ABOUT THIS CAR,
Its predecessors, the 523-hp GT, 550-hp GT C, and the two 577-hp GT R and GT R Pro versions, were recent six-figure coupes that hammered out their power as smooth as polished marble. From the new GT Coupe, which comes with two starting degrees of quick, we wouldn't expect anything less. Mercedes' renowned twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine and a new nine-speed automated gearbox are used by both the GT53 and GT63. While the Mercedes-AMG GT63 has 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, the GT53 only has 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The engine is now slightly ahead of the GT's front axle line rather than behind it thanks to a tweak in Mercedes' engine positioning. More interior space is the end outcome, although some front-to-rear weight distribution will probably be lost in the process. Although Mercedes states the GT63 should reach 60 mph in three seconds, we haven't yet mounted our testing apparatus to one to verify this. The new standard all-wheel-drive system can direct all of the engine's torque to the rear axle for smokey burnouts and donuts, but it can also probably shorten the acceleration time of the prior GT due to improved launch traction. Mercedes appears to be working on a plug-in hybrid model that will rival or surpass the previous Black Series' 720 horsepower, as evidenced by test mules seen with charging outlets on their GT Coupes. The GT is kept on its toes with electronically controlled limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering. By raising the front end by 1.2 inches, the AMG GT's optional nose-lift system makes it easier to handle uneven driveway approaches and speed bumps. As soon as we've tested and driven the new AMG GT Coupe, we'll update this area.