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All-new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe: High-end sporty vibes

The new flagship model from Mercedes-AMG is the second-generation, super-sporty GT Coupe, which features a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine producing up to 577 hp, enhanced comfort, and advanced tech such as an active ride control suspension with active roll stabilization, rear-axle steering, and active aerodynamics for everyday use.

The sporty coupe is also fitted with fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive for the first time, and an elaborate composite aluminum body structure allows for the spacious interior with available 2+2 seating and ample room for luggage.

The 2024 AMG GT Coupe is powered exclusively by a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine in two performance levels. The engines are assembled entirely by hand at the company's site in Affalterbach, Germany, according to the "One Man, One Engine" principle. In the AMG GT 63, the engine delivers 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 3.1 sec, and the top speed is 196 mph. In the GT 55, the V8 unit produces 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.8 sec, and the top speed is 183 mph. Both will feature an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G automatic transmission and are equipped standard with the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

The long wheelbase, short overhangs, and steeply raked windshield provide the new AMG GT Coupe with a compact, powerful appearance. The balanced proportions with a sleek greenhouse, voluminous wheel arches, and expressive front styling signal the presence of the powerful sports car that is also suitable for everyday use. The vehicle's profile is characterized by flowing surfaces without beads or edges, right down to the flush-mounted door handles. The sculpted rear shoulder area also contributes to the dynamic aesthetic. AMG alloy wheels, which are almost flush with the body, further emphasize power and dynamics. The active rear spoiler is seamlessly integrated into the large trunk lid.

The compact greenhouse with a fastback silhouette provides a low and sculpted back end with an active, deployable spoiler. The detailed design of the fender trim sets an accentuated contrast to the clean, flowing surfaces. The strongly pronounced shoulder gives the vehicle a perfect balance of elegance and sportiness. The flat, horizontally connected LED taillights are seamlessly integrated in the design of the AMG GT. The dark LED taillights complement the design of the headlights with a three-dimensional "light dots" signet. The expressive rear diffuser with integrated twin tailpipe accents rounds off the powerful back end.

A key development focus of the new AMG GT Coupe was high aerodynamic efficiency -- specifically a perfectly balanced relationship between low air resistance and reduced lift. A technical highlight in the aero development is the two-piece, active air control system AIRPANEL. The first piece operates with vertical louvers that are hidden behind the lower air intake in the front fascia. The second part is located behind the upper air intake and has horizontal louvers. Normally all louvers are closed. This position reduces air resistance and makes it possible to direct the air towards the underbody, further reducing front lift. Only when certain temperatures have been reached on pre-defined components and the demand for cooling air is particularly high do the louvers open (the second system only from 112 mph) and allow maximum cooling air to flow to the heat exchangers.

Another active component is the retractable rear spoiler that is seamlessly integrated into the trunk lid. It changes its position depending on the driving situation. The control software takes numerous parameters into account, including vehicle speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and steering speed. Above 50 mph, the spoiler assumes five different angular positions to either optimize handling stability or reduce drag.

The active aerodynamic element, which is hidden in the underbody in front of the engine, also contributes to the improved handling. This carbon profile, which weighs approximately 4.4 lb, is an exclusive, patented AMG development. It reacts to the AMG drive programs and automatically lowers by about 1.6 in. at a speed of 50 mph. This creates a Venturi effect, which sucks the car onto the road and reduces front-axle lift.

An optional Aerodynamics Package is also available to further reduce front-axle lift and increase downforce on the rear axle. It features additional air deflectors on the outer air intakes and wheel arches, while at the rear, airflow is optimized by air deflectors on the rear fascia, a larger diffuser attachment, and a fixed rear wing.

The new AMG GT Coupe offers a multi-link front axle with five links arranged entirely within the wheel rim. The wheel control and wheel suspension elements, which are independent of one another, enable high lateral acceleration with minimal drive influences on the steering system. A five-link space construction also guides the wheels on the rear axle.

The AMG GT 55 and AMG GT 63 are also fitted standard with AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with roll stabilization. Active hydraulic elements replace the conventional mechanical torsion bar anti-roll bars and compensate for rolling movements in fractions of a second. The adaptive shock absorbers also have two hydraulic connections -- one is on the compression side of the damper and the other on the rebound side. The damper chambers on all four wheels and the lines are connected directly via the control valves of the adaptive dampers. Electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential is also standard as is active rear-axle steering, where the rear wheels steer in either the opposite direction (up to 60 mph) or in the same direction (above 60 mph) as the front wheels.

With the help of numerous sensors, cameras, and radar, driver assistance systems monitor the traffic and the surroundings of the new AMG GT Coupe. If necessary, these systems can intervene at lightning speed. Drivers are supported by numerous new or expanded systems -- in everyday situations, for example, by distance control, steering, and lane changes. The systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. The functioning of the systems is made visible by a new display concept in the instrument cluster.

The interior design of the new AMG GT Coupe uses AMG's high-performance sports car DNA. Elegant materials, superb craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail underscore the luxurious cabin. The fully digital instrument cluster is integrated into a three-dimensional visor and the 12.3-in. driver display can be personalized with individually selectable layouts. An optional head-up display shows relevant information and actions with a 3D effect.

One of the many highlights of the interior is the sculptural seat design of the standard, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with integrated headrests. The standard sports seats offer exceptional comfort and a high level of lateral support. The optional AMG Performance seats are even sportier and also feature integrated headrests and ventilation openings in the seat backrests. The 2+2 seats option offers plenty of space in the interior. The rear seats increase functionality for everyday use, but they are only suitable for occupants less than 5 ft tall.

The 2024 AMG GT Coupe will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2024. No pricing has been released yet, but we expect it will start around $120,000 and escalate dramatically for the top-tier AMG GT 63 model.

Source: Mercedes

Published September 2023

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