This weekend in Shanghai, coinciding with the Formula One events, Mercedes-AMG unveiled a tour de force in hybrid technology with its new GT 63 S E Performance. This high-performance hybrid merges state-of-the-art Formula One technology with luxury gran turismo engineering, heralding a new era for sports car enthusiasts who crave power and innovation.
By Julian James
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the GT 63 S E Performance lies a sophisticated powertrain combining a hand-assembled 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an Electric Drive Unit at the rear. This configuration produces a staggering 627 lb-ft of torque and 603 horsepower, available from 5750 to 6500 rpm, ensuring power delivery is both immense and immediate. This powerhouse is mated to a nine-speed gearbox, directing power through AMG’s fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, offering dynamic handling and exceptional driving experiences.
Advanced Design and Features
The GT 63 S E Performance showcases distinctive design elements that blend functionality with style. The model features an integrated charging flap and a distinctively red-highlighted model designation at the rear, alongside trapezoidally shaped, ribbed double-end pipe panels. On the sides, “E PERFORMANCE” badges signal the advanced hybrid drive, underscoring the car’s innovative underpinnings and AMG lineage.
Luxurious Interior and Customization
Focusing intensely on the driver, the cockpit is tailored for engagement and control, featuring a vertical-format display on the center console and luxurious seating for four. The vehicle rolls on aerodynamically optimized 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted tantalum grey and polished to a high sheen. This attention to detail extends to the vehicle’s dynamic driving modes, which adjust everything from steering and suspension settings to drivetrain responsiveness, allowing for a highly personalized driving experience.
Cutting-Edge Hybrid Technology
The GT 63 S E Performance employs a lightweight battery positioned over the rear axle, enhancing weight distribution and vehicle dynamics. This battery powers a 204-hp electric motor, providing up to 13 kilometers of electric-only driving and enabling quick bursts of power when needed. Inspired by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One technologies, the high-performance battery combines quick energy recovery with sustained power output, ensuring the hybrid system is both efficient and exhilarating.
Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 S E Performance represents a significant milestone in the fusion of performance and advanced hybrid technology. This model not only sets a new standard in the high-performance vehicle sector but also showcases the potential future direction of sports car development. With its impressive capabilities and forward-thinking technology, the GT 63 S E Performance is a testament to Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to innovation and excellence in automotive engineering.
Based on content from www.forbes.com