When AMG made the big announcement about their joint development of the SL and GT Coupe, some die-hard fans were fast to criticize Mercedes. They claimed that the move was diluting the Porsche 911 competitor's strength by transforming it into an SL with a fixed metal roof. Our response is that this sort of simplification was way too hasty, especially since the coupe's official unveiling has only happened recently. We'll need to exercise some patience and await the initial reviews and experiences of owners to determine if the new GT Coupe has lost any of its edge.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's introduce you to the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe. This high-performance beast is transforming into a more utilitarian 2+2 sports car, equipped with a fully adaptable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. In its initial iteration, it'll only be accessible in "63" and "55" variations, both powered by V8 engines. This prompts the question of whether the SL 43's four-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower will eventually make an appearance later in its life cycle.

The headliner, the AMG GT 63 Coupe, flexes its muscles with an impressive 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-meters) of torque. This formidable power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, aligning its output with what the SL 63 offers. Acceleration-wise, it dashes from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, a full 0.4 seconds quicker than the roadster version. On the other hand, if you opt for the AMG GT 55 Coupe, you're looking at a still-substantial 469 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque, which once again echoes the corresponding SL model. This slightly tamer version takes 3.8 seconds to pull off the same sprint, perfectly emulating the roadster's performance.

When pushed to the limit, the hotter of the two coupes will max out at 196 mph (315 km/h), while the entry-level variant maintains an impressive 183 mph (295 km/h). Both the "63" and "55" models come standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring a wet start-off clutch that takes the place of the traditional torque converter. The V8 engine, complete with its standard active engine mounts, can effectively distribute power evenly between the axles or exclusively to the rear axle.

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This dynamic duo boasts an electronically regulated limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering, and composite brake discs featuring 390-mm front discs. Later in 2024, AMG has plans to roll out ceramic brakes, boasting larger 420-mm discs for the front axle. Both variations reap the benefits of a sporty suspension with semi-active, hydraulic roll stabilization. This setup includes adaptive shock absorbers and a front lift system that can raise the front end by a significant 1.18 inches (30 millimeters).

Expected to grace dealerships in the United States during the first half of 2024, the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe is yet to receive its price tag. As a point of reference, the SL 55 kicks off at $141,300, while the SL 63 starts at a higher point of $183,000.

Finally, an interesting tidbit to note is that sneak peeks from spy shots have already unveiled AMG's intentions to expand the GT Coupe lineup. They're looking to introduce at least one plug-in hybrid version, complete with a charging port neatly placed on the rear bumper.

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