THE MERCEDES-AMG GT: THE ALL-NEW SPORTS CAR FROM AFFALTERBACH
The Mercedes-AMG GT: an all-new V8 sports car developed entirely in-house by AMG
Two variants with differing power outputs – the 462 hp GT and the 510 hp GT S – based around an aluminium chassis structure weighing 231 kg
The Mercedes-AMG GT measures 4,546 mm in length, 1,939 mm in width and 1,289 mm in height – its tightly packaged bodywork means minimal front and rear overhangs and a wheelbase measuring 2,630 mm and a kerbweight from 1,540 kg
Powered by a tightly-packaged new AMG-designed, hand-built, biturbo 3,982 cc V8 engine equipped with dry sump lubrication and linked to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
In GT S form it can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds (AMG GT: 4.0 secs) and can hit 193 mph (189 mph)
The GT and GT S arrive in the UK in April 2015, prices will be announced in October
Designed by a team led by Gorden Wagener, Vice President of Design, Daimler AG and developed entirely in house by AMG, led by its Chairman, Tobias Moers, the GT is an all-new two seater sports car mixing the exhilaration expected of an AMG with precision, comfort and practicality
Gorden Wagener: ‘The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a sports car in its purest form – breath-taking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars from the past. The GT is a consummate combination of beauty and intelligence.’
Interior mixes beautiful, high quality materials – nappa leather, carbon and aluminium – with technology – an 8.4-inch central screen featuring COMAND and simple, elegant controls, including the ability to control the exhaust valves via the DYNAMIC SELECT button
Aerodynamic devices are deployed to aid balance and cooling – the rear wing deploys automatically while under the bonnet and adaptive duct feeds cool air into the so called ‘hot-V’ of the twin turbochargers packaged in the middle of the ‘V’ created by the V8 engine
Straightforward, fast, beautiful and with a mighty presence, the GT is practical too – it has a hatchback boot and a load space measuring 350-litres
Built at Sindelfingen, the largely aluminium chassis structure makes it strong and light – the structure weighs 231 kg – with strategically-placed steel and magnesium components mixed in
Overall weight distribution is 47 per cent front and 53 per cent rear
The V8 engine – codenamed M178 – displaces 3,982 cc and is equipped with dry sump lubrication and twin turbochargers. In GT S form it produces its peak of 510 hp (GT: 462 hp) at 6,250 rpm (6,000 rpm) and 650 Nm of torque (600 Nm) between 1,750 and 4,750 rpm (1,600 and 5,000 rpm). It returns 30.1 mpg (30.4 mpg) and emits 219 g/km of CO2 (216 g/km)
GT is equipped with a mechanical rear differential as standard – the GT S is fitted with an electronically controlled differential, allowing faster responses
GT S gets AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension – electronically controlled three stage damping
AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package is available on the GT S – it builds on the standard drivetrain damping to add dynamic engine and transmission mounts that can operate independently of each other. The mounts automatically relax during comfort-orientated driving, and tighten up when it’s driven harder and the car senses the requirement
Standard front brakes on the GT measure 360 mm in diameter – on the GT S these grow to 390 mm (accompanied by red callipers). The optional ceramic composite items measure 402 mm
The GT is fitted with 255/35 R19 tyres at the front and 295/35 R 19 rear tyres – the GT S is equipped with 265/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres at the rear
Last year in the UK a record 3,127 AMG cars were registered – up 40 per cent on 2012
Full release below
AMG racetrack performance combined with superb everyday practicality
The new Mercedes-AMG GT: Driving performance for sports car enthusiasts
Affalterbach. The first Mercedes was a racing car, its most recent successor carries this heritage forward: with the new Mercedes-AMG GT, the Mercedes-AMG sports car brand is moving into a new, top-class sports car segment for the company. The GT is the second sports car developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-AMG. Its front mid-engine concept with transaxle and the intelligent aluminium lightweight construction form the basis for a highly dynamic driving experience. Its likewise newly developed AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine underscores the hallmark AMG driving performance. The first sports car engine with internally mounted turbochargers ('hot inside V') and dry sump lubrication is configured in two output ratings: as a GT with 462 hp and as a GT S with 510 hp. The new GT combines driving dynamics and first-class racetrack performance with superb everyday practicality, and efficiency that sets new standards in the segment.
It has everything you would expect from an authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car – from the characteristic styling, thoroughbred motorsport technology to the optimum weight distribution. The drive system tailored consistently to driving dynamics perfectly complements this set-up. The centrepiece of the Mercedes-AMG GT, the new 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, responds instantly with extreme power right from low revs and delivers outstanding performance.
