Mercedes has let the new AMG GT off the leash revealing the two-door supercar that will be available in two V8-powered flavors in all its glory.
Following its public debut at the Paris motor show this October, Mercedes will start rolling out the AMG GT S with 510PS (503hp) and entry-level AMG GT with 462PS (456hp) in Europe, with the UK getting both cars in April of 2015, and the U.S., first the GT S in spring of 2015 and a year later, the base GT.
Both versions are powered by AMG’s new 4.0-liter bi-turbocharged V8 that is related to the 2.0-liter turbo four-pot found in the A45 / CLA45 /GLA45 AMG, and which will be utilized in the next C63 AMG models.
The two V8s are paired to the same seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration at the rear axle. Mercedes quotes a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 3.8 seconds for the GT S (top speed: 193mph or 311km/h) and 4.0 seconds for the GT (max speed: 189mph or 304km/h).
While it shares its aluminums chassis structure with the recently discontinued SLS AMG, Mercedes is marketing the smaller and lighter AMG GT as a different proposal in the sports car segment, setting its sights on the Porsche 911 Turbo, higher end versions of the Jaguar F-Type and the upcoming McLaren P13. This will be reflected in the AMG GT’s pricing, which is expected to cost around 40 percent less than the SLS AMG.
At 4,546mm long, 1,939mm wide and 1,289mm tall, the AMG GT had the same width as the SLS AMG, but it’s 92mm shorter and 37mm taller.
Overall weight distribution is 47 per cent front and 53 per cent rear, with the GT S tipping the scales at 1,570kg (3,461 lbs) and the base GT at 1,540kg (3,395 lbs) – both figures without a driver.
The GT S model gets additional standard goodies such as the electronically controlled differential (instead of the GT’s mechanical rear differential), the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with three-stage damping, bigger front brakes (390mm vs. 360mm) and a staggered wheel setup with 265/35 R 19 tires at the front and 295/30 R 20 tires at the rear.
Furthermore, the GT S can be fitted with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package that includes dynamic engine and transmission mounts. According to Mercedes:
“[The package] 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.”
A ceramic high-performance composite brake system with 402mm discs at the front and 360mm at the rear is optionally available for both models.
As for the design, we’ll have plenty of time to talk about it, but the first reactions over the Porsche 911-meets-Jaguar E-Type silhouette seem to be on the positive side. Of course, design is subjective, so shoot away your thoughts in the comments.