After teasing it, unveiling it and giving us some details and a handful of photos over the weekend, Mercedes-Benz finally debuted the real AMG Vision Gran Turismo Concept at the LA Auto Show today, though it's a 1:1-scale model with no powertrain. The car was designed as a virtual supercar for Sony's Gran Turismo 6 racing simulation for Playstation 3 at the request of the game's creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, but we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the concept's design language employed on future Mercedes.
In the game, the AMG Vision GT has a 577-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 that pumps out 590 pound-feet of torque - quite enough power to propel the 3,053-pound coupe very quickly. The weight distribution is 46 percent front and 54 percent rear, which should endow it with good traction out of turns and sharp transitional handling.
Let's get things straight with this car: It's very long, wide and so low that we struggled to see the car at all until Mercedes' press conference was over and we had permission to rush the stage for photographs. But oh, is it beautiful (in this writer's opinion), with voluptuous curves, aggressive styling and an overall look that pays homage to classic Mercedes GT cars, such as the iconic 300 SL, while maintaining its futuristic modernity. About the only things that seem out of place are the flashy wheels and the tires with practically no sidewall.
For a model car with no engine, it's surprisingly functional. The motorized rear spoiler raises and lowers, the taillights work and the LED grille is fully functional (and reminds us a bit of the Pontiac Firebird's flashing grille in Knight Rider). But the Gullwing doors weren't opened, so we can't comment on their functionality or the interior. We can comment on the "driver," however, a dummy sitting in the driver's seat that resembles the character who drives Gran Turismo's virtual cars.
Speaking of that, you can see him driving the car in the video we included below, which shows GT6 in-game footage and some shots of Mercedes designers shaping a clay model of the car. Astute viewers will notice that the GT6 version of the car has a fixed rear spoiler. For more information on the car, check out two press releases below, one from Mercedes and the other from Sony.
In the game, the AMG Vision GT has a 577-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 that pumps out 590 pound-feet of torque - quite enough power to propel the 3,053-pound coupe very quickly. The weight distribution is 46 percent front and 54 percent rear, which should endow it with good traction out of turns and sharp transitional handling.
Let's get things straight with this car: It's very long, wide and so low that we struggled to see the car at all until Mercedes' press conference was over and we had permission to rush the stage for photographs. But oh, is it beautiful (in this writer's opinion), with voluptuous curves, aggressive styling and an overall look that pays homage to classic Mercedes GT cars, such as the iconic 300 SL, while maintaining its futuristic modernity. About the only things that seem out of place are the flashy wheels and the tires with practically no sidewall.
For a model car with no engine, it's surprisingly functional. The motorized rear spoiler raises and lowers, the taillights work and the LED grille is fully functional (and reminds us a bit of the Pontiac Firebird's flashing grille in Knight Rider). But the Gullwing doors weren't opened, so we can't comment on their functionality or the interior. We can comment on the "driver," however, a dummy sitting in the driver's seat that resembles the character who drives Gran Turismo's virtual cars.
Speaking of that, you can see him driving the car in the video we included below, which shows GT6 in-game footage and some shots of Mercedes designers shaping a clay model of the car. Astute viewers will notice that the GT6 version of the car has a fixed rear spoiler. For more information on the car, check out two press releases below, one from Mercedes and the other from Sony.
Mercedes-Benz press release:
Exquisite virtual reality: Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
Stuttgart. For the new PlayStation® 3 racing game Gran Turismo® 6, the Mercedes-Benz designers have developed the visionary concept of a super sports car – the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Extreme proportions, sensual contours and intelligently implemented high tech blend to form a body that visually brings to life the breathtaking performance of 577 hp (430 kW) and 590 lb-ft of torque. As a 1:1-scale model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo is celebrating its world premiere on November 19, 2013 at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California. The super sports car with its hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors will be taking to the virtual racetrack when the new racing game goes on sale in December 2013 – as the first of the "Vision Gran Turismo" series of vehicles.
