wishes of our customers.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_ and Threads
