Mercedes-AMG has been spied on as it puts the finishing touches on the next-generation GT coupe in Northern Europe. By “coupe” we mean that in the truest sense of the meaning since this prototype is not the confusingly named 4-door GT coupe. Affalterbach’s Porsche 911 contender was seen resting between test sessions, flaunting its sleek production body painted in AMG Green Hell Magno. As expected, it looks like an SL with a fixed roof.
A cutout in the rear bumper disguise shows a cap for the charging port, revealing the prototype had a plug-in hybrid setup. Those square exhaust tips suggest this is a hotter version of the GT coupe, so there could be a V8 under that long hood. AMG could have found a way to fit into the complex PHEV setup of the GT 63 SE Performance. If so, look for a colossal 843 horsepower and 1,084 pound-feet (1,470 Newton-meters) of torque.
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If you’re wondering whether or not the second-generation AMG GT Coupe will remain a two-seater affair, one of the spy shots shows it’s going to be a more practical car. We can clearly see a pair of rear headrests, revealing that the sports coupe will adopt a 2+2 layout to echo the SL roadster. The yellow “high voltage” sticker on the rear window confirms that we are dealing with a test vehicle powered by a plug-in hybrid configuration.
Don’t think the GT coupe will just be an AMG-ified SL with a fixed roof, because it’s actually the other way around. The Sport Leicht was developed from day one by the performance division to replace the GT Roadster. Weight will be a concern given that the GT 63 SE Performance combines the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a 6.1 kWh battery and 204 hp electric motor. That being said, the GT coupe with the same PHEV configuration should be lighter considering the smaller body.
With most disguises removed, expect an official reveal in the coming months. There should also be lower versions with a pure V8 configuration and more affordable straight-six models. Time will tell if the SL43’s electrified four-pot will serve as the basis for an entry-level GT coupe.
