Ever since the somewhat Porsche 911-ified SL-based AMG GT was shown to the world in its production form, many have wondered if the successor to the iconic long-nosed Merc would be worthy of its moniker. Well, according to Harry Metcalfe, founder of British Evo magazine and prolific farmer, it could be.
But there's one problem with the brand-new AMG GT, and it isn't its very familiar shape. It's the weight. The V8-powered coupe tips the scales at 4,277 lb (1,940 kg) without anyone sitting inside.
Don't worry; there's no conspiracy here! Mercedes-Benz is upfront about it and includes the curb weight in the specs, which are easily accessible via the online configurator. Their number is even a bit higher: 4,343 lb (1,970 kg).
The problem at hand, as Metcalfe eloquently puts it, is that the model is unexpectedly heavier than its predecessor.
The Mercedes-AMG GT debuted in production-ready form in the fall of 2014. The long-hooded coupe with an arched fastback-like roofline had a tough mission ahead of it because it followed in the footsteps of the elegant and wild SLS AMG.
Photo: Harry's garage on YouTube
It was a challenge to replace that magnificent machine, especially since it dropped the famous gullwing doors. Fortunately, it introduced many weight-saving measures, such as the extensive use of aluminum and the use of magnesium for a part of the front-end module (the face of the ride).
A little stroll through memory lane
In 2014, the Nurburgring-developed AMG GT had a curb (also known as wet) weight of 3,560 lb (1,615 kg). You might remember it from Formula 1 because multiple AMG GTs were used as safety cars.
Two years later, in 2016, the promise of a "Black Series" version materialized with the launch of the 2017 AMG GT R, which weighed 3,594 lb (1,630 kg). The true $325,000 AMG GT Black Series would arrive four years later, in 2021. That one tipped the scales at 3,616 lb (1,640 kg).
The limited-edition GT R Pro, which appeared as the AMG GT for people who visited the track very often because the driver could manually adjust the camber and Michelin developed a special tire for this model, didn't have its weight disclosed at launch. However, it was soon discovered that the vehicle weighed 3,472 lb (1,575 kg).
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
So, for all intents and purposes, the front-engined rear-wheel-drive AMG GT, no matter the variant, was a modest one-tone-and-a-half-ish supercar. Customers loved this Mercedes, and many chose to upgrade to an S, an R, or even the open-top C Roadster.
A modern car for the modern driver
When writing, the all-new 2024 AMG GT is available in two versions for US buyers: the $134,900 GT 55 Coupe and the $175,900 GT 63 Coupe. Both are powered by the same engine and share most of the goodies (including all-wheel-drive and the same weight of 4,343 lb!), but the former has a slightly detuned powerplant. The AMG GT 55 Coupe puts out 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, whereas its sibling takes things up a notch to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Fret not; if you dislike V8s, there's a four-pot AMG GT 43 incoming. That one has half the cylinders but a maximum power output of 416 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
The fastest version of the AMG GT is the 63 S E Performance version, which uses a hybridized V8 setup to develop 816 hp and 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) of torque. For some reason, it isn't yet available stateside. It does enable the "hardtop SL" to reach 62 mph (100 kph) in 2,8 seconds, though! That's 0.4 seconds faster than the GT 63 can do it.
Photo: Harry's garage on YouTube
So, what's the issue? Well, Metcalfe thinks the culprit is the upgrades. Because the AMG GT is based on the fancy SL roadster, Mercedes-Benz has given it all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, which add weight.
The V8-powered vehicle features extensive use of aluminum, but it has become more of an angry grand tourer than a bad-boy racer. It has grown and softened up a bit. Customers can spec it with a sunroof, massaging seats, a high-end A/C system, and the Burmester 3D Surround Sound audio system. All those cool additions couldn't have translated into any weight saving, even though the machine feels ready to carve corners like there's no tomorrow.
It had no choice but to be fast from the get-go
Metcalfe is visibly entertained by the new high-performance coupe and even admits that it feels like a true AMG. But the added weight is a head scratcher for the experienced automotive journalist. Could all-wheel-drive, rear-wheel steering, the (optional) rear seats, the safety tech, a few screens, and the increased cabin comfort add well over 600 lb of weight to a car that's supposed to be light and nimble?
Photo: Harry's garage on YouTube
Well, we won't be able to answer that until we get one and check it thoroughly, but there's one thing we can say: wait until Metcalfe finds out that the hybridized version weighs 4,674 lb (2,120 kg)!
In addition, we suspect that Mercedes-Benz will allow AMG to create more special versions of the GT down the line, which could bring forward lighter models. Shave off 200 lb of weight, increase the price by 10 to 15 percent, and the marque could call it a day.
Finally, if you want to buy a Mercedes-AMG GT, we'd recommend the 55 Coupe variant. A zero-to-60 mph (97 kph) time of 3.8 seconds instead of 3.1 seconds really doesn't warrant a $41,000 price hike.
But you might also want to look at what Porsche, Aston Martin, or Ferrari are selling. The new Vantage could just be the better AMG GT.
