The next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT coupe has been spied testing shortly after the reveal of the related SL roadster.
It’s expected to debut sometime late this year or early in 2023 and it won’t be joined by a roadster this time, with the redesigned SL effectively replacing that drop-top.
The GT coupe, fixed roof aside, resembles the SL with which it shares its aluminium composite spaceframe platform, known as Modular Sports Architecture (MSA).
From the front it appears the GT coupe has a different grille than the SL roadster which sits lower, as well as LED headlights that appear more vertical.
Around the side are a set of gold-painted brake calipers, as featured on the SL 63 4Matic+.
The side profile seems to be quite similar to the SL roadster besides the obvious addition of a fixed roof.
It’s unclear if Mercedes-AMG will remove the two rear seats that are present in the SL roadster for the GT coupe, as the previous generation was purely a two-seater.
The back seats in the SL only provide space for passengers up to 1.5 metres tall, and are therefore best suited for small children or big bags.
Removing the two rear seats for the GT coupe could allow Mercedes-AMG to strengthen and stiffen the aluminium MSA platform for a more track-focussed set-up.
At the back of the GT coupe prototype are a set of squared-off quad exhaust outlets and what appear to be slimmer and smaller tail lights.
It’s unknown if the GT coupe will use the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the SL roadster, or if it’ll have the same naming structure.
In the SL 55 4Matic+ the twin-turbo V8 produces 350kW of power and 700Nm of torque, which is good for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.
In the SL 63 4Matic+ on the other hand, it produces 430kW and 800Nm and has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG could potentially eke out some more power from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the GT coupe, though, and a Black Series is a possibility down the line.
Mercedes-AMG has also been working on a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) E Performance version of the SL roadster which was also recently spied during winter testing.
Expected to use the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor combination as the GT 63 S E Performance four-door coupe, total system outputs are 620kW and a staggering 1400Nm.
It’s unclear if Mercedes-AMG will put this electrified powertrain into the two-door GT coupe at this stage.
Pictured: Mercedes-AMG SL E Performance prototype
For the first time, the GT coupe could potentially feature all-wheel drive. The SL roadster debuted an all-wheel drive system that sends power to all four wheels and also features rear-wheel steering.
We’re yet to see the interior of the upcoming GT coupe but expect it to have a similar layout as the SL roadster.
In October 2021, Mercedes-AMG closed orders locally of its outgoing GT two-door coupe and roadster.
At the time, a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson confirmed there were only a few units still floating around the Mercedes-Benz dealer network.
