Mercedes Makes One Thing Clear About New AMG GT

The all-new2022 Mercedes-AMG SLis finally here and it waswell worth the wait. Returning to its sports car roots, the AMG SLreplaces the AMG GT Roadster, but the AMG GT Coupe will soon be redesigned for a new generation and be built alongside the SL. Speaking withRoad and Track, Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener is keen to stress that both models will offer distinctly different experiences. Whereas the SL features a 2+2 layout and a fabric roof, the new AMG GT will only be offered as a fixed-roof two-seater coupe.

Although this is the first time the SL has been exclusively available as an AMG, it can still be used as a comfortable luxury cruiser as Wagener revealed some buyers find the GT too harsh to use as a daily driver.

The range-topping SL 63 will come with AMG Active Ride Control air suspension with hydraulic anti-roll stabilization and is optional on the SL 55. This setup replaces traditional anti-roll bars with hydraulic units for a smoother, more stable ride. "The GT of course obviously is more of a race car or sports car," Wagener explained. "And I mean this new SL is a true sports car, definitely. But also I mean with air suspension and all the possibilities you have, you can turn it from a cruiser to a race car with the click of a button."

Wagener revealed the new SL will be underpinned by the same platform and share some components as the next-generation AMG GT. Coupled with an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system, the new SL is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp. This unit will likely carry over to the new AMG GT with more power.