To mark the 15th birthday of the popular Gran Turismo® series this year, Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer of Gran Turismo series and President of Polyphony Digital Inc., called upon the world's leading automotive manufacturers and design studios to look forward into the future. Using the theme "Vision Gran Turismo", these creative teams were to develop concept models which give a unique insight into the further development of the automobile. As virtual vehicles that nonetheless function just like a real car, the visionary concepts will be gradually unveiled in and integrated into the new game Gran Turismo® 6 through online updates.
Extreme proportions and variable LED radiator grille
"By virtue of its proportions and expressive appearance, the Mercedes-Benz AMG
Vision Gran Turismo embodies the brand's defining design philosophy of
sensuous purity in a unique way. The design of this concept car reflects to
extreme effect the perfect symbiosis between emotional, sensuous contours and
intelligently presented high tech," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design
Daimler AG.
The sports car proportions that are a typical Mercedes feature have been
reinterpreted: the long hood has a flowing transition into a compact greenhouse
offset to the rear, which takes the form of an aerodynamically efficient water
drop to descend slightly at the rear, where it rests on the rear end with broad
shoulder contours. The dynamic aura is accentuated by an extended, dramatic
side contour and a pronounced bulge to the wheel arches, which blend into the
low-slung, muscular bodyshell. The angled headlights, with their color scheme
and determined look, convey a sense of sportiness and readiness to leap forward.
This impression is reinforced by the hood with its expressive forms and
motorsport details, such as the release catches on the hood and the fuel cap, for
example. The red-glowing contour lines on the lower part of the vehicle create an
effect similar to that of exterior ambient lighting and stand out from the silverpainted
bodywork. This makes the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
look even more aggressive.
Another eye-catching feature is the radiator grille – a reinterpretation of the wide
Mercedes-Benz sports car grille with central star. Its shape is reminiscent of the
legendary 300SL racing car of 1952. However, instead of classic louvres the
grille of the show car features exclusively LEDs. The variable LED grille with
different light patterns is a further development of the diamond grille introduced
with the new CLA-Class.
Purist interior dedicated to speed
The exterior design, which is systematically and passionately geared to motor
racing, is congenially mirrored in the interior of the two-seater. Inspired by the
Formula 1 cockpit, the red integral sports seats blend into the black flooring of the footwell to form a protective shell. The form of this flowing, sculptured shell suggests enormous forward thrust. The dashboard also creates an equally dynamic effect. It has been designed in the form of two gullwing doors which are positioned on each side of the steering column. As a result the actual doors themselves appear to be an extension of the instrument panel.
The central display is optimally positioned in the driver's field of vision: it takes the form of a glass surface floating directly above the racing steering wheel with its shift paddles, and shows all the relevant information such as road speed, engine speed and operating temperature as required. Operation is by rocker switches in the center of the dashboard and in an overhead console, like in a jet. The steering column visibly penetrates the firewall to the engine compartment, creating a visual connection between the driver and the heart of this super sports car, the AMG V8 front-mid engine.
Intelligent lightweight construction and authentic racing car sound
The AMG V8 biturbo engine delivers an exceptionally agile response to even the smallest movements of the accelerator. It develops 577 hp (430 kW) and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. With an aluminium spaceframe body and components in carbon fiber, the material of choice in motor racing, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo tips the scales at only 3053 pounds. That amounts to around 5.2 lbs per hp – an unrivalled figure in the super sports car segment, and one that guarantees exceptionally dynamic performance. Excellent deceleration values and fade resistance at the highest level are ensured by the AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system. The AMG sports exhaust system with eight tailpipes integrated into the rear end provides a powerful accompaniment whenever the car accelerates, and ensures an unrivalled motorsports sound experience. For fans of Gran Turismo® 6, the Mercedes-AMG sound specialists have created a powerful, sonorous exhaust note that authentically celebrates the V8's love of high engine speeds.
Sony press release:
Drive the Future in Gran Turismo 6: Announcing the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision GT
With two short weeks away from the launch of Gran Turismo 6, we are excited to unveil the first Vision GT project – the Mercedes- Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, made specifically for everyone to virtually experience in Gran Turismo 6 starting Dec. 6.
