The outline of the electric architecture envisioned by Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand AMG has been revealed in real form. Combining three axial flux motors and a newly developed high-performance battery, it presents ultra-high performance exceeding a peak output of 1,360 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand "Mercedes-AMG" unveiled its high-performance concept car "Concept AMG GT XX" for the first time on the 26th Korean time, featuring exceptional technology, ultra-fast charging, and emotional design.
The vehicle presents a blueprint for a future production model four-door sports car based on the high-performance AMG electric architecture (AMG.EA) built on pioneering technology.
"Concept AMG GT XX" is powered by an innovative drivetrain consisting of three axial flux motors and a newly developed high-performance battery, achieving a peak output of over 1,000 kW (approximately 1,360 horsepower) and a top speed of over 360 km/h with unprecedented performance.
The vehicle utilizes axial flux motors developed by YASA, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, with one mounted in the front and two in the rear. These axial flux motors weigh about two-thirds of traditional electric motors (radial flux motors) and occupy only about one-third of the space, while providing about three times the power density.
The high-performance electric battery (HP.EB) borrows technology from Formula 1®, ensuring high performance with high output and excellent reproducibility, while providing rapid energy absorption and high power density. The battery maintains optimal temperature ranges even during high-intensity driving, ensuring stable performance, and it is capable of ultra-fast charging, allowing for the recharge of energy sufficient to drive approximately 400 km (WLTP) within about 5 minutes (based on provisional values from digital simulation).
The battery cells have been newly designed from the ground up. "Concept AMG GT XX" uses long and thin cylindrical cells that quickly dissipate heat generated during load due to their narrow diameter, maintaining each cell within optimal temperature ranges. Moreover, the aluminum cell housing, which is laser-welded, has become lighter compared to previous designs and offers higher electrical and thermal conductivity.
Each cell is packaged in a plastic module that is laser-welded, and this module features a direct cell cooling system integrated within it. Additionally, an advanced coolant based on electrically non-conductive oil flows around the cells to maintain optimal temperatures. Intelligent thermal management precisely controls the coolant temperature of the cell module to a predetermined value as needed (on-demand cooling). This helps maintain a high power reserve even during frequent acceleration (battery discharge) and deceleration (battery charging through regenerative braking).
"Concept AMG GT XX"'s body-in-white has been entirely newly designed on the basis of AMG.EA. The intelligent material matrix composed of aluminum, steel, and fiber composite materials provides light weight while ensuring high rigidity. The high-voltage battery is integrated into the core of the architecture. The protective housing developed by AMG encases the cell modules, all switch components, and the battery management system (BMS), offering high torsional rigidity and light weight, forming the basis for excellent crash safety.
"Concept AMG GT XX" captures the brand's unique sports car performance with its dynamic fastback, low hood, and sharply inclined windscreen, and it features a sunset beam orange color scheme. The AMG-specific front grille has evolved into an oval concave shape, with the triangular star positioned at the center. Additionally, the air outlets split into two sections above the hood and the two power domes emphasize motorsport genes.
The lower side of the vehicle features MBUX fluid light paint utilizing electroluminescence technology in the form of an AMG logo. This serves not only as a visual effect at night but also functions as a communication tool to indicate the charging status while the vehicle is charging.
The highlight at the rear is the MBUX fluid light panel. Composed of over 700 programmable RGB LEDs, it can display real-time vehicle information in text and animation through a 3D pixel format.
The vehicle has focused heavily on aerodynamics for high handling stability and efficiency at high speeds, recording a drag coefficient of 0.198 Cd. In addition to the large air outlet on the front hood, a passive cooling plate located on the body's front underside is used to exploit airflow under the vehicle for cooling. An advanced active air control system called AIRPANEL has also been applied, which has further evolved from the AMG GT series.
The interior offers a simple yet luxurious feel, resembling a racing car, finished mostly in black tones, with striking contrasts from silver and orange color accents.
To enhance the driver's focus, a concise cockpit has been implemented, integrating a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a 14-inch multimedia screen into a single panel. The two LCD displays are angled toward the driver for ergonomic convenience.
A prominent feature in the interior is the center console. The glowing orange pipes evoke high-voltage cables, and the design element shaped like the AMG lettering emphasizes luxury. The steering wheel, resembling that of the AMG ONE, takes on a nearly rectangular form with horizontal struts on both sides, bringing out a motorsport feel, while the sporty check pattern applied in the interior also evokes motorsport.
To reduce weight, the carbon fiber bucket seats, including the rear cushions, are fully integrated into the rear bulkhead of the vehicle. The seat pads, produced by 3D printing, offer a new level of personalization optimized ergonomically.
For the first time in the automotive industry, a LABFIBER biotech leather alternative has been used in the interior. This material is made from recycled GT3 racing tires and boasts a structure similar to that of natural leather, allowing for processing like natural leather during the tanning process. Additionally, LABFIBER biotech silk alternative is used for the door handles, which offers the same functional characteristics as animal silk while being 100% biodegradable, very lightweight, and highly strong.
▲ Various innovative technologies paving the future of sports cars
"Concept AMG GT XX" is equipped with various innovative technologies for future sports cars. Among them is the active aero wheel, which solves the conflicting relationship between brake cooling, aerodynamic efficiency, and maximum driving range for the first time. The 21-inch forged aluminum wheel with a 5-spoke design is equipped with five moving blades that, when closed, seal the wheel in a flat form, reducing aerodynamic drag and consequently improving driving range while decreasing energy consumption.
Furthermore, for the first time, an external speaker that emits driving sound has been integrated into the front headlights. The speaker utilizes the headlight housing as a resonant space, saving space and reducing weight while enabling the implementation of new sounds. Additionally, this speaker also functions as a warning signal for pedestrian protection.
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