Mercedes-AMG Is Rumored to be Considering an F1-Inspired Road Car

From Road & Track

It's no secret that Mercedes-Benz's AMG division is killing it right now. Sure, you could argue the brand is diluting itself by making more and more diet AMG models, but it's selling more cars than ever, and it has a fantastic sports car in the AMG GT S. Apparently now it wants another standalone car like the GT, and rumor has it that it's going to be a mid-engine hybrid supercar.

UK publication Autocar is pretty confident that Mercedes-AMG's next car will be inspired by its dominant F1 car and will be a competitor to the Ferrari 488 GTB, McLaren 650S, and other high-end supercars. According to Autocar, it's possible this car could use a carbon fiber tub and a hybrid V6 powerplant mounted behind the driver.

"My personal thinking is that we are now at a level where we could support another dedicated AMG model," said Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers in an interview with Autocar. "The car would be totally different to the GT."

Moers didn't elaborate any further, but Autocar cites an anonymous source who revealed a bit more.

"We have the most energy-dense hybrid pack in existence," said Autocar's source, referring to the hybrid system in its F1 cars. "It would make a great deal of sense to harness that technology for the road."

While the front-engine GT is the successor to the SLS AMG, the gull-winged car occupied the higher end of the sports-car market, a segment which has only grown more competitive since the SLS ended production. Mercedes is said to want a true successor to the SLS AMG, and with the success of its F1 team over the last two seasons, it would be silly for AMG not to capitalize on its success in a more meaningful way.

Meanwhile, more versions of the AMG GT are in the pipeline, including the faster AMG GT R and an eventual roadster. Autocar reports that Moers wants to build a GT4 racer as a companion for the GT3 car.

But don't get too excited yet, because if this car happens, it won't be for a few more years. That said, AMG is certainly in the position to bring a new supercar to the market and judging by the GT S, it could be a very good one.