The new Mercedes-AMG GT E Performance PHEV is almost identical to the pure V8 GT 63
The new AMG GT 63 SE Performance Coupe will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show later this month
Mercedes-AMG will unveil the new plug-in hybrid version of its GT supercoupe later this month, after showing a prototype at the Munich motor show last year.
Dubbed the GT 63 SE Performance, it will use the same powertrain as the recently unveiled Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E Performance Roadster, which combines the GT 63’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor, resulting in a total output of 804 hp and 1047 lb ft.
In the convertible, these monstrous numbers allow for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds like the McLaren 750S and a top speed of 310km/h, and the coupe should largely keep up with that.
Meanwhile, a “lightweight, high-performance” 400V battery mounted under the trunk provides a boost of power when accelerating and enough energy when fully charged to travel eight miles with the engine off.
It’s also expected to get the convertible’s carbon-ceramic brakes, as well as standard rear-axle steering and subtle, aerodynamically optimized design features.
The new version of the GT is the sixth PHEV from Mercedes’ performance division and complements the electrified models S63, SL 63, C63, GT 63 4-Door Coupé and One Hypercar.
AMG hasn’t given any details on launch date or price, but PHEV performance is expected to take the GT over the £200,000 mark.
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The new GT has been extensively redesigned as part of a program that has integrated its development with that of the latest SL, alongside which it is also produced Mercedes Benz Factory in Bremen, Germany.
Larger and heavier, but also more spacious and arguably more practical than its predecessor, it foregoes the two-seat arrangement that has characterized the top-of-the-line AMG model since its introduction in 2014, instead offering a 2+2 interior design that is the combined goal , offering greater everyday functionality with a larger and more accessible trunk.
As with the closely related SL, the GT has fully variable all-wheel drive as standard for the first time. It replaces the previously used rear-wheel drive and gives the new coupe what Schiebe describes as “a much wider range of driving characteristics, along with more traction and greater safety in all weather conditions.”
The fifth production road car developed from the ground up by AMG was launched in two versions – both with the company’s hand-assembled 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. The new GT 55 4Matic+ produces 469 hp and 516 Nm of torque, while the range-topping GT 63 4Matic+ produces 577 hp and 590 Nm – both improvements over the corresponding versions of the first-generation GT.
A four-cylinder AMG GT 43 with the 416bhp engine from the A45 super saloon was recently added to the ranks, but there are no plans to bring it to the UK.
The updated V8 engine, which Schiebe says meets Euro 7 emissions regulations when necessary, works in combination with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission with a wet “starter” clutch in place of a traditional torque converter. It mounts directly at the end of the revised V8 and replaces the previous GT’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which was housed in the rear axle assembly. Also included is an electronically controlled rear axle limited slip differential.
Despite different specifications, Mercedes-AMG specifies the same curb weight of 1970 kg for the V8 vehicles. The 55 claims an official 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 183km/h, while the 63 can do 3.2 seconds and 316km/h, it says.
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 20.0mpg for both models, which equates to combined CO2 emissions of 319g/km on the WLTP test cycle.
The basis of the GT is a newly developed body structure together with the SL. A material mix of aluminum, fiber composite materials, magnesium and steel is used.
The design borrows heavily from the first-generation model, with a traditional cab rear profile defined by a long hood, sweeping roofline and angled liftback tailgate.
Aerodynamic developments include a so-called “active air control system” in the grille to change airflow to the engine compartment, a carbon fiber element in the underbody that lowers by 40mm to create a wind-deflecting venturi effect, and a retractable rear spoiler that extends automatically at 80 km/h and offers up to five different wing angle positions.
Buyers can also optionally equip the new GT with an aerodynamics package. It includes small winglets on the outer sections of the front bumper and wheel arches, as well as a fixed rear wing.
Both the 55 and 63 come standard with 20-inch wheels with 295/35 profiles (front) and 305/35 profiles (rear). Buyers can optionally order 21-inch wheels.
Measuring 4728mm long, 1984mm wide and 1354mm high, the new coupe is 182mm longer, 45mm wider and 66mm taller than the first generation GT. In addition, the wheelbase is 70 mm longer than before at 2700 mm.
With the SL taking over the role of the previous GT roadster, the new GT will be produced exclusively as a coupe, with a nearly identical cockpit to its fabric-top sibling.
Digital features include a 12.3-inch instrument panel and an 11.9-inch portrait format infotainment display – both with AMG-specific graphics and menus, including a standard AMG Track Pace function that allows the driver to Can display up to 40 different vehicle parameters, including lap and sector times, steering angle, brake pedal operation.
The new GT also receives an AMG performance steering wheel and shaped front sports seats with integrated headrests – the latter optionally with ventilation and automatically operated side bolsters, which become narrower in the Sport, Sport+ and Race driving modes.
The new individual seats in the rear have limited leg and headroom and are only suitable for children. They can be folded down to expand the nominal boot space from 321 liters under the luggage compartment roller blind to up to 675 liters. For comparison: the old GT offered 285 liters, the SL 213 liters.
The GT gets a new aluminum double wishbone AMG Active Ride Control suspension. To suppress body roll movements, continuously variable electronic damping, steel coil springs and active roll stabilization with hydraulic elements are used instead of conventional stabilizers. Buyers can optionally order a lift system that provides an additional 30mm of ground clearance.
The new coupe also comes standard with four-wheel steering, with the rear wheels offering a steering angle of up to 2.5 degrees. The brakes combine 390mm steel discs with six-piston aluminum calipers at the front and 360mm steel discs and single-piston floating aluminum calipers at the rear.
A new AMG Dynamic Select controller offers the driver a choice between six driving modes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race – and the AMG Dynamics ESC system allows the driver to change the level of intervention in three levels.