Mercedes-AMG uncovers ballistic GT63 S Edition 1

MERCEDES-AMG has revealed a limited-run version of its GT63 S flagship, dubbed Edition 1, which will arrive in Australian showrooms alongside regular GT 4-door Coupe variants in the second quarter next year.

The Edition 1 takes the GT63 S’ sporting intent to another level thanks to its standard AMG Aerodynamics Package, which bundles in a larger front splitter, front-apron integrated flics, a honed rear diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler with a mechanically adjustable blade.

According to German car-maker, the rear wing can be adjusted by the driver on the move, adding an extra 30 kilograms of downforce at 300km/h when compared to adjustable rear spoiler employed by regular GT 4-door Coupe variants.

The Edition 1’s drag coefficient is also lower, which Mercedes-AMG says is a “win-win combination (that) improves both the longitudinal and the lateral dynamics as experienced by the driver on the road or race track”.

Matte-black 21-inch alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish combine with Matte Graphite Grey sport stripes above the side skirts and optionally de-selectable stickers on the bonnet, roof and tailgate.

The sport stripes are only available with the Designo Graphite Grey Magno and Graphite Grey Metallic paintwork options, while the Diamond White Bright colour goes without.

Inside, AMG Performance seats with memory functionality, Magma Grey/black Nappa leather upholstery with contrasting yellow top-stitching, matte carbon-fibre trim, yellow seatbelts, an Air-Balance fragrance package, and illuminated AMG scuff plates, and leather-trimmed black floor mats with AMG lettering and yellow top-stitching feature.

Additionally, the Edition 1 wears a bespoke AMG Performance steering wheel with Dinamica microfibre trim, contrasting yellow top-stitching, a yellow 12 o’clock marking, Edition 1 badging, black-chrome bezels, buttons and paddle shifters, and additional AMG switches.

Options for the Edition 1 extend to AMG Night and carbon-fibre exterior styling packages, a carbon-ceramic braking system and a high-class rear seat.

Like the GT63 S revealed at the Geneva motor show in March this year, the Edition 1 is motivated by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that punches out 470kW of power from 5500 to 6500rpm and 900Nm of torque from 2500 to 4500rpm.

These outputs are exclusively sent to the ground via Mercedes-AMG’s nine-speed Speedshift automatic transmission and 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.

As a result, the Edition 1 can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds while on the way to its top speed of 315km/h.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres, while carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 256 grams per kilometre.

Available for 12 months only, the GT63 S Edition 1 will make its international debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Nurburg, Germany this weekend.

As previously reported, the Porsche Panamera-rivalling GT 4-Door Coupe is expected to be offered in 320kW GT53, 430kW GT63 and 470kW GT63 S forms when it arrives on local shores in the second quarter next year.

Sales of the two-door Mercedes-AMG GT have improved significantly this year thanks to the release of the facelifted model, with 74 examples sold to the end of April, representing a 48.6 per cent increase over the 50 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.

This effort places the Mercedes-AMG third in the $200,000-plus sportscar segment this year, trailing the Porsche 911 (238 units) and all Ferrari models (81) but ahead of all Lamborghini (47) and Aston Martin (43) coupes and convertibles, among others.