Mercedes-AMG has once again been spied testing two prototypes of its new-generation GT coupe, shortly after the reveal of the related SL roadster.
The two-door coupe is expected to debut sometime toward the end of 2022, or early in 2023. It won’t be joined by a roadster this time as the redesigned SL is effectively replacing that drop-top.
The two prototypes spied indicate the GT coupe will be available with two different variants, just like the SL roadster.
Naming is still unclear at this stage, but the SL roadster is available in SL 55 4Matic+ and SL 63 4Matic+ guise.
The main differences between the two spied SL coupe prototypes are the alloy wheels and the exhaust finishers. One of the prototypes have squared-off tips and the other has circular tips.
It’s believed the higher-performance AMG GT model has the squared-off exhaust tips. It’s also unknown if the GT coupe will use the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the SL roadster.
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 of 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 more power for the GT coupe, and a more track-focused Black Series is a possibility down the line.
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 lower-set grille than the SL, as well as LED headlights that appear more vertical.
It’s unclear if Mercedes-AMG will remove the two rear seats 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 GT coupe could allow Mercedes-AMG to strengthen and stiffen the aluminium MSA platform for a more track-focused set-up.
Mercedes-AMG has also been working on a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) E Performance version of the SL roadster which was recently spied during winter testing.
Pictured: Mercedes-AMG SL E Performance prototype
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.
For the first time, the GT coupe could potentially have all-wheel drive. The SL roadster debuted an all-wheel drive system that works in conjunction with 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.