Powerful, fast and as graceful as a big cat on the hunt: with the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the Stuttgart-based premium brand today presented its visionary concept for a super sports car. Mercedes-Benz designers developed it specifically for the upcoming Gran Turismo 6. Extreme proportions, sensual contours and precise graphics blend to form a body that visually confirms the breathtaking performance of 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm of torque. As a 1:1-scale model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo is celebrating its world premiere at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California. Before the end of the year, this super sports car with hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors will take to the virtual racetrack. As the first "Vision Gran Turismo" model, it will be available for download when Gran Turismo 6 goes on sale in December 2013.
To mark the 15th anniversary of the best-selling Gran Turismo series, Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Turismo and President of Polyphony Digital Inc., called upon the world's leading automotive manufacturers and design studios to look forward into the future. "Vision Gran Turismo" inspires leading design studios to give car enthusiasts a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology with innovative concepts that will be brought to life as playable vehicles in Gran Turismo 6. The visionary concepts will be gradually unveiled in GT6 through online updates.
The designers at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Sindelfingen and Carlsbad (exterior design) and also in Como, Italy (interior design) succeeded in developing the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo in a relatively short space of time. As part of this they worked precisely in accordance with the regular design process for new series production vehicles and show cars. It is almost impossible to develop a vehicle in such a short time – but the hearts of the Mercedes-Benz designers beat with a passion for super sports cars. The modern design language combines classic design elements from motor racing history, a fact which helped to accelerate the creative process enormously.
Powered by the AMG V8 biturbo, the engine delivers an exceptionally agile response to even the smallest movements of the accelerator. It develops 430 kW (585 hp) and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. With an aluminum spaceframe body and components in carbon fiber, the material of choice in motor racing, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo tips the scales at only 1385 kilograms. That amounts to around 2.4 kilograms per hp – an unrivalled figure in the super sports car segment, and one that guarantees exceptionally dynamic performance. The weight distribution of 46 percent at the front and 54 percent at the rear promises plenty of driving pleasure.
Gran Turismo 6 players will soon be able to choose an alternative version of the virtual Mercedes-Benz super sports car. The "Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series" offers further enhancements over the regular show car which was presented as physical 1:1 model in California. To ensure perfect downforce and therefore great handling stability in tough racetrack conditions on PlayStation 3, the Racing Series has a fixed rear spoiler while the show car version has an extending variant of this integrated into the boot lid. In addition, the third brake light in the middle of the rear end lights up in red as the Gran Turismo logo, unmistakably confirming the identity of the high-performance gullwing racer. Visitors of the LA Auto Show were the first to drive this car virtually in Gran Turismo 6 next to the 1:1 show car at the Mercedes-Benz booth.
Mercedes and Polyphony Quotes:
"As an automobile brand that has always borne motor racing genes within it, we enthusiastically accepted this progressive challenge. And of course we also wanted to present Gran Turismo fans with the Mercedes-Benz AMG vision of a super sports car, and therefore a unique driving experience, as an exclusive anniversary present from day one of the new game. Although the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo will not actually drive on the road, we applied the same standards and followed the same processes during the design development as for any other concept or series production car. As is usual, all the worldwide Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios first submitted the design sketches for their visions. The best ideas were then developed in the Advanced Design Studio in Sindelfingen as part of a purely digital design process and subsequently perfected in a physical 1:1 design process. The interior design was created in our Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, which specializes in interior design," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG.
"For me as a child, the concept cars announced by automobile manufacturers in motor shows were fantastic presents that always brought promise of a bright future. That feeling hasn't changed today. The technology researched by automotive manufacturers reach far and wide, and is beyond my imagination. And because automobiles are at the center of all our means of transportation, I'm positive that the advancement of automotive technology is something that will change our lives," says Kazunori Yamauchi, CEO Polyphony Digital Inc and Creator of Gran Turismo
Exquisite virtual reality: Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
Stuttgart. For the new PlayStation® 3 racing game Gran Turismo® 6, the Mercedes-Benz designers have developed the visionary concept of a super sports car – the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Extreme proportions, sensual contours and intelligently implemented high tech blend to form a body that visually brings to life the breathtaking performance of 577 hp (430 kW) and 590 lb-ft of torque. As a 1:1-scale model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo is celebrating its world premiere on November 19, 2013 at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California. The super sports car with its hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors will be taking to the virtual racetrack when the new racing game goes on sale in December 2013 – as the first of the "Vision Gran Turismo" series of vehicles.
