Mercedes-AMG GT 2016

Ready to commence a new chapter in the illustrious Mercedes-Benz AMG saga, the eagerly anticipated 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT has now been revealed. Designed to be as comfortable on a race track as it is on a cross-country drive, this high-intensity newcomer matches a light, strong and rigid core structure largely crafted from aluminum with equally lightweight bodywork and competition-inspired powertrain/suspension elements - features that should ensure its status as a primo performer on every level

Claiming it will position Mercedes-AMG more aggressively than ever before as a dynamic sports car brand, Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH notes the second vehicle to be developed independently by the organization is manufactured according to the motto "Handcrafted By Racers" and directly "fulfills our high aspirations with regard to driving dynamics, agility and sportiness."

Looks that thrill

While sharing a similar overall design theme with the outgoing Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS, the bold bodywork on the new Mercedes-AMG GT brings its own distinctive character to the party. Dubbed a consummate combination of beauty and intelligence by Gorden Wagener, Daimler AG's Vice President Design, the car's powerfully sculpted lines and elegantly edgy proportions recall not only the SLS but a number of other iconic M-B sports cars. Its long hood, short deck, flowing roofline complemented by large air intakes, functional side vents, retractable rear spoiler and an aggressive 19-inch wheel/tire fitment speak openly to the power within. 

Those visuals get amped up further in the hotter GT S with subtle touches that include gloss black accenting on the front splitter as well staggered-size (19-inch/20-inch) alloys that can be wrapped in optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Although conventional front-hinged doors replace the "gullwing" units on the SLS, either version of this new Mercedes-AMG effort will have no problem turning heads and grabbing eyes wherever it goes. 

AMG power in two strengths

As detailed in an earlier engine-tech story, the newest member of the Mercedes-AMG family will be fitted with a new AMG-designed, front-mid-mounted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 456 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque in standard form and 503 horses/479 lb-ft of twist in GT S configuration. Backing both versions in this rear-drive coupe is a balance-enhancing 7-speed AMG SpeedShift DCT dual-clutch automatic transaxle that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddles and multi-mapping modes that can be punched up using AMG Dynamic Select controls on the center console. The GT S version also comes with a Race program setting as well as an electronic locking rear differential that functions even more efficiently than the conventional mechanical unit found in the GT. 

Drawing on the "technological DNA of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG," the aluminum-intensive double wishbone suspension setup in the new GT has been tuned to provide an ideal mix of precision feel and consummate control. Stepping up to GT S spec adds electronically controlled (Comfort/Sport/Sport plus) damping as well as speed-sensitive variable- ratio power steering. The top-line model also offers an AMG Dynamic Plus Package with continuously adjustable engine and transmission mounts that work with the AMG Chassis Controller to enhance overall precision and lateral grip as real-time driving conditions demand. Finally, GT S kit includes larger conventional disc brakes that those found on the GT. However both models can be upfitted with fade-banishing carbon ceramic super stoppers. 

Competition-flavor cabin

The high-performance character of the new Mercedes-AMG GT is found in its hand-crafted passenger compartment, as well, which matches fine Nappa leather with various chrome, carbon fiber and fiberglass accent elements. Deeply bolstered, low-mounted bucket seats flank a prominent center console that houses the AMG Drive Unit with the car's primary function controls. This driver-centric realm also features an AMG flat-bottom multifunction sport steering wheel and bespoke AMG instrument cluster as well as the latest generation of M-B's Comand telematics system with an 8.4-inch screen and touchpad controller. 

On the safety front, the new Mercedes-AMG GT comes with numerous standards found on the new S-Class including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Adaptive Brake, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, Parktronic and a rearview camera, while Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist will be optional. The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S will arrive here next spring with the GT model to follow in 2016. Mercedes-Benz has not yet released pricing for either model.