Mercedes-AMG GT breaks cover with new V8 ahead of Paris debut
Mercedes-AMG has revealed the GT, its new aluminium-bodied supercar with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, targeting Porsche 911 Turbo buyers and debuting at the Paris motor show.
Mercedes-AMG has officially unveiled the GT, a two-seat, rear-drive supercar powered by a newly developed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. The car, shown to the public ahead of its Paris motor show debut in October 2014, is positioned to challenge the Porsche 911 Turbo and Jaguar F-Type at the top end of the sports car market.
The GT is only the second car fully developed in-house by AMG, following the SLS AMG. Unlike its predecessor, the GT is lighter, more compact and sits at a lower price point. Mercedes-AMG has made clear that the GT is not a direct replacement for the SLS, but instead a new entry designed to broaden AMG’s appeal and take on established rivals.
New 4.0-litre V8 and performance figures
The heart of the GT is AMG’s new M178 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. In the standard GT, it produces 462 PS (340 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. The GT S raises output to 510 PS (375 kW) and 650 Nm. Both versions use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted at the rear for improved weight distribution, which is claimed at 47 percent front, 53 percent rear.
Mercedes-AMG claims 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds for the GT S and 4.0 seconds for the GT. Top speeds are 310 km/h for the GT S and 304 km/h for the GT. Fuel consumption is quoted at 30.4 mpg (9.3 l/100 km) for the GT and 30.1 mpg (9.4 l/100 km) for the GT S, with CO2 emissions of 216 g/km and 219 g/km respectively.
Chassis, brakes and equipment
The GT uses a predominantly aluminium structure to keep weight down: 1540 kg for the GT and 1570 kg for the GT S. Both models feature double wishbone suspension and a choice of wheel and tyre sizes, 19-inch front and rear for the GT, with the GT S getting 20-inch rears. Braking is handled by 360 mm discs as standard, with the GT S moving up to 390 mm discs and optional carbon-ceramic brakes available.
- Aluminium body and chassis for reduced weight
- Rear-wheel drive with rear-mounted transaxle
- No gullwing doors, conventional doors used to save weight
- Standard 360 mm brakes (GT), 390 mm (GT S), carbon-ceramic option
Inside, the GT shares several components with other Mercedes models, including the latest Command infotainment system with a centre-console-mounted touch controller. Safety features such as collision prevention, adaptive brakes, parking assist and a rear-view camera are standard. There is no roadster version at launch, and Mercedes has not announced plans for one.
Market positioning and rivals
AMG has benchmarked the GT against the Porsche 911 Turbo, which remains the dominant force in this segment. The GT is smaller and around 145 kg lighter than the outgoing SLS AMG, but with a new price point expected to start around €120,000. The GT S will arrive first in spring 2015, with the standard GT following later.
For more detail on AMG’s approach to performance engines, seethis technical overview of the GT’s V8.
