From Affalterbach to Innovation: The AMG GT 63 Journey

Kris

Hey everyone, welcome to the Golden State MB Car Club Podcast. , the podcast where we dive into the stories behind the passion for performance, precision, and the lifestyle that surrounds the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Kris

You know, back in 2018, AMG took a giant step with the GT 63 and GT 63 S. I mean, those cars weren’t just--they weren’t just luxury sports cars anymore. They were like a statement. A "we’re coming for the title" statement.

Donald

Oh, for sure. And that V8 engine they packed in there—what was it? The M177?

Kris

Exactly, man. The M177 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. A monstrous piece of engineering. You're getting 577 horses in the GT 63 and 630 in the GT 63 S. I mean, it’s insane to think about those numbers in a four-door coupe.

Donald

So, wait, not only is it fast, but it’s like—you can take your whole crew with you. That’s wild.

Kris

Right? That’s what made the GT 63 series so groundbreaking. It wasn’t just about straight-line speed. It was about taking AMG’s motorsport DNA and blending it with, like, pure luxury. You’ve got performance that echoes their racing roots, but in a car that’s still practical, you know?

Donald

Okay, but here’s what I don’t get. Why did AMG decide to go with a four-door coupe? I mean, isn’t that kinda... against the whole idea of "GT" cars being sleek and sporty?

Kris

That’s fair, but here’s the thing—this wasn’t just some left-turn for AMG. They looked at the market, saw people wanting cars that could do it all—speed, luxury, and space—and said, “We can nail that balance.”

Donald

Hmm, smart move. So it was less of a risk and more like capitalizing on what people really wanted.

Kris

Oh, totally. And, honestly, you can see their philosophy in every bolt and stitch of those cars. I remember when I visited their headquarters in Affalterbach. The level of attention to detail is just... mind-blowing. They’re not just building cars; they’re crafting experiences.

Donald

Wait, wait, you went to Affalterbach? Dude, you gotta tell me what that was like.

Kris

Man, it was like stepping into a temple of engineering. You realize these folks are obsessed with perfection. They’re constantly pushing the envelope, asking, “What’s the next thing we can do to innovate?” The GT 63 series is a perfect example of that mindset.

Donald

Okay, I see it now. It’s not just a car. It’s a machine built by people who live and breathe this stuff.

Kris

Exactly. And those engines? They’re hand-built. One engineer, one engine. It’s like they’re putting their signature on the soul of the car.

Donald

Alright, now you’ve got me picturing some engineer in a lab coat just, like, pouring their entire soul into every V8 they build.

Kris

Haha, pretty much, man. But that’s the heart of AMG right there—it’s passion fused with precision.

Donald

Alright, so speaking of AMG constantly innovating, let’s dive into the GT 63 S E Performance. This thing is AMG’s first hybrid, right?

Kris

Yeah, first high-performance hybrid. And let me tell you, they weren’t messing around. I mean, we’re talking 843 horsepower and a mind-blowing 1,400 Newton meters of torque.

Donald

Hold up—1,400 Nm? That’s... that’s insane. What are you even supposed to do with that kind of power?

Kris

Haha, go very, very fast, man. It hits 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.8 seconds. Just 2.8! That’s faster than their hypercar, the AMG One, believe it or not.

Donald

No way. Faster than the AMG One? That’s... that’s gotta hurt a little, doesn’t it?

Kris

It’s wild, right? But it’s a totally different kind of car. The AMG One is this hyper-focused track machine, whereas the GT 63 S E Performance? It’s like the ultimate daily driver with supercar performance. You’ve got comfort, space, and still—you’re obliterating your competition on the road.

Donald

Jeez, man. That’s like, best of both worlds for real. But how are they getting that kind of speed? Is it just raw power?

Kris

Not exactly. It’s that hybrid system. They paired their signature 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and a Formula 1-inspired battery. That battery only holds 6.1 kilowatt-hours, but it’s designed for insane performance, not just range.

Donald

Wait, like F1 tech? So this thing’s carrying race car DNA under the hood?

Kris

Exactly. AMG collabed with their Formula 1 team to develop it. Super lightweight, compact, and it recharges crazy fast because it’s all about energy management. It’s essentially built for bursts of power rather than endurance.

Donald

Okay, but here’s what I’m wondering. Does that tech actually make sense for, you know, regular people? Or is it just... showing off?

Kris

That’s a fair question. I mean, honestly, it’s not really about practicality, at least not yet. It’s about showing what’s possible—what the future of performance looks like.

Donald

And flexing. Let’s be real, it’s also a total flex.

Kris

Haha, you’re not wrong. But yeah, it’s a statement piece. It says, “Hey, hybrids aren’t just for efficiency anymore, they’re here to dominate.”

Donald

Man, that’s a complete vibe. And those numbers—they’re telling the competition, like, “good luck keeping up.”

Kris

Totally. But, you know, AMG didn’t just stop at the performance. They took the whole GT series to the next level with the second generation. That Modular Sports Architecture platform? Game-changer.

Kris

Right, so building on that Modular Sports Architecture platform you mentioned, in 2023 AMG launched the second generation of the GT lineup—and it’s completely theirs. No borrowed designs, no compromises. But what really sets this platform apart?

Donald

Wait, that’s the one with the 2+2 seating, right? Crazy practical for something that still makes your heart race.

Kris

Exactly. You’ve got a four-seater, all-wheel drive, and still, it doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s like they’re saying, “Why settle for speed or comfort, when you can have both?”

Donald

Man, that sounds like pure innovation. You know, I remember this time in Brooklyn—there was this street art event, and someone rolled up in a GT 63 S. Dude, the sound of that V8 just—it was like a symphony. People actually stopped painting to turn and look.

Kris

Haha, I believe it. That’s what AMG does—it’s not just about moving people from point A to point B. It’s about the experience. And, you know, with the second-gen GT, they’ve made it even more complete. Performance, luxury, and just enough practicality to keep it versatile.

Donald

You’re right. It’s like, even standing still, it’s commanding attention. But the way AMG has kept evolving—integrating tech, improving design—it’s wild. They’re setting the bar for what high-performance luxury should look like.

Kris

And they’re not afraid to take risks. I think that’s the big takeaway here—they’re constantly refining, pushing forward. It’s not just about the past or even the present. It’s where they’re headed next.

Donald

On that note, man, they’ve really built something special. I mean, these cars aren’t just machines; they’re expressions of passion, power, and precision.

Kris

Couldn’t have said it better myself. And with that, I think we’ve covered the AMG GT 63 journey. It’s been a blast breaking it all down.

Donald

Yeah, no doubt. And for everyone listening, thanks for riding with us today. Till next time—peace out.

Kris

Take care, everyone.