On the current Chinese language Grand Prix – the place the Mercedes-AMG Petronas staff completed a distant sixth and ninth – Mercedes-AMG showcased the top-dog model of its second-generation GT sports activities automotive. The C192 Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Efficiency, to provide it its full (and really lengthy) title, is to not be mistaken for the identically-titled four-door however nonetheless will get the identical high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Identical to within the “common” GT63, you get Affalterbach’s venerable 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, right here pushing 612 PS from 5,750 to six,500 rpm and 850 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. That’s 97 PS and 50 Nm greater than the GT63 however, crucially, 27 PS and 50 Nm down on the four-door model.

That’s important, as a result of if you pair that with the identical 204 PS/320 Nm P3 electrical motor on the rear – plus a 14 PS belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) on the entrance – you get simply 816 Nm, whereas most torque ranges from 1,080 to 1,420 Nm. Nonetheless, this factor is not gradual – due to what should absolutely be the decrease weight of the two-door physique, this automotive blitzes from zero to 100 km/h in simply 2.8 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the four-door. The highest velocity can be fairly a bit larger at 320 km/h.

All this efficiency is underpinned by a Formulation 1-inspired power retailer – a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that makes use of liquid cooling for every of its 560 cells. Due to the low capability and the actual fact Mercedes-AMG selected to give attention to quick energy supply relatively than vary, its all-electric vary is simply 13 km. Nonetheless, the corporate claims an impressively low gas consumption determine of 8.2 litres per 100 km, though as at all times with a PHEV, you must take that with a pinch of salt.

This blockbuster powertrain is mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed multi-clutch computerized gearbox, a two-speed gearbox for the electrical motor, the AMG Efficiency 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. There are 4 ranges of regenerative braking, with the very best feeding as much as 100 kW again to the battery. A portion of the electrical energy is reserved in order that most energy can at all times be accessed.

Additionally fitted is AMG Lively Trip Management roll stabilisation, which makes use of cross-linked hydraulic dampers as a substitute of anti-roll bars, similar to a McLaren. Different normal options embrace rear-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes and an inflatable entrance air dam that prompts above 80 km/h. The energetic rear spoiler operation has additionally been tweaked to go well with the elevated efficiency and now raises in 5 levels above 80 km/h.

Regardless of with the ability to full the century dash practically half a second faster, the E Efficiency seems to be barely any completely different from the pure petrol GT63 on the surface. It retains the identical lengthy nostril, quick tail, large Panamericana grille, vertical headlights, flush pop-out door handles, triple taillights and sizeable rear diffuser with quad tailpipes.

The truth is, the one method you’ll be able to inform the PHEV aside – apart from the delicate E Efficiency badge on the facet – is the relatively ugly rear charging port flap on the bumper that opens to disclose a Kind 2 port. You may solely cost the automotive by way of AC energy at as much as 3.7 kW, however contemplating the small battery, that’s not such an issue. As normal, you get 20-inch ten-spoke AMG alloy wheels painted in Tantalum Gray.

Step inside and the E Efficiency once more seems to be similar to the petrol mannequin, replete with turbine-style air vents, an 11.9-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, optionally available AMG Efficiency sports activities seats and two rear seats – a brand new characteristic on the C192 mannequin. The Mercedes-Benz Consumer Expertise (MBUX) receives distinctive hybrid-specific shows and capabilities, together with a display displaying the ability circulate.

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