Design Coup

THERE are no gull-wing doors but then, Mercedes-Benz says the new AMG GT isn't meant to be a replacement for the SLS. The SLS is a super sports car, while the Mercedes-AMG GT, to quote its full name, is a foray into a new segment, one with cars like Jaguar F-Type, Audi R8 and most importantly, the Porsche 911 Carrera S. In entering this niche, the brand with the three-pointed star is doing so with a more clearly defined identity for its high-performance division. Where once this new model's nameplate would have read "Mercedes-Benz GT AMG", the nomenclature is now simply Mercedes-AMG GT.

Also new is the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, developed for improved efficiency and emission levels. Its race-inspired dry sump engine is tuned for 462 hp in the GT and 510 hp in the GT S. But clearly, the most novel aspect of the new GT has to be its styling, which is the first manifestation of Mercedes-Benz's "sensual purity" design philosophy on a production car.

While the SLS has more "geometric" or "theoretical" styling, the GT gets lighter, more sculpted styling where "every surface flows into the next", according to exterior designer Mark Fetherston.