Top figures such as 3.8 seconds from zero to 62 mph and a top speed of 193 mph, combined with the outstanding driving dynamics will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on the racetrack.
At the same time, the two-seater is a straightforward, comfortable and reliable companion for everyday motoring thanks to its practical tailgate, easily accessible luggage compartment, high level of comfort on long journeys and the extensive Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive assistance systems.
"With the new Mercedes-AMG GT, we are venturing out into a challenging sports car segment with its top-class competitive field. This is an incentive and motivation for us at the same time to prove to sports car enthusiasts around the world the kind of performance that AMG is capable of," says Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
"With the new GT we are positioning Mercedes-AMG even more aggressively than to date as a dynamic sports car brand," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "With its technological substance, the Mercedes-AMG GT fulfils our high aspirations with regard to driving dynamics, agility and sportiness. The new GT is the second sports car developed fully independently by Mercedes-AMG. The car is manufactured according to the motto 'Handcrafted by Racers' – which perfectly encapsulates our heritage
and our spirit."
The models at a glance:
Mercedes-AMG GT S Mercedes-AMG GT
Displacement 3982 cc 3982 cc
Output 510 hp at 6250 rpm
6000-6500 rpm* 462 hp at 6000 rpm
Max. torque 650 Nm at 1750-4750 rpm
(1750-5000 rpm*) 600 Nm at 1600-5000 rpm
Fuel consumption
NEDC combined 30.0 mpg 30.4 mpg
CO2 emissions 219 g/km 216 g/km
Kerb weight (according to EC) 1570 kg** / 1645 kg*** 1540 kg** / 1615 kg***
Power-to-weight ratio 3.08** / 3.22*** kg/hp 3.33** / 3.49*** kg/hp
Acceleration
0-62 mph 3.8 s 4.0 s
Top speed 193 mph**** 189 mph****
* In conjunction with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package; ** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage); *** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg); **** Electronically limited.
The combination of aluminium spaceframe, V8 biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration at the rear axle, locking differential, sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone suspension and the low kerb weight of 1540 kilogrammes delivers racetrack performance. The concept with front mid-engine and transmission in transaxle configuration makes for a beneficial weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent between the front and rear axle. In conjunction with the vehicle's low centre of gravity this translates into extremely agile handling and permits high cornering speeds. With a favourable power-to-weight ratio of 3.3 kilogrammes per hp, the Mercedes-AMG GT self-confidently lines up alongside the very best in its segment. The sports car also sets a new benchmark figure for fuel economy: fuel consumption of 30.4 mpg (NEDC combined) constitutes a considerable increase in efficiency.
Exterior design: sporty emotion and sensual purity
"The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a sports car in its purist form," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. "Breathtaking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars. The GT is a consummate combination of beauty and intelligence."
The new Mercedes-AMG GT embodies the sensual purity of sportiness and emotion. The two-seater is characterised by hallmark rear-wheel-drive proportions. The V8 biturbo front mid-engine ensures optimum weight distribution, which forms the basis for superb driving dynamics. The long bonnet with its pronounced powerdomes, the greenhouse which has been moved far back, the large wheels and broad tail end make up the distinctive looks. The large tailgate conceals a practical luggage compartment.
Muscular and dramatic dynamism
Positively arched surfaces give the Mercedes-AMG GT its sensuous character and the appearance of a sculpture. Viewed from the side, the dome-shaped, arched roof line and the frameless doors are eye-catching features. A muscular element sculpted out of the side wall creates a sense of lightness and dynamism, even when the vehicle is at a standstill. The surfaces and lines of the side wall flow into the rear-end with a dramatic tapered effect. The GT deliberately avoids lines in the shoulder region. The only line is one lower down, picked up again in the rear bumper, which stretches the body and makes it appear lighter. The side air outlets, each with two fins, represent a typical, styling feature of Mercedes-Benz sports cars. The GT has no visible aerials which could disrupt the overall appearance.
The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the coupé a superior, self-confident front: the three-dimensional diamond radiator grille with central Mercedes star, a broad louvre and AMG lettering stands in the centre of the front end. LED High Performance headlamps with stylised "eyebrows" as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators, as well as three separate high-beam reflectors lend the GT its characteristic look.
Large air intakes optimise the flow of air to the cooling modules. The A-wing with front splitter in the lower third of the front apron, a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, makes the sports car appear low-slung and wide. While the front splitter is painted in the body colour on the GT, it comes with a high-gloss black finish on the GT S. Overall, customers can accentuate the exterior design according to their personal preferences: options available include the Exterior Silver Chrome package, the Night package and the Exterior Carbon-Fibre package.
