by AMG showed how the electric GT 4-Door Coupe will sound
Mercedes-AMG has demonstrated for the first time how the powertrain of the future electric GT 4-Door Coupe will work. In a video shot inside the car, you can hear a synthesized V8 engine sound accompanied by simulated gear shifting. The new Porsche Taycan rival uses lightweight axial electric motors from Yasa, a company owned by Mercedes-Benz.
Demonstration in a promotional video
The reveal took place as part of a promotional video that Mercedes traditionally releases before the premiere of a new model. CEO Ola Källenius rode in a camouflaged prototype alongside the host, performing various “tests.” Although the plot seems somewhat staged, the video has interesting moments. The most important is the sound of the synthesized V8, which can be heard when Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 driver Dorian Pin activates Sport+ mode and accelerates sharply from a standstill.
Of course, it is difficult to understand just from the video how realistic this sound is inside the car, but it seems quite convincing. At least better than the Dodge Charger Daytona.
Simulated gear shifting
Thanks to AMG adding simulated gear shifting, you can hear the sound change as if the car is going through imaginary gears to an imaginary redline. This resembles the operation of a conventional gasoline GT. Some may say that if you want an AMG with a V8 sound, you should just buy the gasoline version. However, many countries offer significant tax incentives for electric vehicles, making this approach more attractive for the electric version.
Technical features
The new GT uses extremely lightweight axial electric motors from Yasa, which supplies technology for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and was acquired by Mercedes in 2021. It is not yet known what power the three-motor GT setup will have, but the GT XX concept, which preceded the production model, had 1,341 hp (1,000 kW). For comparison, the top version of the Porsche Taycan already produces 1,034 hp (1,048 hp), and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has 1,526 hp (1,548 hp). So AMG will have to offer significant power when the car debuts, likely this summer.
The video also shows the GT performing donuts, confirming the car’s ability to send power exclusively to the rear wheels if the driver requires it. This makes it similar to the V8 GT.
Mercedes-AMG
Thus, Mercedes-AMG is attempting to combine the advantages of an electric vehicle with the emotional experience provided by the sound of an internal combustion engine. This could become a key advantage in the fight against competitors, especially in regions where electric vehicles have tax incentives. At the same time, the use of lightweight axial motors from Yasa indicates AMG’s pursuit of high performance and efficiency. We must wait for the official technical specifications and prices to understand how successful this strategy will be. The imitation of the V8 sound, although not a real engine, could be a compromise for those not ready to give up emotions for the sake of environmental friendliness.
