Mercedes Close To Greenlighting New Mid-Engined Supercar

Mercedes is considering the addition of a second stand-alone AMG model to sit above the GT coupe in their range.

“My personal thinking is that we are now at a level where we could support another dedicated AMG model”, Merc’s performance division boss Tobias Moers told Autocar.

It will not be a successor to the SLS, though, as the company is thinking about taking a different route this time, getting their inspiration by their Formula 1 car. This means that if the new supercar gets approval, it will employ a cutting-edge hybrid mid-engine layout using technology from their successful F1 program.

“We have the most energy-dense hybrid pack in existence,” said an unnamed source to the British magazine. “It would make a great deal of sense to harness that technology for the road.”

Getting its inspiration from the top form of motorsport also means that the petrol engine in the hybrid powertrain will likely be a small capacity V6 unit, as another nod to the F1 relationship.

The new AMG supercar will not compete though in the hypercar class. Instead Mercedes is thinking about to place their new model as high-tech competitor against the likes of the Mclaren 650S and Ferrari 488 GTB, using the concept of the BMW i8 but offering a much higher level of performance.

The decision to proceed or not with the new hybrid supercar is expected to be taken later this year.

Note: SL GTR by Mark Holster pictured