Being a car tester sounds like the best job in the world, but it's not always glamorous. Many of those development miles take place at a barren proving grounds or a boring highway, but if you're lucky enough for work for a European automaker, they can sometimes take place on beautiful mountain roads full of switchbacks. The next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT is currently in the development phase and we've already spotted it testing on the Nurburgring and and in cold, icy conditions.
This latest spy video shows the AMG GT testing in the Austrian Alps, home to the prettiest roads in the world. Unfortunately, the weather was less fabulous than the scenery with soaked pavement for most of the video. At least we can hear a bit of the updated engine.
Like the previous model, the new AMG GT is expected to use the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that's shared with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL. Those two cars will share a platform, though the GT will only be offered as a coupe while the SL is only offered as a drop-top 2+2 convertible. It's unconfirmed if the AMG GT will also receive a tiny back seat, but the Porsche 911 has one, so anything is certainly possible.
If power remains similar to the SL, we can expect between 469 and 577 horsepower from the gas-only versions. An E-Performance hybrid model could dial the output up to around 843 hp, though we don't think this model will be available at launch. Whereas the SL only sends its power to 4Matic all-wheel-drive, we expect the GT to remain rear-wheel-drive. Sadly, the audio in this video is mostly overpowered by wind and road noise, so it's hard to tell how the new GT sounds at full tilt but the V8 growl is there.
Judging by how Mercedes teased the SL numerous times before the final reveal, we'd say it will be a while before the AMG GT is properly revealed to the world. The next-generation AMG GT is expected to arrive as a 2023 model year vehicle, meaning we should expect a debut before the end of 2022. However, if the SL was supposed to be a 2022 model year and Mercedes hasn't sold any in the US yet. We hope the GT doesn't face similar delays.