KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT, the second sports car developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-AMG. Powered by a new 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo, the GT is available globally in two variants, although only the more powerful GT S version is being made available in our market.

Developed specifically for use in the GT, Mercedes-AMG’s new V8 is the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family and meets Euro 6 emission standards scheduled to take effect in 2016. Its two turbochargers are mounted in a ‘hot inside V’ configuration, allowing for a compact engine design, optimum response from the turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions.

Like all AMG engines, the GT’s powerplant is hand-built in Affalterbach using AMG’s famous ‘one man, one engine’ principle. In this more powerful GT S tune, the engine sends 510hp and 650Nm to the rear wheels through a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT (Dirce Clutch Transmission). Performance figures are 3.8 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and a top speed of 310 km/h.

An intelligent mix of materials in its body construction, which consists of over 90 per cent aluminium on its weight-optimised spaceframe, sets the GT up with a balanced 47:53 front/rear weight distribution.

 Thanks to its mechanical configuration, as well as an intelligent mix of materials in its body construction, which consists of over 90 per cent aluminium on its weight-optimised spaceframe, Mercedes-AMG is able to set the GT up with a balanced 47:53 front/rear weight distribution. It is also extremely light for the performance on offer, tipping the scales at 1,570kg.

Available exclusively for the GT S is the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which includes, among other things, dynamic engine and transmission mounts. These mounts are able to adjust their stiffness continuously, and instantly to the respective driving conditions and handling. The package also includes tauter spring and damper tuning, more negative camber at the front axle as well as an adapted speed-sensitive sports steering system.

An even sportier variant of the GT S, dubbed the ‘Edition 1’, includes various trim enhancements.

 Limited numbers of an even sportier variant of the GT S, dubbed the ‘Edition 1’ are available at launch, and it includes various trim enhancements such as an aerodynamic package, carbon fibre roof, black nappa leather interior with red contrast stitching, and a performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre with flattened lower section.

Pricing of the Mercedes-AMG GT S starts at RM1,150,000 on the road inclusive of GST but without insurance; ‘Edition 1’ models cost RM1,200,000 under the same terms. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also indicated that the lower-powered GT model will be made available at a later date.