All New AWD Mercedes-AMG GT Takes Aim at Porsche 911
Mercedes-AMG has unleashed its bigger, heavier all-wheel drive GT. Now a 2+2 coupé based on the SL, rather than it being its own two-seater.
Mercedes-AMG has unleashed its bigger, heavier all-wheel drive GT. Now a 2+2 coupé based on the SL, rather than it being its own two2-seater, it’s a far heavier car in spite of the extensive use of expensive materials to try keep its curb weight in check..
Said to be fully re-engineered around the new spaceframe it shares with the Mercedes-AMG SL, alongside which it is now produced at Plant Bremen in Germany, the new 2+2 4×4 AMG GT predominantly deploys aluminum alongside magnesium and carbon-fiber in its construction.
New GT Grander in Every Direction
Yet in spite of being grander in every direction, there’s no mistaking as to what this car is trying to be. GT carries over much of its purer predecessor’s familiar exterior design in a long-nosed Gran Turismo with its cabin set well back. For instant recognition despite all body panels, and every detail now being different.
The new AMG GT gets two biturbo 4-litre V8 SL engines: the 475 HP 516 lb.-ft GT 55, and 585 HP 590 lb.-ft GT 63. They have new intercoolers, revised porting, and better crankcase venting. Bolted direct to a Speedshift MCT nine-speed wet-clutch automatic, it turns fully variable Benz 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. Rather than feeding the old double-clutch transaxle.
186 inches long, 78” wide and 53” tall, the new car has aluminum rich five-link front and rear suspension with steel springs. Adaptive twin-valve dampers with individual compression and rebound rates. Add four-wheel steering. And AMG Active Ride Control from the old GT Black Series to replace the anti-roll bars.
Driving Modes Include One to Drift
Now 600 pounds heavier at 4177, the change to all-wheel drive also shifts front to rear axle weight bias. The rear-oriented old car had 47-to-53 weight distribution, while the new one favors the front end in a 54 to 46 ratio. That said, the new GT gains an electronic limited-slip differential, brake-actuated torque vectoring, and driving modes including one to drift.
The new GT cockpit also mirrors the SL. Which means a sporty high-tech space filled with everything from 11.9-inch touchscreen Mercedes MBUX infotainment with an AMG menu. There are also several cows of leather in there, and a few cheap plasticky bits that are becoming all too common in top end Mercedes cabins.
Useless for much beyond small children, the rear seats do however fold down to more than double up trunk space. The new Mercedes-AMG GT clearly has the Porsche 911 in its sights. Prices, performance and efficiency all start in line with its hometown rival’s 911 GTS, but the AMG costs more very quickly as you add spec.
New GT Ready to Fight Hometown Rival 911
It may no longer be as pointed as its predecessor, but the new Mercedes-AMG GT certainly has upped its game in many other ways as it now takes the battle straight to the Porsche 911. Yes Stuttgart battle lines are drawn. As tight as ever.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG