New York 2014: Mercedes drops Benz for new GT

Mercedes-Benz has controversially eschewed any traditional reference to its founder Karl Benz in the name of its new 500bhp plus twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 powered sports car, which the German carmaker has confirmed will be called the Mercedes-AMG GT when sales begin later this year.

Set to make its debut in September, the new two-seater indirectly replaces the SLS AMG, becoming the second stand-alone model to be conceived, engineered and produced by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division at its headquarters in Affalterbach on the outskirts of Stuttgart, Germany.

"The new Mercedes-AMG GT shows that we will be positioning AMG more vehemently and aggressively than to date," says AMG boss, Tobias Moers, who describes the new car as “a GT sports car in its purest form”.

The announcement of the official name for the GT at the New York motor show this week coincided with the issuing of two photographs that reveal the stylish interior of the new car, which has previously been referred to by Mercedes-Benz officials under its internal C190 codename.

The GT receives a snug, two-seat interior featuring high quality materials and trims together with a combination of bespoke controls and switchgear borrowed from other Mercedes-Benz models, most notably, the new fourth-generation C-class.

A heavily structured dashboard finished in leather and carbonfibre features a hooded instrument binnacle, multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, free standing infotainment monitor and six round air vents dominates the cabin, which is described as being roughly the same size as that of the SLS AMG.

As with its predecessor, the new Mercedes-AMG also receives a high-set centre console housing all of the major controls. The centre piece is a touchpad controller similar to that introduced on the new C-class. It is mounted ahead of a stubby gear lever for the GT’s standard seven speed dual clutch auto gearbox and is surrounded by four round buttons – two of which boast a rotary function.

A close study of the controls reveals the GT will receive four different driving modes and race start feature, two stage variable dampers, locking differential and a sports exhaust function. The new rear-wheel-drive Porsche 911 rival will also offer a full suite of connectivity options, including a range of new AMG specific apps.

In a move aimed at answering criticism of the lack of oddment space in the SLS, the new car boasts a cupholder unit in the forward section of the centre console and larger door pockets. 

Holding true to the aviation theme featured on the SLS AMG, the new GT also boasts a row of switches within the roof liner separate to those for the lighting. Included are switches for the seat heaters, rear spoiler and warning lights.