Broad shoulders for an emotional overall appearance
With its base areas, broad shoulders and narrow tail light graphics, the rear area creates an emotional overall appearance. The licence plate bracket is located in the lower part of the bumper, allowing the Mercedes star to be placed prominently on the smooth-surfaced boot lid. Added to which is an extendable rear aerofoil, which is concealed from view while the car is at a standstill. The black diffuser insert with tailpipes integrated into the bumper and the trim strip in matt iridium silver inspired by the A-wing in the front create a visual sense of lightness across the entire tail end.
Flat, wide tail lights with new sequential turn signals reflect state-of-the-art technology. 18 individual LEDs on each side indicate where the driver intends to turn by sequentially illuminating them from the inside to the outside.
The tail lights underline both the sporty styling of the rear, as well as the attention to detail and sophistication – form and function combine in a unique way to create a perfect unit.
Interior: sensuality, emotion and perfection
The interior design also embodies maximum emotion and sensual purity. Radically low, sporty proportions create a unique sense of spaciousness. Clearly drawn components and their authentic materials underscore the dynamic character and create instant excitement: Anyone opening the door discovers an exciting interplay between the deep, sloping dashboard and a dominant, arched high centre console, a design which evokes emotions and impresses with its perfection.
The central "aviation design" theme, which is the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz sports cars, has been restyled. The extreme emphasis on the width of the dashboard, which creates an impression of a powerful wing, dominates the cockpit of the GT. Four central spotlight-style vents and the individual vents at the right and left ends of the dashboard reinforce this impression. In conjunction with the high beltlines, the concave-shaped door panelling and the dynamic centre console, the GT comes across as a genuine driving machine and consummately integrates the driver into the cockpit thanks to the low seat position.
The dominant centre console appears to be a feature lifted straight from motor racing by virtue of its styling that is reminiscent of a NACA air intake, as well as the surfaces and authentic materials that have been used – there is a choice of silver chrome, matt carbon fibre, high-gloss carbon fibre, black diamond and matt silver fibreglass. Positioned centrally, the free-standing central display is an eye-catching feature. Attention to detail is also echoed in the AMG DRIVE UNIT controls: they are arranged like eight cylinders in a V layout, emphasising the powerful and high-tech impression made by the centre console.
Outstanding precision and a superior quality feel thanks to the finest materials with superb workmanship are also apparent on the sports seats, the performance steering wheel and the instrument cluster. The most important control for sports car fans is located in the AMG DRIVE: the button for starting the engine, which is labelled "Engine Start Stop" and illuminated in red.
The newly developed AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine
The new high-performance engine springs to life at the push of a button: even the sound as the engine starts up brings you out in goose pimples. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine was developed specifically for the GT. The innovative eight-cylinder engine as the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family boasts outstanding power delivery, performance figures on a par with motor racing, lightweight construction as well as high efficiency and environmental compatibility. It boasts the brand's hallmark emotive V8 engine sound, along with an immediate response and high pulling power.
The new V8 also stands out with its precise power output, which is easily a match for a naturally aspirated engine. The driver truly appreciates the AMG engine, with its internal designation M178, particularly in M, or Race mode in the selectable drive modes, thanks to its linear power delivery, which makes it much easier to handle the vehicle at the limits. As part of this process, the sophisticated ECU even factors in the current driving condition and adjusts the accelerator response depending on the lateral forces generated.
With a displacement of 3982 cc, the V8 uses a range of technologies which are already being used in the 2.0-litre turbo engine in the A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG – presently the most powerful, series-production four-cylinder engine in the world. Both engines have the same bore/stroke ratio, providing the basis for high revving ability. The piezo direct petrol injection used at Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the mixture formation. The spray-guided combustion process was further developed in the third generation to meet all future legal requirements. The highly efficient and economical AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine meets the Euro 6 emissions standard, including the maximum particulate emissions level that takes effect in 2016.
First sports car engine with 'hot inside V' and dry sump lubrication
The new AMG V8 engine has two turbochargers which are not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks but rather inside the V configuration – experts call it a "hot inside V". The benefits are a compact engine design, an optimum response from the turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters. The dry sump lubrication also ensures the oil supply even with high lateral forces and allows the engine to be installed lower, thus moving the centre of gravity closer to the road and forming the basis for high lateral acceleration.
The new Mercedes-AMG V8 biturbo engine is the world's first sports car engine with 'hot inside V' and dry sump lubrication.
