Mercedes-AMG gives surprise second glimpse of GT73e

Mercedes-AMG has provided a second official glimpse of the plug-in hybrid GT 73e 4-Door on the back of the unveiling of the W12 that will contest this year’s Formula 1 season.

Shown as a concept in 2017 before making its first teaser appearance at the end of 2019, the 73 revives a designation last used for the range-topping SL in 2001, with the newcomer also ushering in the newly created E Performance division of AMG.

Teased alongside not only the W12 but also the F1-derived Project One hypercar, the lightly disguised GT73 will slot in above the GT63 S and retain the bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, combined with an electric motor outputting a reported 150 kW for a total of 600 kW.

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According to Australia’s caradvice.com.au, citing a report from Britain’s Autocar, the output, as well as the projected torque figure of 1 000 Nm, the same as the stalwart 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 in ’65’ badged model, will result in a top speed of around 322 km/h and 0-100 km/h in less than three seconds.

Like the GT63 S, the powerunit will be paired to the nine-speed MCT transmission and send its grunt to all four corners via the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.

The Australian online publication also reports that the electric motor, integrated into the rear axle rather than being housed within the gearbox, will feature a hybrid-specific torque vectoring function with “enhanced torque”, although little about this is known at the present.

Reportedly earmarked for unveiling at last year’s ultimately cancelled Geneva Motor Show, the GT73e, according to CarAdvice, will debut sometime around September before going on sale towards the end of this year or early 2022. Before then, though, expect more details to be revealed in the form of official teasers and more than likely leaked images.

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