The Gen-II Is Bigger And Bolder Than Before

The mad scientists at Mercedes AMG are at it again, creating a monstrous package with the second-generation AMG GT model. With a fresh redesign and some surprise additions, the GT is ready to spearhead the brand’s effort as the flagship V-8 sports car. For 2024 the AMG GT is built on an entirely new chassis which it shares with the Mercedes SL model.

With the redesign, Mercedes is targeting the formidable Porsche 911 as its main competitor. Our keen-eyed readers would have noticed from the picture that the new GT has put on a little more get. According to Mercedes, the new car is just over 7.0 inches longer in wheelbase compared to the previous generation.

Along with a new Chassis comes a brand-new suspension setup, the 2024 German muscle car replaces conventional anti-roll bars with active hydraulics to control roll stability and adaptive shock absorbers with hydraulic connections in a neat package Mercedes dubs, AMG Active Ride Control suspension.

The new iteration of the AMG GT can be optioned with a carbon fiber steering wheel to give drivers that racing feel and a lot of other carbon fiber aero bits. The second generation car is bolder in its approach and execution than the previous gen GT, however, are the changes better? Here’s what you need to know.

Related: 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Review: Not A Perfect Soft-Top Sports Car, But It Absolutely Stirs The Soul

The Beast Goes 4Matic

Evolutionary design aside which includes details such as a more prominent Panamericana grille with the three-pointed star, revised headlights, and slimmer tail lights, the biggest difference between the first and second-generation AMG GT is the drive wheels. All second-generation GT will come equipped as standard with the Mercedes variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all‑wheel drive system that we have come to love. The system will feature variable torque distribution on the front and rear axle that determines how much power to distribute to which wheel depending on traction.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the 4Matic all-wheel drive is capable of a 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear axles to pure rear-wheel drive. The new drive system puts the AMG GT on a list of all-wheel drive sports cars with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini Huracan, and Audi R8 just to name a few. Mercedes estimates the GT will sprint to 60mph in 3.2 seconds; undoubtedly this time is achieved due to superior traction from the 4Matic system. It remains to be seen the level of violence the GT exudes in its plastering 0-60mph run.

As mentioned earlier, the all-wheel drive system is paired with a new suspension setup to improve agility and overall driving dynamics. A set of interconnected hydraulic systems work together to dampen the vehicle and provide optimum ride comfort on the road and stiffen when necessary for more spirited driving.

As an optional extra, customers can opt for a lift system that elevates the car by 30 millimeters (1.18 inches), making it easier to over speed bumps without scraping or bottoming out. The lift system can be operated via a button on the steering wheel or automatically by saving GPS coordinates of bumps the driver has passed before, enabling the car to detect and raise the front ride height automatically.

Entirely New Chassis

The previous generation AMG GT was built on an independent chassis designed specifically for it. This current generation is based on the same platform as the SL models. Despite the shared platform, Mercedes emphasizes the GT’s body stands apart entirely from the SL’s, except for the door which both models share.

The new chassis is rumored to be heavier than the outgoing model which weighs 3560 pounds or 1615kg. Mercedes has not released official weight figures for the new GT, however, based on current figures of the SL, we estimate a weight of 4299 pounds/ 1950kg.

This significant weight differential can largely be attributed to the incorporation of the standard 4Matic all-wheel drive system as well as the new front lift mechanism and other aerodynamic components. Rear axle steering up to 2.5 degrees with an electronic differential lock should further aid in the handling department.

By comparison, if our estimated figures are right, the 911 Turbo Coupe’s base curb weight of 3,635 pounds is a few pounds lighter than the GT. It remains to be seen if this weight difference affects the handling of the GT in testing come 2024 when head-to-head comparisons are made.

Related: Mercedes AMG-SL63: A Brilliant Sports GT That Can’t Quite Keep Up With The 911 Turbo S

More Power Baby

The downsizing of engines and electrification seen on other performance models such as the C63 and S63 is delightfully absent for the AMG GT model as the car retains the distinctive V-8 engine that has made it one of the most hardcore cars on the market. At the heart of the GT are two Biturbo V-8 engine options. The standard GT 55’s V-8 produces 476 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque capable of 0 -60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph.

AMG GT 63 Specification

On the other end of performance is the GT 63 whose engine produces significantly more power than the GT55 at 585 horsepower. The increased output is a result of higher boost pressure and software tweaks to the ECU. Guaranteed the 63 is the model to get if spirited driving is a top priority to you.

Mercedes AMG has made sure drivers get the absolute best for their monies worth with the second generation GT by providing a comprehensive set of features including:

• A dedicated drift mode for endless tire slaying.
• Active aerodynamic rear wing on the base car, optional fixed wing
• Lots of carbon fiber options in both interior and exterior.
• Folding rear seats for extra luggage space.
• Optional Six-piston Carbon ceramic wheels.

Chances are if you purchase an AMG GT, you most likely have a primary daily driver capable of hauling the family to the golf club. The second generation GT’s increase in length has allowed designers to add a couple of extra seats to the grand tourer in a 2+2 configuration. With the folding rear seats opening up close to 24 cubic feet, this is a more practical GT that the old model.

While these supplementary seats might not see constant use, they certainly contribute to the GT’s enhanced versatility, offering an appealing layer of functionality. The redesigned GT brings forth an automated tailgate, a feature commonly associated with crossovers and SUVs. Also new for this generation is a new panoramic roof.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch central touchscreen (with standard Apple CarPlay / Android Auto), Burmester HiFi, a 64-color ambient lighting system, and seats wrapped in Nappa leather cabin ensure that occupants have a high-quality onboard GT experience.

The second generation GT’s platform switch to the Mercedes SL seems like a strange move for Mercedes given the strong similarities between the two models. Who knows Mercedes must be up to something, after all the 911 is a proof similarity in trim does not deter a buyer. Not an apples-to-apples comparison, but you get the point. Pricing for the 2024 GT is yet to be announced, it is rumored the GT 55 trim will start from $130,000 similar to a well-optioned SL model.