Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic＋ Coupe

It has an aggressive look just like a racing car.

How many people can immediately identify the new Mercedes-AMG GT, which has been redesigned for the second generation after a hiatus of nearly 10 years, as a new model? To be honest, even I couldn’t at first. With its Panamericana grille with low vertical bars at the tip of the long hood, its small, set-back cabin, and its powerful, boldly flared fenders, it is as ferocious as ever.

Of course, the interior has been completely redesigned. In fact, the overall length has also increased by nearly 200mm compared to the previous model. The wheelbase, also extended by 70mm to 2700mm, is the same as that of the new SL, which debuted in 2021 after being transferred to the AMG brand. The new AMG GT shares many of its basic components with the SL, including a newly developed aluminum space frame. Taking advantage of this expansion, the new GT can be equipped with an optional +2 rear seat (although, like the SL, this requires a height restriction of 150cm or less). In this case, the luggage compartment capacity can be expanded from the standard 321L to 675L by folding down the backrests. This four-seater coupe boasts the aggressive looks of a GT racing car while also offering practical luggage space.

Customers say that a four-cylinder engine is not enough

Mounted near the bulkhead of the long hood is the M177 type 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo, which is a symbol of AMG. There are now models that use the “63” name but are equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo ( the GT43 Coupe, equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder electric turbo, was also added at the end of last year ), but when it comes to the AMG “63”, it is still the V8.

No matter how well the F1-derived electric turbocharger is combined with a powerful motor, AMG cannot ignore the voices of customers around the world who say that a four-cylinder engine is not enough.The AMG-designed V8, with two twin-scroll turbos packed inside the V-bank, has a hot inside V layout and produces 430kW (585PS) at 5500-6500rpm and 800Nm at 2500-5000rpm, driving all four wheels via a nine-speed Speedshift MCT with a wet multi-plate clutch instead of a torque converter.

The power specs are already equal to or better than the previous hardcore model, the AMG GT R (maximum output 585 PS, maximum torque 700 Nm), but it is not as race-car-like as before. Although it is the same engine family, the M178 type that was previously installed was a dry sump type, and the gearbox was also a transaxle type integrated with the rear differential. This is also where you can see the change in character.

A refined ride that’s not spartan

The new GT also features a new variable torque distribution “4Matic+” system (the GT43 is rear-wheel drive). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds (top speed is 315 km/h). Despite being significantly heavier (over 200 kg added due to the 4WD system), this is a significant improvement over the previous GT R’s 3.6 seconds.

Although it should have such incredible thrust, as long as you drive it in comfort mode, strangely enough, it doesn’t feel as rough as the conventional model. It’s hard and precise, but the V8 twin-turbo engine exhales power smoothly and without hesitation, and you can sense the ferocity hidden deep within, but it’s usually docile and refined. Once you experience the smooth, clear and sharp beat of this V8, it’s no wonder that a four-cylinder engine would feel insufficient.

Even with the massive 21-inch tires (standard equipment along with forged aluminum wheels), the ride quality is anything but spartan, at least unless you switch the drive mode to “Sport+” or “Race.” This is where the all-new chassis, which fully utilizes the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with hydraulic active stabilizers linking the dampers on all four wheels, rear steering, and an electronically controlled limited slip differential (LSD), really shines.

It’s not that I’ve become weak

The handling is also rock-solid. It stays so firmly planted on the road that you wonder how it could become unstable. You can really feel that the active aerodynamics are not just for show. Previously, it felt like cornering required checking that the long nose was pointing in as intended, but with the new model, it feels like the entire body turns in smoothly and follows a precise line without you even noticing. There is absolutely no unnecessary wheel spin, and even if you slam on the throttle pedal roughly, nothing happens on public roads. To be honest, I don’t even know where the limits are.

Although the traditional feel of being a direct descendant of a GT racing car has faded, it has not become weak, and a more circuit-oriented, hard-hitting model is likely to be added in the future ( the “Pro” model with increased power to 612 PS and 850 Nm has already been announced ). The new GT even exudes a sense of unfathomable eerieness.

REPORT/Koki TAKAHIRA

PHOTO/Akio HIRANO

SPECIFICATIONS

Mercedes-AMG GT63 4Matic+ Coupe

Body size: Length 4730, Width 1985, Height 1355mm

Wheelbase: 2700mm

Vehicle weight: 1940kg

Engine type: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 3982cc

Maximum output: 430kW (585PS) / 5500-6500rpm

Maximum torque: 800Nm (81.6kgm) / 2500-5000rpm

Transmission: 9-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension: Front and rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc

Tire size: Front 295/30R21, Rear 305/30R21

Top speed: 315km/h

0-100km/h acceleration: 3.2 seconds

Vehicle price: 27.5 million yen

Related reading

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe combines a narrow body with a 2.0-liter inline-four electric turbocharged engine

Mercedes-AMG has added the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe to its AMG GT Coupe lineup. The new model features a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine with a maximum output of 426 PS and a narrow body with a total width of 1,930 mm. Sales have begun through the nationwide network of authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships.