Mercedes-Benz efficiency division AMG unveiled the GT XX idea Wednesday, previewing the model’s first manufacturing EV with a claimed 1,340 horsepower, 223-mph prime pace, and a wild artificial “engine” sound. In accordance with AMG CEO Michael Schiebe, one unnamed board member referred to as AMG’s first bespoke electrical powertrain “one of the best V-8 we’ve got ever developed” throughout a closed-door govt drive session of a GT XX prototype.
That’s a daring declare for a corporation whose legendary V-8s have included the 5.0- and 5.5-liter “Hammers,” the 6.2-liter M156, and the present 4.0-liter bi-turbo “sizzling vee” V-8. AMG’s clients love V-8s a lot that they’ve summarily rejected the present C63 for its four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
The AMG GT XX’s entrance and rear electrical drive items.
Picture by: Mercedes-AMG
Picture by: Mercedes-AMG
‘That is one of the best V-8 we’ve got ever developed.’
The GT XX Idea will get its four-figure output from three axial-flux electrical motors and a battery pack with direct-cooled cylindrical cells, a setup Schiebe says is designed for repeatable efficiency, similar to a number of sizzling laps of a racetrack somewhat than a few acceleration runs earlier than needing to chill down.
“Among the electrical vehicles, they’re very quick in accelerating from zero to 60 … however they rapidly lose steam when you push them actually laborious,” AMG’s CEO informed a media roundtable throughout the GT XX’s preview occasion. “You want to have the ability to push [the GT XX] like a powerful AMG combustion engine automobile.”
After all, the V-8 expertise is about extra than simply efficiency. It’s about theater—a particular rumble at idle, wall-shaking revs, and rip-snorting downshifts. That’s why AMG has bestowed the GT XX with a pair of audio system contained in the headlight housings broadcasting a synthesized V-8 soundtrack. The steering yoke additionally has paddle shifters, presumably so the driving force can shift by simulated “gears,” like within the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Picture by: Mercedes-AMG
“Our vehicles are purchased by clients as a result of they’re very emotional.”
In accordance with Schiebe, the ingredient of theater and keenness is crucial in crafting a efficiency EV to enchantment to AMG’s combustion-crazy clients.
“What does it imply when somebody will get into an electrical automobile? Is it like a quiet automobile driving, you realize?” he requested rhetorically. “No, it is not going to be like this, as a result of our vehicles are purchased by clients as a result of they’re very emotional.”
Whether or not or not AMG patrons will really put their cash down for an EV stays to be seen. The GT XX idea continues to be a methods off from turning into a manufacturing automobile, and within the meantime, AMG is creating a next-generation V-8 to energy a number of of its combustion vehicles. However clearly, AMG’s prime brass believes its electrical powertrain can woo its most loyal clients.
