Everything We Know About Mercedes-AMG's Sexy GT

Mercedes-AMG hopes buzz can give its anticipated GT sports car an edge over its intended rival—the brilliant Porsche 911. The company has an elaborate schedule of teasers until the car’s autumn 2014 public debut, likely at the Paris Motor Show (though, we could catch a first glimpse earlier).

The GT (codenamed C190) indirectly replaces the SLS AMG in Merc’s lineup in March 2015. However, it is smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the SLS, and does without gullwing doors – the last point is something that brand loyalists may be displeased with. The MSRP is unconfirmed, but is estimated to be over $100,000 in the U.S.

Recently, we detailed the GT’s powerplant—a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 named M178. AMG’s official mentioned that it will produce “up to” 510PS (503hp/375kW) at 6,250 rpm and 479 pound-feet of torque (650Nm) between 1750 and 4750 rpm. This is a reduction of 80 horsepower compared to the M159 6.2 liter, naturally aspirated V8 in the SLS AMG GT, but an equal torque figure.

The M178 has the same 83mm and 92.0mm bore and stroke measurements as the 355 horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine in AMG’s ‘45’-moniker models. However, it has a piezo injection system; “Nanoslide” friction-reducing material in the cylinder barrels; and dry-sump lubrication. It has a “hot inner vee,” meaning the Borg Warner turbos (boosted to 33 psi; with a water-to-air intercooler) are in the 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks. This makes the engine more compact—not that one can tell from that impossibly long hood.

This advanced engine is expected to send power rearwards through a recalibrated seven-speed, double-clutch transaxle from the SLS. The GT has aluminum space frame construction, like that model, but a report from Car Magazine suggest it could lose up to 660 pounds (300kg) compared to the gullwing. That means a curb weight around 3086 pounds (1400kg) may be possible, even with that supple interior.

The GT has a lot to prove. AMG has already touted its beauty, its low weight, its speed, and its agility. There will be many critics who call its hood phallic; its tail unoriginal; its shape disproportionate and its (turbo) engine uninspiring. It is AMG’s job to convince a new generation of shoppers that they don’t want Porsches. In that pursuit, we will see if Mercedes has the ability to do what Chevy, Audi, Nissan, and Jaguar have struggled to – mount a convincing challenge to the sports car standard-bearer.

By Nico Grant

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