Citroen GT
concept? The wild supercar unveiled at the 2008 Paris show was originally conceived only for Gran Turismo. Now, with Gran Turismo 6 to be launched imminently, Mercedes AMG has revealed its own just-for-GT concept.
SLS replacement? Sadly not but we can dream
The Vision Gran Turismo combines 'extreme proportions, sensual contour s and intelligently implemented high tech' to create, well, a fabulously dramatic car. The imposing shape, with its hugely long bonnet and tapering rear, gives it real presence when allied to a really low roof. The LED grille is said to be inspired by the 300 SL (there are gullwing doors too), and a 'pronounced bulge' to the wheelarches ramps up the visual attitude further. Mercedes says the headlamps 'convey a sense of sportiness and readiness to leap forward.'
Under that louvred, flowing bonnet sits the same 585hp, 590lb ft V8 as found in the E63 AMG S we drove recently. However, where it's shifting nearly two tonnes in that car, the Vision Gran Turismo weighs 1,385kg. We'll have to hope Gran Turismo will accurately replicate the noise of this through eight (!) tailpipes, as it surely promises to be rather special. Carbon ceramic brakes provide 'excellent deceleration values'.
Inside the Vision Gran Turismo AMG has reputedly taken influence from the worlds of motorsport and aviation. Speed, revs and fluid temps are shown in a head-up display above a racing steering wheel and there's a few buttons in the roof, because that makes it just like a jet... Far more interesting in fact is the steering column visibly penetrates the firewall, right through to the engine compartment.
GT6 goes on sale on 6th December. The AMG is part of a range of 'Vision Gran Turismo' cars from different manufacturers to be integrated in the game through online updates.