It previews a future hybrid-powered rival for Porsche’s Panamera
The model previewed by the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept will be the third model to be fully developed by AMG, after the GT coupe (and drop-top) and the older SLS. It also celebrates AMG’s 50th anniversary and introduces the EQ Power+ moniker variations of which will be used on future hybrid AMG products.
The concept’s powertrain combines a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and rear-mounted electric motor to produce a combined 800 hp, catapulting the all-wheel drive concept to 100 km/h in a claimed sub-three seconds. It has three selectable modes, one of which is all-electric.
Design-wise, the concept undoubtedly previews AMG’s (and maybe even Mercedes’) future design direction. It’s long, sleek and tapered at both ends, and if we were to compare its look to that of an existing model it’d have to be Porsche’s Panamera, a model definitely placed in the production model’s crosshairs.
Mercedes mentions the Panamerica grille which harkens back to the original 300SL of the late 1950s, early 1960s, which is to remain a main design motif for AMG. It’s a nice touch, but few if any customers will know what it represents, its historic significance.
Other novelties featured by the concept include “nano active fiber tech” for the DRLs and rear lights. “This is produced by a special bright light system in a freely styled light cord. The three-dimensional illumination effect lends the AMG GT Concept an autonomous light signature, which is flanked by numerous further measures in the high-tech headlamp.”
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, “the GT Concept embodies the most extreme expression of our design idiom and underlines anew the autonomous profile of AMG as a performance brand. Through perfect proportions it creates a puristic design with the emphasis on its surfaces, featuring sensuous shapes and is hot and cool at the same time."