Guides
Buying and Modding a first-generation BMW Mini Cooper R50
8 months ago
16 Comments
Hard against the Pacific Ocean, with a backdrop featuring some of the finest cars in its storied history, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the second-generation GT Coupe at the Pebble Beach Concours along California’s Central Coast.
Like its predecessor, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, which will begin arriving at Canadian dealers in the second quarter of next year, represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG performance and comes packed with a wide array of advanced technology.
On the powertrain front, a hand-built 4.0-litre Biturbo V8 will power both models coming to Canada. For the GT 55, the engine will produce 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque, with a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h.
In the GT 63, the 4.0L will pump out 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. that shaves seven-tenths of a second off the GT 55’s 0-100 km/h time for a sizzling 3.2, with a top speed of 315 km/h. For comparison, the top-level GT R trim from the previous generation produced 577 hp and 516 lb-ft.
Changes of note for the V8 include a new oil pan, a repositioned intercooler and active crankcase ventilation. Power gains for the GT 63 were achieved via higher boost pressure, greater engine airflow and modified software.
Putting power to the ground is a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission that uses a wet clutch in place of a torque converter. The benefit is reduced weight and lower inertia, which improves accelerator responsiveness.
All-wheel drive is standard, but the 4MATIC+ system being used here is variable, meaning the engine torque split runs the gamut from 50:50 to pure rear-wheel drive depending on road conditions and driver inputs.
The GT’s chassis features a multi-link suspension set-up at the front and rear, with components that are made from forged aluminum to reduce weight. These include suspension links, steering knuckles, and wheel carriers. AMG Active Ride Control suspension with roll stabilization is also standard on both models.
A new limited-slip rear differential for improved rear-wheel traction and cornering speeds is standard issue, as is active rear-axle steering. The latter enables the rear wheels to steer in either the opposite direction (up to 97 km/h), or in the same direction (above 97 km/h) as the front wheels, which improves handling and control at the limit.
Six drive modes are available via AMG Dynamic Select, including slippery, comfort, sport, sport+, individual, and race. AMG Track Pace, also standard, is a part of the MBUX infotainment system that records more than 80 pieces of vehicle data during track usage.
On the design front, the GT Coupe bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor with flared front and rear haunches that house 21-inch wheels. The long hood-short deck fastback styling gives way to a massive front AMG radiator grille which, like the outgoing model, emphasizes the car’s wide, low-slung stance.
Flush-mounted door handles, hood power domes, a lower front air intake, and a deployable rear spoiler are among the GT Coupe’s unique styling details. As for lighting, the angled LED headlights feature three “light dots” as s daytime running light signature. The design is unified at the rear where the LED taillights form a 3D light dot element.
In the cabin, the big news is the GT Coupe is now available with optional rear seating, a 2+2 format for more useable space for objects including suitcases, briefcases, and bags, or for human occupants under five feet tall, such as children. Trunk capacity can also be expanded from 321 to 675 litres by folding the rear seatbacks down.
Elsewhere, standard AMG kit abounds and includes standard power-operated sports seats, and steering wheel, which is flat-bottomed and finished in Nappa leather.
A variety of options are available for items such as seating. AMG Performance seats, for instance, have integrated headrests and ventilated backrests, and side bolsters that narrow when sport, sport+ or race modes are engaged. Single and two-tone Nappa leather seating with diamond quilting is also available.
As for tech, the GT Coupe makes use of two large digital displays, a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster, and an 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen which features the MBUX infotainment system. An optional head-up display in also available, and ambient lighting is offered in 64 colours.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe goes on sale in the second quarter of next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Like its predecessor, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, which will begin arriving at Canadian dealers in the second quarter of next year, represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG performance and comes packed with a wide array of advanced technology.
On the powertrain front, a hand-built 4.0-litre Biturbo V8 will power both models coming to Canada. For the GT 55, the engine will produce 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque, with a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h.
In the GT 63, the 4.0L will pump out 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. that shaves seven-tenths of a second off the GT 55’s 0-100 km/h time for a sizzling 3.2, with a top speed of 315 km/h. For comparison, the top-level GT R trim from the previous generation produced 577 hp and 516 lb-ft.
Changes of note for the V8 include a new oil pan, a repositioned intercooler and active crankcase ventilation. Power gains for the GT 63 were achieved via higher boost pressure, greater engine airflow and modified software.
Putting power to the ground is a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission that uses a wet clutch in place of a torque converter. The benefit is reduced weight and lower inertia, which improves accelerator responsiveness.
All-wheel drive is standard, but the 4MATIC+ system being used here is variable, meaning the engine torque split runs the gamut from 50:50 to pure rear-wheel drive depending on road conditions and driver inputs.
The GT’s chassis features a multi-link suspension set-up at the front and rear, with components that are made from forged aluminum to reduce weight. These include suspension links, steering knuckles, and wheel carriers. AMG Active Ride Control suspension with roll stabilization is also standard on both models.
A new limited-slip rear differential for improved rear-wheel traction and cornering speeds is standard issue, as is active rear-axle steering. The latter enables the rear wheels to steer in either the opposite direction (up to 97 km/h), or in the same direction (above 97 km/h) as the front wheels, which improves handling and control at the limit.
Six drive modes are available via AMG Dynamic Select, including slippery, comfort, sport, sport+, individual, and race. AMG Track Pace, also standard, is a part of the MBUX infotainment system that records more than 80 pieces of vehicle data during track usage.
On the design front, the GT Coupe bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor with flared front and rear haunches that house 21-inch wheels. The long hood-short deck fastback styling gives way to a massive front AMG radiator grille which, like the outgoing model, emphasizes the car’s wide, low-slung stance.
Flush-mounted door handles, hood power domes, a lower front air intake, and a deployable rear spoiler are among the GT Coupe’s unique styling details. As for lighting, the angled LED headlights feature three “light dots” as s daytime running light signature. The design is unified at the rear where the LED taillights form a 3D light dot element.
In the cabin, the big news is the GT Coupe is now available with optional rear seating, a 2+2 format for more useable space for objects including suitcases, briefcases, and bags, or for human occupants under five feet tall, such as children. Trunk capacity can also be expanded from 321 to 675 litres by folding the rear seatbacks down.
Elsewhere, standard AMG kit abounds and includes standard power-operated sports seats, and steering wheel, which is flat-bottomed and finished in Nappa leather.
A variety of options are available for items such as seating. AMG Performance seats, for instance, have integrated headrests and ventilated backrests, and side bolsters that narrow when sport, sport+ or race modes are engaged. Single and two-tone Nappa leather seating with diamond quilting is also available.
As for tech, the GT Coupe makes use of two large digital displays, a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster, and an 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen which features the MBUX infotainment system. An optional head-up display in also available, and ambient lighting is offered in 64 colours.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe goes on sale in the second quarter of next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN...
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN...
More from Wheels & Partners
Advertisement