Few things in life can match the thrill of driving a powerful, rear-wheel-drive sports car on a twisty road. The sound of the engine, the feel of the steering, the balance of the chassis, and the sensation of speed are all intoxicating. But what if you want more than just a sports car? What if you want a car that can carry four people comfortably, handle any weather condition, and offer the latest technology and luxury? You should take a look at the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe is not a new name, but it is a new car. The previous generation was a two-seater that competed with the likes of the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar F-Type. It was a stunning machine with a long hood, a short tail, and a muscular stance. It also had a glorious 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produced up to 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque in the top-spec GT R model. It was a pure driver’s car, but it had some drawbacks. It was expensive, starting at over $115,000. It was impractical, with a tiny trunk and no rear seats. And it was rear-wheel-drive only, which limited its appeal in colder climates.
The new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe aims to address these issues and broaden its appeal. It is still based on the same platform as the previous model, but it has been extensively revised and updated. It is now larger, more comfortable, and more practical than before. It also has standard all-wheel-drive and optional seating for four. But don’t worry; it hasn’t lost its edge. It still has a V8 engine under its hood, and it still looks mean and low in person.
Two Flavors of V8 Power
The new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe comes in two variants: the GT55 and the GT63. Both use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine but with different outputs. The GT55 has 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly less than the previous base GT model. However, it also has a standard AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which can vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles depending on the situation and drive mode. This means that the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe GT55 can still sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.6 seconds, which is faster than the old GT.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe GT63 is the more powerful and more expensive option. It has 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is the same as the old GT R model. It also has a standard all-wheel-drive but with an added feature: AMG Drift Mode. This mode allows the driver to send all the power to the rear wheels and unleash some sideways fun on a track or an empty road. The GT63, which is supercar territory, can hit 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.
Both models use a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission with paddle shifters. They also have an active exhaust system that can adjust the sound of the engine depending on the drive mode or the driver’s preference. The V8 engine also features cylinder deactivation technology that can shut off four cylinders under light load to improve fuel efficiency.
A Sportier SL Coupe?
The new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe shares some of its components and design cues with the new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster, which is also a two-door grand tourer with a folding hardtop roof. However, there are some key differences between them. The SL Roadster is more focused on comfort and luxury, while the GT Coupe is more focused on performance and sportiness. The SL Roadster also has a wider range of engines, including a four-cylinder hybrid and a six-cylinder mild-hybrid, while the GT Coupe only has V8 options.
The exterior of the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe is not as drastic a departure from the previous model as the SL Roadster is from its predecessor. It still has a long hood, a short tail, and a muscular stance. However, it also has some new features that make it look more modern and aggressive. The front grille has vertical bars and an illuminated star logo. The headlights have new digital light technology that can project symbols and messages on the road. The hood has two power domes that emphasize the engine underneath. The side profile has sharper lines and larger air intakes. The rear has new LED taillights that span the width of the car. The trunk lid has a subtle spoiler that can extend at high speeds. The rear bumper has a large diffuser and four round exhaust tips.
The new Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe is also larger than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase, a wider track, and a higher roofline. This translates to more interior space and comfort, especially for the rear passengers. The new GT Coupe offers an optional 2+2 seating configuration, which means that it has two small rear seats that can accommodate children or adults for short trips. The rear seats can also fold down to increase the trunk space, which is already larger than the previous model’s.
