"Impressive driving dynamics coupled with high efficiency, resulting from an innovative drive system and tailored to the vehicle segment in question". That's Tobias Moers' view on what to expect from future AMG products, starting with this
four-door GT
Don't expect these wheels to make production...
Don't worry, first off - this AMG keeps its V8. Under an 'EQ Power+' name, the 4.0-litre 'hot-v' V8 is partnered with an electric motor; up to 600kW (804hp) has been suggested "in its last level of development", with a 0-62mph time of less than three seconds. There's more to this hybrid system than sheer speed, too. The energy storage unit is said to be lighter, smaller and more powerful than normal batteries, while also being modular; it can be scaled upwards and adjusted "to meet specific requirements of customers or certain markets."
Furthermore, the car can be run as a hybrid, as a pure V8 or as an EV, with charge provided through brake energy recuperation or directly from the engine. The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system works in conjunction with the electric drive, offering the possibility of torque vectoring to each individual wheel.
Elsewhere for this concept, it's a familiar mix of motor show fancy and some familiar elements from the AMG GT and the GT R (see that central exhaust). The wing mirrors have been replaced by cameras, of course. There is also however the Panamericana grille - as seen on the facelifted GTs - and rear lights familiar from the GT. All is not quite what it seems though, the lights using "nano active fibre technology" which is said to create a 3D illumination effect. Expect to see those on the production version, plus the carbon fibre elements and the ceramic brakes. Don't bank on the gold-centred wheels though...
... but this rear end might!
See Mercedes has form when it comes to motor show concepts, usually revealing what turns out to be something very close to the production car with some jazzy paint and, er, big wheels. See
S-Class Coupe
GLA
GLC
concepts. So this could well be similar to the production version now being developed by AMG. For what it's worth the styling is described having "extremely muscular proportions, a large volume plus sensuous and simultaneously reduced surface styling." A success? Over to you...
While the car is in development, there is no suggestion yet of when AMG's third entirely independent creation will go on sale. Certainly with the latest Panamera just out and this on the way, the four-door super coupe market is suddenly looking healthier - now where's the Aston Rapide riposte?
