Mercedes-AMG GT XX: AMG's electrifying future sounds like a V8
A new all-electric model from Mercedes-AMG is on the way, and it's going to be spectacular, as the GT XX concept unveiled today foreshadows.
The vehicle roughly follows the silhouette of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe 4-door, but with a distinctly more cutting-edge and racy design. Of course, it won't be to everyone's taste, with its ultra-wide, low grille reminiscent of a fishmouth. Loudspeakers are incorporated into the headlamps and can emit sounds reminiscent of a V8, by the looks of it. What, you thought the Dodge Charger Daytona was going to be the only one?
The much more attractive side view features sleek, flowing surfaces and oversized 21-inch wheels. These have sections that open and close to optimize both brake cooling and aerodynamics. Between the front and rear wheels, the side skirts incorporate luminescent paint segments that give off light in response to an alternating current, explains the manufacturer.
The extremely slender rear section, which contributes to an exceptional drag coefficient of 0.198, is eye-catching in its absence of a window, as on the Polestar 4. There's also a series of circular 3D lights on either side of a panel featuring more than 700 LEDs that can be programmed to communicate with the outside world, in the form of text or animation. A carbon-fiber diffuser sits underneath.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept resembles a racing simulator. The 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is complemented by a 14-inch touchscreen and a steering wheel inspired by the AMG One hyper sports car. Ambient lighting lends a striking look to the décor, in particular the illuminated orange tubes on the console, reminiscent of high-voltage cables.
Carbon-fiber-framed seats, a floor covering made from 100% recycled materials and lightweight door components (see the straps used as handles) help to reduce the car's weight and create a unique environment.
1,341 horsepower!
Enough about the design, let's focus on the technical elements. The GT XX concept is based on Mercedes-Benz's new AMG.EA platform and uses a high-performance NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium) battery developed from scratch. The second benefits from an ultra-sophisticated cooling system and powers three energy-dense axial-flow electric motors from supplier Yasa.
One motor resides at the front and the other two at the rear. Of course, this is an all-wheel drive system. All in all, power reaches one megawatt, or the equivalent of 1,341 horsepower, which enables it to reach speeds of up to 359 km/h. Electrifying!
Last but not least, it takes just 5 minutes to regain around 400 km of range. Mercedes-Benz has validated this with an experimental charging station capable of delivering over 850 kW of current. We know that existing public charging points are much slower, and that the eventual production model won't do the same, but the company promises that its emerging charging network will offer “extremely fast recharges”.
Does this convince you, or do you still prefer combustion engines?
