No model reflects the ascendancy of MercedesAMG in recent years quite as well as the GT. Launched in 2014 as a successor to the SLS, the classically proportioned V8 coupé and roadster has established itself as a true rival to the Porsche 911 and many others in the supercar ranks.
Against a backdrop of new electric models, it is an AMG car from the old school - one that, by remaining true to many of the brand's traditional values, resonates strongly with enthusiasts. But ever since AMG confirmed that the upcoming, C192-generation version would be twinned with the latest SL, there has been an endless stream of speculation about the new car.
Would the 2023 follow-up be bigger, heavier and, perhaps, less focused than the original? Would the spectre of tough new EU emissions laws strangle the performance potential of its engine and lead to an altogether gentler GT? Some have even suggested we might have already seen the best of the GT.
In pursuit of answers to these questions and more, Autocar joined AMG's new CEO, Michael Schiebe- who also heads Mercedes' other 'Top End Vehicle' brands, G-Class and Maybach - for a ride in a near-finished prototype.
"Before you ask, yes, we're only going to build it as a coupé," he said, immediately. "There is absolutely no shame in it sharing its DNA with the SL, which takes the roadster role in our portfolio."
The two AMG cars are based on the same Modular Sport Architecture platform, a lightweight space frame style structure that uses a combination of aluminium, steel, magnesium and plastic composites.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 19, 2023-Ausgabe von Autocar UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 19, 2023-Ausgabe von Autocar UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The venomous nature of the Cobra
Last week, Matt Prior drove a totally new kind of AC Cobra. This is a car with one of the strongest allures of all - but also an incredibly complex and controversial history.
SKODA KAMIQ
A long getting-to-know-you trip to Spain reveals all
THE SEVEN-YEAR TITCH
Outgoing baby Jag is plush, practical and now eminently affordable
'Our time has come'
Honda may be late to the EV party, but a barrage of bold new battery-powered cars is on the way. JAMES ATTWOOD speaks to boss Toshihiro Mibe at its R&D base to find out what's in store
Lion kings
Plush, powerful four-door cars are an endangered species - and now Peugeot has called time on its latest, the 508 PSE. STEPHEN DOBIE compares it with its most significant ancestor, the 505 GTI
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Wolfsburg gives the lesser-known Golf PHEV a big-impact refresh
PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS
Stuttgart's latest 'bahnstormer targets driver appeal over outright punch
MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 PRO
Hardcore variant of V8 sports car engineered with track days in mind
TESLA REVEALS ROBOTAXI
Firm unveils Cybercab coupé and 20-seat Robovan in autonomy push
DACIA PLOTS AMBITIOUS EXPANDED EURO LINE-UP
Firm teases something different’ ahead of impending C-segment reveal