Mercedes-AMG has commenced testing of the next-generation GT coupe, now paired with its legendary SL roadster.
The next-generation 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT has been spied testing for the first time, ahead of an expected launch sometime next year.
As reported, the AMG GT two-door will return for another generation – though only in coupe form, with the current car’s Roadster body style to be discontinued by Mercedes-AMG to make way for a sportier, performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG SL convertible.
Underpinning the new GT coupe is set to be the same aluminium spaceframe as the new SL – which in the SL offers 40 to 50 per cent improved rigidity compared to the outgoing GT Roadster – and likely its range of engines, led by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in standard and plug-in hybrid forms.
The SL similarities will continue into the new GT’s styling, which the first set of images from Drive’s spy photography partners show will blend the clean styling of the new Mercedes-AMG SL, with the long-bonnet, short-deck proportions of the outgoing GT coupe.
The sharp LED headlights, low-set front Panamericana grille, flush-fitting door handles and retractable rear spoiler are all reminiscent of the new AMG SL – though the new GT coupe’s tail-lights appear to be even slimmer (with the same pointed inside edges).
Look through the prototype’s windows and you’ll spot the same AMG Performance sports seats standard in most AMG GT variants in Australia – and while camouflage obscures the dashboard, it’s expected to adopt a similar twin-screen layout to the new AMG SL and Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan.
The circular exhaust tips fitted to this test car – typically seen on Mercedes-AMG’s ‘entry-level’ models without V8 engines, including the GT53 4-Door Coupe liftback – suggest it could be the first Mercedes-AMG GT in the model’s (albeit brief) history to eschew a twin-turbo V8.
Instead, it’s expected it – likely to wear the GT43 moniker, in line with a similar SL43 variant – is set to be powered by a variant of the AMG A45 S hot hatch’s 2.0-litre ‘M139’ turbocharged four-cylinder, rather than the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six seen in other AMG 53 models.
While the engine was initially launched in a front-wheel-drive car, the engine will make its longitudinally-mounted, rear-wheel-drive debut in the next-generation C63 S E Performance, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, electrically-driven turbocharger, and a full plug-in hybrid system.
The M139 engine and its new turbo will be capable of 330kW in the new C63, before the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid tech is added – though using past AMG 43 models as a guide, it’s fair to speculate a power output closer to the 300kW mark for the ‘entry-level’ SL.
Enthusiasts shouldn’t fear for the loss of the twin-turbo V8-engined AMG GT coupe, as if the SL is any guide, expect ‘GT55’ and ‘GT63’ variants to be available with up to 430kW and 800Nm, good for a circa-3.5-second 0-100km/h dash.
A 620kW/1400Nm V8 plug-in hybrid version of the SL is in development, and has been seen testing undisguised – but it’s unclear if the GT will be available with this PHEV system.
Given the amount of camouflage on this prototype – which wears its production bodywork, and lacks the black cladding panels typically affixed to early test cars to disguise their design – it’s possible we could see the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL revealed in full before the end of this year.
Industry whispers suggest production of the new GT coupe (codenamed C192) is slated to commence in January 2023 – all but locking in a debut before New Year’s Eve.
The post 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT coupe spied for the first time appeared first on Drive.
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