Mercedes-AMG GT coupe goes hybrid
BY PETER BARNWELL | 30th Apr 2024
MERCEDES-AMG has introduced what may be the final and fastest V8-based iteration of its GT sportscar series that kicked of back in October 2014.
Called the AMG GT 63 S E Performance coupe, the new model broke cover at the recent Shanghai F1 race and retains a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 heart, this time enhanced by a plug-in hybrid system with integrated electric drive unit to help attain a claimed 2.8-second 0-100km/h sprint time.
It is the fastest-accelerating AMG model ever made for general consumption and maxes out at an autobahn-storming 320km/h.
Likely to sell for 10 bucks shy of $400K excluding on-road costs when order books open in Australia during the third quarter of this year, the GT 63 S E Performance will be cross-shoppable with raft of highly desirable supercars.
Compared with other circa-$400K sportscars such as the McLaren 570S, Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari Roma and Porsche 911 GT3, the new AMG outguns all-comers with up to 600kW of power and up to 1420Nm of torque with all drive systems blazing.
Keeping this amount of mumbo under control is a critical task aided in the GT’s case by active ride control suspension with interconnected semi-active roll stabilisation, all-wheel drive, rear axle steering and ceramic high-performance composite brakes.
The aggressive-looking coupe has a green tinge too as weighted energy consumption combined is 12.6 kWh/100km plus 8.2L/100km and for combined fuel consumption. But when running on petrol alone with a discharged battery is sips premium unleaded at a rate of 12.3-litres/100km.
As was the case from the GT’s outset, the 4.0-litre bi-turbo petrol V8 is positioned behind the front axle for better weight distribution while on this latest model, the electric drive unit (EDU) is on the rear axle contributes to all-wheel drive or 4Matic in Benz-speak.
The EDU integrates a 150kW permanently excited synchronous electric motor with an electrically switched two-speed transmission and a mechanical rear axle limited-slip differential.
A lightweight high-performance battery is located above the rear axle delivering efficiency gains as the electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion.
It provides an extra boost when starting off, accelerating or overtaking but as wheelspin on the rear axle increases, power from the EDU is diverted to the front wheels as required through a fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system with multiple drive shafts feeding power to each axle and wheel.
The car’s 400V, 560 cell lithium-ion battery pack uses technology developed with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, has an advanced cooling system to keep its temperature stable (45 degrees) to optimise range, recharging and performance.
Its energy storage capacity is 6.1kWh and it can discharge 70kW of continuous power and 150kW peak power for short bursts.
Charging is by the 3.7kW onboard AC charger. The battery is designed for rapid power delivery and consumption and enables 13 kilometres of purely electric travel.
Maximum propulsion is always available when the driver needs it, for example, to be able to accelerate powerfully out of corners or when overtaking. Electrical power can always be accessed from energy reserves in the battery pack, topped up through a four-stage regenerative braking system.
The GT offers eight driving programs: Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, RACE and “Individual” tailored to the car’s new drive technology.
They adapt dynamic parameters for the transmission, steering characteristic, chassis damping even the sound.
Active aerodynamics are hidden in the underbody in front of the engine providing stability at speed automatically extending downwards by around 40 millimetres at a speed of 80km/h to create a venturi effect which sucks the car onto the road and reduces the lift on the front axle.
Other active dynamic elements are used through the car.
The two door GT hybrid rolls on 20-inch AMG light alloys, has twin trapezoidal tail pipes, a recharge flap at the rear and E-Performance badging as distinguishing features.
A luxurious, high-tech interior features a cockpit driver’s space, a portrait format MBUX multimedia display in the centre console and is actually a 2+2 with two small rear seats.
The AMG GT 63 S E Performance is available with numerous customisation options and option packages and can be ordered from Q3 this year.
