Mercedes-AMG GT R in the Works, Next E63 Getting New AWD System

Though the Mercedes-AMG GT S was recently named our Best Driver’s Car, the team from Affalterbach isn’t resting on its laurels. A hotter version, called the AMG GT R, is in the works, and it’s expected to be even more potent than the S.

It’s unknown whether Nissan will raise a stink about AMG using those three letters, but the AMG GT R will be the next version of Mercedes’ new sports car. Aside from gobs more power, massive rear tires, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics, look for adjustable spool valve shocks — an industry first. We expect the Mercedes-AMG GT R to arrive toward the end of 2016.

In addition to the higher-spec GT, AMG is also readying the E63 variant of the upcoming W213-generation E-Class. That super sedan is expected to lose a good deal of weight thanks to the C63 and AMG GT’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 replacing the previous twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8. Though displacement will be down from last year, we hear power will be “competitive.” The engine will be mated to a nine-speed version of AMG’s torque-converter-free SpeedShift MCT transmission, and power will be routed to all four wheels through an all-new all-wheel drive system. The current system on all-wheel-drive E63 sedans is set at a 33/67 (front/rear) torque split, but the new system will be fully variable. Expect this version of the E63 to be much more track-focused than all previous versions.

 

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