Power boost and sharper looks beckon for upgraded AMG GT
MERCEDES-BENZ’S AMG performance car division is putting the finishing touches to a facelifted version of the GT, some four years after the German manufacturer’s front-engined rear-wheel-drive sports car first brought the challenge to the Porsche 911 in 2014.
The reworked AMG model, spied on public roads in Germany, is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Los Angeles motor show in a move aimed at stealing the limelight from the all-new 992-generation 911.
The lightly disguised prototype pictured above reveals that the GT is in line for some subtle styling changes, including a slightly larger ‘Panamericana’ grille and an altered splitter design. Further revisions include newly
designed headlight and taillight graphics.
Although the changes to the appearance of the GT are mild, sources at Mercedes-amg suggest it is in line to receive
mechanical upgrades including a more powerful 4.0-litre twinturbo V8 petrol engine.
Expect a hike of 30bhp for the base model, bringing it to around 500bhp, with similar increases to the GT S and GT C likely. At the top of the line-up, the facelifted GT R is set to adopt wet-sump lubrication – a development already seen on the latest E63 S super-saloon. Power could jump to in excess of 600bhp as a result.
In 2020, AMG is expected to unleash an even more powerful version of the GT with the introduction of a Black Series model. Previously hinted at by AMG chairman Tobias Moers, it has been conceived to take on the Porsche 911 Turbo S with an expected 650bhp and aerodynamic developments.