Next Mercedes-AMG GT to get 490kW and all-wheel drive

The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT will offer buyers all-wheel drive and near-hypercar levels of acceleration when it goes on sale in 2021, it has been revealed.

Until now the Mercedes-AMG GT has been strictly rear-drive, but that will change with the all-new replacement according to

The Brit mag says the next AMG GT will come equipped with a heavily revised version of the current car's 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 combined with the German car-maker's latest 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

This, say insiders at Affalterbach, boosts power to as much as 490kW and an incredible 950Nm of torque.

To effectively channel the latter to the road, AMG engineers have had to go back to the drawing board to develop a new rear transaxle incorporating an all-wheel drive system.

With added traction and an advanced launch control, the next AMG GT is tipped to comfortably hit 100km/h in less than three seconds, straying into Bugatti Chiron territory (0-100km/h in 2.4sec.)

Perhaps more impressive will be mid-gear acceleration, say engineers, with the Mercedes EQ Boost technology using a starter/alternator to maximise torque following a sharp prod of the throttle.

Like the current Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-door, it's thought the new engine will be combined with a development of AMG's nine-speed automatic that sacrifices a torque converter for a faster-acting wet clutch.

Alternatively, Benz's go-faster division could re-engineer the current car's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, beefing it up to cope with extra torque.

As well as flagship all-wheel drive versions, less powerful rear-drive AMG GTs are also expected to be offered to match the cheapest Porsche 911 variants and, like before, both a coupe and roadster are being developed.

Ruled out for the AMG GT is a full plug-in hybrid system to match the 911 PHEV that's being readied.

According to the insider, engineers say there's not enough space in the AMG GT's architecture to accommodate both a 75-litre fuel tank and the heavy 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor that a PHEV system would require.

Slashing costs for the next AMG GT, Mercedes is reportedly developing it side-by-side with the next SL convertible, which will share its platform, powertrains, electronics and interior parts.

Ensuring the Mercedes-AMG coupe is better than ever to drive, engineers say the new AWD system can rapidly fire torque to not only the axle with most grip but an individual wheel too, with the GT set to debut the car-maker's latest torque vectoring tech.

This is said to have enabled AMG to develop a more advanced version of its drift mode that, as in the current E63 S, enables the front axle to be decoupled for rear-drive only antics.

Helping buyers differentiate between the next-gen Mercedes SL and AMG GT, insiders told Autocar than the next-gen convertible will be a proper 2+2 for the first time while the GT will remain strictly a two-seater.

Slashing weight, both cars will benefit from a heavily updated aluminium spaceframe that is not only lighter but offers far greater torsional rigidity.

Visually, AMG will make a break from the current car's styling with a more modern approach following criticisms that the GT looked too similar to the SLS it replaced.