To mark the 15th birthday of the popular Gran Turismo® series this year, Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer of Gran Turismo series and President of Polyphony Digital Inc., called upon the world's leading automotive manufacturers and design studios to look forward into the future. Using the theme "Vision Gran Turismo", these creative teams were to develop concept models which give a unique insight into the further development of the automobile. As virtual vehicles that nonetheless function just like a real car, the visionary concepts will be gradually unveiled in and integrated into the new game Gran Turismo® 6 through online updates.
Extreme proportions and variable LED radiator grille
"By virtue of its proportions and expressive appearance, the Mercedes-Benz AMG
Vision Gran Turismo embodies the brand's defining design philosophy of
sensuous purity in a unique way. The design of this concept car reflects to
extreme effect the perfect symbiosis between emotional, sensuous contours and
intelligently presented high tech," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design
Daimler AG.
The sports car proportions that are a typical Mercedes feature have been
reinterpreted: the long hood has a flowing transition into a compact greenhouse
offset to the rear, which takes the form of an aerodynamically efficient water
drop to descend slightly at the rear, where it rests on the rear end with broad
shoulder contours. The dynamic aura is accentuated by an extended, dramatic
side contour and a pronounced bulge to the wheel arches, which blend into the
low-slung, muscular bodyshell. The angled headlights, with their color scheme
and determined look, convey a sense of sportiness and readiness to leap forward.
This impression is reinforced by the hood with its expressive forms and
motorsport details, such as the release catches on the hood and the fuel cap, for
example. The red-glowing contour lines on the lower part of the vehicle create an
effect similar to that of exterior ambient lighting and stand out from the silverpainted
bodywork. This makes the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
look even more aggressive.
Another eye-catching feature is the radiator grille – a reinterpretation of the wide
Mercedes-Benz sports car grille with central star. Its shape is reminiscent of the
legendary 300SL racing car of 1952. However, instead of classic louvres the
grille of the show car features exclusively LEDs. The variable LED grille with
different light patterns is a further development of the diamond grille introduced
with the new CLA-Class.
Purist interior dedicated to speed
The exterior design, which is systematically and passionately geared to motor
racing, is congenially mirrored in the interior of the two-seater. Inspired by the
Formula 1 cockpit, the red integral sports seats blend into the black flooring of the footwell to form a protective shell. The form of this flowing, sculptured shell suggests enormous forward thrust. The dashboard also creates an equally dynamic effect. It has been designed in the form of two gullwing doors which are positioned on each side of the steering column. As a result the actual doors themselves appear to be an extension of the instrument panel.
The central display is optimally positioned in the driver's field of vision: it takes the form of a glass surface floating directly above the racing steering wheel with its shift paddles, and shows all the relevant information such as road speed, engine speed and operating temperature as required. Operation is by rocker switches in the center of the dashboard and in an overhead console, like in a jet. The steering column visibly penetrates the firewall to the engine compartment, creating a visual connection between the driver and the heart of this super sports car, the AMG V8 front-mid engine.
Intelligent lightweight construction and authentic racing car sound
The AMG V8 biturbo engine delivers an exceptionally agile response to even the smallest movements of the accelerator. It develops 577 hp (430 kW) and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. With an aluminium spaceframe body and components in carbon fiber, the material of choice in motor racing, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo tips the scales at only 3053 pounds. That amounts to around 5.2 lbs per hp – an unrivalled figure in the super sports car segment, and one that guarantees exceptionally dynamic performance. Excellent deceleration values and fade resistance at the highest level are ensured by the AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system. The AMG sports exhaust system with eight tailpipes integrated into the rear end provides a powerful accompaniment whenever the car accelerates, and ensures an unrivalled motorsports sound experience. For fans of Gran Turismo® 6, the Mercedes-AMG sound specialists have created a powerful, sonorous exhaust note that authentically celebrates the V8's love of high engine speeds.
