What's the news?
This is the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept and no, don't worry, you're not going mad; there is already a Mercedes-AMG GT in production and on sale. However, this sensational Geneva Motor Show star previews two big things: one, in the nearer future, we're going to have a four-door showroom version of the AMG GT; and two, in the mid-term, Mercedes' performance cars arm is considering the potential of using hybrid drivetrains.
Exterior
Forget the rear-view mirror cameras on the wings, which'll never make production, and even the 'nano active fibre technology' daytime running lights (although these seem to be closer to making it onto the finished car, or at least onto a Mercedes-AMG in the nearer future); what you're looking at here is a sneak preview of the four-door version of the AMG GT. It's the third model series being developed entirely in-house at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, after the two-door GT and the thunderous SLS AMG - and it looks superb.
The big Panamericana grille should make it through the cut from concept car to the machine that eventually goes on sale, as should the twin 'powerdomes' on the bonnet and the large air intakes. It's also clear to see the familial look of the AMG GT at the back of the 2017 Concept, as it has the same slim light clusters and smoothed-off rear. The preposterously big wheels won't be retained, though, but we must admit we think they're pretty special, what with that gold centre-section. Note that behind the colossal rims are bronze brake callipers bearing the inscription 'AMG Carbon Ceramic'.
Interior
Not much is said about the interior of the show car, because the AMG GT Concept is more about previewing the bodywork of the four-door model. However, with that number of portals allowing access to the cabin, Mercedes-AMG says the 'dynamic fastback will be highly suitable for everyday use, thanks to the large tailgate and the variable interior and luggage compartment'. At the very least, the production version should have four chairs that are useable by adults, rather than just the two seats in the existing Mercedes-AMG GT.
Mechanicals
More tantalisation here, as Mercedes-AMG harks back to the 2010 SLS Electric Drive and also forward, to its forthcoming 'Hypercar' - which is said to feature 'Formula 1 driving dynamics and efficiency'. The AMG GT Concept strikes more of a middle ground, as it uses the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo unit of the regular GT, but here augmented with an electric motor, which not only boosts power but drives the rear axle of the Merc's 4Matic all-wheel drive. That means this elegant four-door can do 0-100km/h in 'less than 3.0 seconds', which is breath-taking performance for a saloon.
The AMG GT Concept takes technological inspiration from the hybrid power pack of the Mercedes F1 car, with its battery recharged either via brake recuperation or through the means of the combustion engine. And take a note of the 'EQ Power+' branding on those outlandish rear-view cameras, because this will be the name for all of Mercedes-AMG's performance hybrids going forward.
Anything else?
Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG's chairman, said: "The GT Concept - like the AMG Hypercar, which we will present at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (later this year) - illustrates how we are defining performance of the future at AMG. Impressive driving dynamics coupled with high efficiency, resulting from an innovative drive system and tailored to the vehicle segment in question - that is Future Performance made by AMG."