Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division will launch the second-generation GT in 2023, heavily redesigning and re-engineering the two-door flagship to take on the Porsche 911.
The new model, known under the internal codename C192, has been twinned with the recently introduced seventh-generation Mercedes-AMG SL. However, it will be produced exclusively in coupé form, leaving the open-top duties to its SL sibling, which now also wears an AMG, rather than a Benz, badge because the performance division took over the engineering programmes for the sporting duo.
As can be seen in the latest pictures of the car winter testing near the Arctic Circle, the new GT takes on an evolutionary appearance, with familiar long-bonnet and short-tail proportions. As with the first-generation model, introduced in 2015, it receives a large liftback-style tailgate.
Active aerodynamics have played a central role in the development of the new GT, which receives the same front underbody spoiler as the SL. It extends downwards by around 40mm at a speed of 62mph to create a Venturi effect underneath the car, eventually reducing front axle lift by a claimed 50kg at 155mph. At the rear, meanwhile, a wing deploys and tilts in five different stages to increase downforce at speeds above 50mph.
As with the latest SL, the new GT has been developed and engineered in a programme led by AMG but with key input from other Mercedes-Benz divisions. These include the High Performance Powertrain division headquartered in Brixworth, which was also responsible for engineering the Formula 1-derived powertrain in the highly strung Mercedes-AMG One road car, revealed belatedly this year.
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Is it not time the European Governments got together to stop such pointless and hugely poluting cars been made. The resources, fuel used for this again highly poluting car I Know I know people who buy this wont care but its about time a limit on cars of this power should be rained in Just a thought, Mind just the car for raffic jams !!!
Just to let you know, we're supposed to have freedom of choice in the West, I know I've said that engines of 12,10, 8 cylinders aren't really needed to produce four figure BHP, the thing that would be missed would be the sound they made, much better than synthetic, artificial Engine sound pumped out from speakers in the Car, but, you can't everything, we have to think about pollution, a better World for future generations etc, no, it's not a Government thing, they do enough as it is.
Is the V8 the next Engine to go?, really don't need multi cylinder engines anymore to produce four figure horsepower.