Sony press release:
Drive the Future in Gran Turismo 6: Announcing the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision GT
With two short weeks away from the launch of Gran Turismo 6, we are excited to unveil the first Vision GT project – the Mercedes- Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, made specifically for everyone to virtually experience in Gran Turismo 6 starting Dec. 6.
Powerful, fast and as graceful as a big cat on the hunt: with the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the Stuttgart-based premium brand today presented its visionary concept for a super sports car. Mercedes-Benz designers developed it specifically for the upcoming Gran Turismo 6. Extreme proportions, sensual contours and precise graphics blend to form a body that visually confirms the breathtaking performance of 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm of torque. As a 1:1-scale model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo is celebrating its world premiere at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California. Before the end of the year, this super sports car with hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors will take to the virtual racetrack. As the first "Vision Gran Turismo" model, it will be available for download when Gran Turismo 6 goes on sale in December 2013.
To mark the 15th anniversary of the best-selling Gran Turismo series, Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Turismo and President of Polyphony Digital Inc., called upon the world's leading automotive manufacturers and design studios to look forward into the future. "Vision Gran Turismo" inspires leading design studios to give car enthusiasts a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology with innovative concepts that will be brought to life as playable vehicles in Gran Turismo 6. The visionary concepts will be gradually unveiled in GT6 through online updates.
The designers at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Sindelfingen and Carlsbad (exterior design) and also in Como, Italy (interior design) succeeded in developing the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo in a relatively short space of time. As part of this they worked precisely in accordance with the regular design process for new series production vehicles and show cars. It is almost impossible to develop a vehicle in such a short time – but the hearts of the Mercedes-Benz designers beat with a passion for super sports cars. The modern design language combines classic design elements from motor racing history, a fact which helped to accelerate the creative process enormously.
Powered by the AMG V8 biturbo, the engine delivers an exceptionally agile response to even the smallest movements of the accelerator. It develops 430 kW (585 hp) and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. With an aluminum spaceframe body and components in carbon fiber, the material of choice in motor racing, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo tips the scales at only 1385 kilograms. That amounts to around 2.4 kilograms per hp – an unrivalled figure in the super sports car segment, and one that guarantees exceptionally dynamic performance. The weight distribution of 46 percent at the front and 54 percent at the rear promises plenty of driving pleasure.
Gran Turismo 6 players will soon be able to choose an alternative version of the virtual Mercedes-Benz super sports car. The "Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series" offers further enhancements over the regular show car which was presented as physical 1:1 model in California. To ensure perfect downforce and therefore great handling stability in tough racetrack conditions on PlayStation 3, the Racing Series has a fixed rear spoiler while the show car version has an extending variant of this integrated into the boot lid. In addition, the third brake light in the middle of the rear end lights up in red as the Gran Turismo logo, unmistakably confirming the identity of the high-performance gullwing racer. Visitors of the LA Auto Show were the first to drive this car virtually in Gran Turismo 6 next to the 1:1 show car at the Mercedes-Benz booth.
Mercedes and Polyphony Quotes:
"As an automobile brand that has always borne motor racing genes within it, we enthusiastically accepted this progressive challenge. And of course we also wanted to present Gran Turismo fans with the Mercedes-Benz AMG vision of a super sports car, and therefore a unique driving experience, as an exclusive anniversary present from day one of the new game. Although the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo will not actually drive on the road, we applied the same standards and followed the same processes during the design development as for any other concept or series production car. As is usual, all the worldwide Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios first submitted the design sketches for their visions. The best ideas were then developed in the Advanced Design Studio in Sindelfingen as part of a purely digital design process and subsequently perfected in a physical 1:1 design process. The interior design was created in our Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, which specializes in interior design," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG.
"For me as a child, the concept cars announced by automobile manufacturers in motor shows were fantastic presents that always brought promise of a bright future. That feeling hasn't changed today. The technology researched by automotive manufacturers reach far and wide, and is beyond my imagination. And because automobiles are at the center of all our means of transportation, I'm positive that the advancement of automotive technology is something that will change our lives," says Kazunori Yamauchi, CEO Polyphony Digital Inc and Creator of Gran Turismo
Featured Gallery Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo: 2013 LA Auto Show
View 24 PhotosRelated Gallery Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
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