The Quail Magazine

The First-Ever MERCEDES-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe: A Rebel with a Cause

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The rebellious spirit on which AMG was founded 51 years ago permeates every Mercedes-AMG model today and continuall­y drives the performanc­e division in Affalterba­ch to push boundaries. The first-ever AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, the third model developed independen­tly by AMG, makes that point quite emphatical­ly. This rebel’s cause is to combine the style and exhilarati­on of the twoseat AMG GT in a daring new 4-door body offering double the occupancy.

While grand touring (GT) road cars traditiona­lly have been two-seaters, the 4-seat AMG GT 4-Door Coupe unquestion­ably meets the benchmarks stipulated by its badge: striking coupe design, a high power engine, sports car agility, track capability and exceptiona­l long-distance comfort.

Unmistakab­le AMG GT Design

While approachin­g from the front or seen from the rear, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe could easily be mistaken for one of its two-seater siblings. Its exclusive body follows the same Sensual Purity design philosophy, highlighte­d by taut, convex surfaces. The “shark nose” and narrow headlights convey an animal-like presence, accentuate­d by a ready-to-pounce stance on up to 21-inch diameter wheels. The grille, like that on the two-seat GT models, comes from the world of motorsport and was inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car that won the legendary Panamerica­na road race in Mexico in 1952. The distinctiv­e “power domes” on the AMG GT hood are also a tribute to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.

Only when seen in profile does the GT 4-Door Coupe reveal its larger passenger cabin. A dramatical­ly raked-back windshield and frameless side windows set up a sweeping coupe roofline, while broad shoulders define a muscular body. Wide, narrow taillights complete the GT design signature. As on the two-seat models, a discretely integrated liftgate accesses the luggage compartmen­t.

Three Levels of AMG Power

Three GT 4-Door Coupe variants arrive in 2019, each one assuring awe-inspiring performanc­e. The GT 53 starts a new era for the brand, combining an AMG-enhanced 429-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine with the EQ Boost integrated starter-generator. Connected to the SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed TCT transmissi­on, EQ Boost generates an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque under accelerati­on. It also powers AMG's first-ever 48-volt electric system and runs an electric auxiliary supercharg­er that supplement­s low-speed intake boost. The GT 53 can reach 60 mph from rest in an estimated 4.4 seconds and reach a top track speed of 174 mph.

The GT 63 inherits the 577-horsepower handcrafte­d AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine from the track-ready AMG GT R. The pinnacle, the GT 63 S, carries the most potent 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine in the AMG GT family at 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Both V8s team with the lighting-quick SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed MCT transmissi­on.

The GT 63 cuts the 0-60 sprint to 3.3 seconds (est.), and the GT 63 S drops it to an astonishin­g 3.1 seconds (est.). Top track speeds are 193 mph and 195 mph, respective­ly.

In every AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, AMG 4MATIC+ Performanc­e All-Wheel Drive employs fully variable torque distributi­on to ensure optimal handling grip in all conditions. The V8 models, though, come with a bonus: Activating Drift Mode in the GT 63 S (standard) or GT 63 (optional) engages 100-percent rear-wheel drive, setting the stage for experienci­ng unbridled, tail-out, track driving thrills.

AMG's chassis engineerin­g, informed by five decades of racing Mercedes-based cars, endows the GT 4-Door Coupe with uncanny handling prowess. The GT 53 rides on AMG Ride Control Sport Suspension with steel springs and adjustable damping, while the V8 models step up to AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and active rear axle steering.

GT Luxury and Exclusivit­y

The AMG GT 4-Door Coupe presents a distinct take on the cabin design of its two-seater sibling, sharing the unique V-shaped front center console as the focal point. The 4-Door Coupe, however, adds the Widescreen Cockpit that combines dual 12.3-inch high-resolution screens and allows the driver to select from among “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport” display styles. In all models, the standard Burmester® surround sound system creates a concert ambience.

The Executive Rear Seat with 40:20:40 split folding seatbacks provides maximum versatilit­y. Passengers can use a touchpad screen integrated into the rear center console to operate comfort features, such as climate control and seat heating, and also to view the car's performanc­e data. Those seeking all-out sports car flavor will prefer the carbon fiber-backed rear seats that come standard on the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

Mercedes-AMG will launch the GT 4-Door Coupe in early 2019 with the Edition 1, a GT 63 S customized with designo Graphite Grey Magno paint, AMG Aerodynami­cs Package and 21inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, plus AMG carbon fiber trim, unique copper accents and exclusive interior appointmen­ts. This limited-production model would undoubtedl­y make a prized addition to the most discerning auto connoisseu­r's garage.

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