Mercedes-Benz’s efficiency division hasn’t had nice luck straying from the tried-and-true V-8 method. Its turbo-hybrid four-cylinder C63, whereas technically sensible, was largely panned for its weight and lack of emotion. It’s at present promoting like regardless of the reverse of hotcakes is, and even AMG CEO Michael Schiebe admitted the corporate “might have higher defined” the automotive’s powertrain to prospects.
That stated, AMG isn’t taking any extra half measures with regards to electrification. On Wednesday, it unveiled the GT XX Idea, a 1,340-horsepower, 223-mph (360 kph) tremendous sedan that previews AMG’s first manufacturing EV, which is to be revealed subsequent yr. If AMG can again up its daring guarantees, this automotive ought to carry a critical combat to the Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, together with a wholesome dose of AMG theater.
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
I previewed the GT XX Idea at a disused energy plant in Rottweil, Germany late final month. Whereas it’s not a manufacturing automotive—evidenced by GT3 racing seats with five-point harnesses—AMG is adamant that the tech showcased right here is production-ready, and can discover its method into future fashions on the AMG Electrical Structure (AMG.EA).
The GT XX’s seems gained’t be for everybody—the entrance three-quarter view calls to thoughts a shocked catfish. However from straight on, carrying the legendary C111 supercar’s trademark shade of orange, there’s no denying it’s each imposing and unmistakably Mercedes. AMG claims a drag coefficient of 0.198 because it sits, a formidable feat for a automotive with broad tires and side-view mirrors. (The Lucid Air is at present the world’s most aerodynamic automotive, at 0.197.)
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
AMG makes use of intelligent aero wheel covers to get to this quantity. 5 carbon-fiber panels transfer outward and retract electrically as wanted for brake cooling or optimum airflow. They don’t draw energy from the battery—AMG says the electrical motors run off kinetic power from the wheels’ ahead movement. Mercedes claims these wheels add “one or two kilos” of weight in comparison with an ordinary wheel.
Contained in the idea, we discover carbon-fiber bucket seats with customized cushioning based mostly on a buyer’s physique scan. The textiles on the seats and inside trim are created from used GT3 race tires—we’re advised one tire supplies sufficient materials for a complete GT XX’s conceal. Orange trim and backlighting abounds, and in entrance of the driving force, there’s a big dual-tablet show and a yoke-style steering wheel with twistable selectors and paddle shifters (we’ll get to that later).
Below the pores and skin, the GT XX runs on an 800-volt structure with a high-tech battery pack that may cost at 850kW over what AMG calls a “big selection” of the automotive’s charging curve. That’s sufficient, it claims, so as to add almost 250 miles (400 km) of vary in about 5 minutes. That energy makes its strategy to all 4 wheels by means of two electrical drive models (EDUs) containing a complete of three axial-flux electrical motors: two within the rear and one in entrance. Whole output is a whopping 1,340 horsepower, 106 greater than the Lucid Air Sapphire’s 1,234 however in need of the Xiaomi SU7 Extremely’s 1,548.
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
These electrical motors are tightly built-in into the EDUs, with every having its personal planetary gearset and water-cooled inverter. The motors and gearsets themselves are oil-cooled. The rear EDU is the first supply of energy, whereas the entrance EDU decouples whereas coasting and through steady-speed cruising for optimum effectivity. AMG claims the GT XX’s direct-cooled cylindrical battery cells—a proprietary design whose provider it wouldn’t reveal—enhance warmth administration and make it simpler to maintain high-performance driving over, say, a monitor session.
In fact, this wouldn’t be a correct AMG with out some theater. Upon seeing the idea for the primary time, we heard a V-8 soundtrack roar to life. Mercedes confirmed the automotive could have a simulated soundtrack, with AMG CEO Michael Schiebe quoting an unnamed govt as calling it “one of the best V-8 we’ve got ever developed.” Twin loudspeakers built-in into the headlight housings generate sound, and the housings themselves channel sound across the automotive. AMG’s promotional clip and the presence of paddle shifters within the idea would lead us to consider there’s a simulated gearbox of some type, much like the one in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N.
Photograph by: Mercedes-AMG
Will the AMG GT XX make it to manufacturing? Some options, just like the fluid gentle paint on the aspect skirts and the LED gentle bar on the rear, might not be well worth the effort to get previous regulators. But when the automotive’s efficiency {hardware} is indicative of future AMG manufacturing fashions, the geeks from Affalterbach might put Lucid and Porsche on discover.
As I discussed in my temporary take a look at drive of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC, a mannequin that’s far nearer to manufacturing than this one, it’s a particularly difficult time to launch any new automotive, not to mention a high-performance unique. Assuming an AMG EV can be made in Germany, it will face 25% import tariffs within the US, along with worth hikes on battery elements and provides. What’s extra, the Xiaomi SU7 Extremely already matches many of the GT XX’s wild specs and is on sale (in China) in the present day.
Past the spec sheet, it’s refreshing to see an automaker totally decide to a efficiency EV relatively than hedging bets with a hybrid that weighs as a lot as a small home. Right here’s hoping we get an electrical future crammed with V-8 noises.
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Supply: Mercedes-AMG