Performance exhaust system with fully variable exhaust flaps
The Mercedes-AMG GT S is equipped as standard with an AMG performance exhaust system with fully variable exhaust flaps. This allows the driver to vary the engine sound: depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT mode the driver may experience the V8 with a focus on comfort and relaxed, long-distance journeys or with a more powerful, emotive, motorsport-inspired touch. The AMG DRIVE UNIT includes a separate button to control the exhaust flaps directly. The new Mercedes-AMG sports car has its own tonal characteristics which denote the car's membership of the AMG family but that also distinguish it clearly from other high-performance cars. The selectable exhaust system is also available as an option for the Mercedes-AMG GT.
A tradition of hand-built excellence: "one man, one engine"
The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is being made in Affalterbach according to the "one man, one engine" principle. In the AMG engine shop, highly qualified fitters assemble the engines by hand according to the strictest quality standards – visible on the AMG engine plate with the engine technician's signature. "One man, one engine" ties in with Mercedes-AMG's unique motorsport genes, which exude innovative strength by virtue of the technology transfer from the racing series – from Formula 1, the DTM to the involvement in customer racing with the SLS AMG GT3.
Seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration
When it comes to the power transmission of the new GT the Mercedes-AMG engineers rely on a combination of front mid-engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration at the rear axle – this layout has already successfully established itself in the SLS AMG. The weight distribution with its ratio of 47 per cent (front) to 53 per cent (rear) benefits from this configuration. The efficiency, shift speed and precision of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission were further optimised for usage in the new sports car. Thanks to the larger gear ratio spread, the pronounced torque plateau of the V8 turbo engine can be used optimally.
The drivetrain's overall design is ideal for an uncompromising sports car. At the same time, the exacting requirements in terms of everyday practicality, noise level, ride comfort and fuel consumption have been met.
To transfer the driver's shift commands even more directly, communication between the engine and transmission has been fundamentally revised. This means that the previous limits of shift performance and the response time have been substantially increased. The driver can individually tailor the GT to their wishes with the aid of AMG DYNAMIC SELECT. Various modes are available: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus) and – entirely new – "I" (Individual). The manual "RACE" drive program reserved exclusively for the GT S optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to the needs of racetrack usage – including faster shift speeds and a highly emotive engine. By pressing the "M" button, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode.
Electronic rear-axle locking differential as standard in the GT S
The GT comes as standard with a mechanical rear-axle locking differential which ensures outstanding traction and superb driving safety in all driving conditions. The GT S is fitted as standard with an electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing. The electronic function provides even more sensitive, faster control than the mechanical solution, thus pushing the limits of handling dynamics even further. Not only does it further improve the traction of the driven wheels, but also increases the cornering speeds at the limits. The system operates with a variable locking effect in acceleration and overrun mode, and is perfectly tuned to the various driving conditions and road surface friction coefficients.
Double-wishbone suspension from motorsport
Driving dynamics and comfort on long journeys; racetrack performance and everyday practicality: the new Mercedes-AMG GT delivers on all counts. A great deal of attention was paid to the seamless integration of all mechanical and electronic systems during the design, development and testing. Whether it is the suspension, 3-stage ESP®, locking differential, steering, aerodynamics, tyres or brakes – only the successful precision engineering and concerted networking of individual specialist disciplines manage to produce the required results and thus the exhilarating sports car driving experience, characterised by superb precision and clear feedback.
The AMG GT offers the perfect conditions: it uses the technological DNA of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, one of the most successful sports cars in recent years. Thanks to the optimum weight distribution of 47 percent (front) to 53 percent (rear), the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the selected suspension layout, the driver benefits from precise steering response, formidable agility, low inertia when changing direction, and outstanding traction. Double-wishbone suspension is used at the front and rear – a technology adopted straight from motorsport.
Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminium in order to reduce the unsprung masses. The double-wishbone concept locates the wheel clearly with minimal elastic movements. The high camber and track rigidity not only results in high cornering speeds, but also provides the driver with an optimum road feel when cornering at the limit. An extremely direct connection of the shock absorber on the rear hub carrier reduces vibrations and undesirable wheel load fluctuations. Highly neutral behaviour and defined, predictable responses at the tyre grip limit were important development objectives for the dynamic handling experts at Mercedes-AMG.
Mercedes-AMG GT S with electronically controlled damping
The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping comes as standard on the Mercedes-AMG GT S, or as an option for the GT. The driver can adjust the damping characteristics at the push of a button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT or by using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes.