For a long time, contradictory rumours were floating around about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. Some were speculating that the new AMG would be renamed SLC and that Mercedes-Benz would stick with the engine that was powering its 2014 model. In the end, those rumours were unfounded. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is here and it’s a thing of beauty. Whether you want to become a mechanic or you simply like cars, you’re bound to be impressed by the smart design of Mercedes-Benz’s new car.
The new AMG GT will be a direct competitor to cars like the Porsche 911. Compared to other cars by Mercedes-Benz, the AMG GT is light and slim thanks to a wise selection of materials, including carbon fiber and aluminum. As part of its revamp, the new GT is also now devoid of gullwing doors, which is quite the change compared to its predecessors. But that’s not all! Here are some more innovations in the design of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT.
Brand new engine
Previous generations of the AMG GT used Mercedes-Benz’s M156 6.2-litre V8 engine, a bold and strong motor capable of great feats of power and acceleration. Though customer feedback on the M156 was excellent, Mercedes-Benz still felt like they could do better. And they did!
The 2015 AMG GT will be powered by a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine code-named M178. The new engine can produce 510 horsepower, an impressive number in itself, but where the M178 really stands out is in its ability to deploy 479 pound-feet of torque. The two turbochargers can also run to a maximum pressure of 17.4 psi and can spin up to 186 000 rpm. These figures are simply jaw-dropping. Everyone taking an auto mechanic course should check out this video demonstrating the intricacies of the AMG’s engine:
Light design
Though power is important, it’s not the only metric by which to judge the quality of an engine. Today, an engine needs to be powerful as well as incredibly light. Mercedes-Benz believes it has this covered as well, as the company claims the new V8 engine weighs just 461 pounds. This number can be attributed in part to the M178’s brand new aluminum crankcase. Another innovation that is relevant to auto mechanic training comes in the form of weight distribution. The twin turbochargers, for example, aren’t located on the outside cylinder banks, but in what Mercedes-Benz is calling the “hot inside V” configuration. As a result, the new V8 looks a little atypical as far as engines go, but as the old saying goes, you can’t argue with results.
Lastly, Mercedes-Benz has also improved sound distribution. When you’re going fast, the company wants you to feel the sound of the engine, which enhances your driving pleasure. However, this isn’t always necessary. When you’re simply driving casually from point A to point B as part of your everyday life, you might prefer a more relaxed, mellow engine sound. To accommodate different needs, the M178 is equipped with an exhaust that includes flaps that can open or close, depending on inputs from the throttle or the transmission mode.
