Automotive

Virtual virtuosity: Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo

Virtual virtuosity: Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
Vision GT's sensually muscular body appears to amalgamate bits of a Dodge Viper, Aston Martin One 77, Bugatti Veyron and SLS into its hyperbolic design
Vision GT's sensually muscular body appears to amalgamate bits of a Dodge Viper, Aston Martin One 77, Bugatti Veyron and SLS into its hyperbolic design
View 5 Images
Mercedes-AMG sound team created a distinct, performance bent exhaust note for the eight narrow exhaust vents integrated into the Vision GT’s oversized rear end
1/5
Mercedes-AMG sound team created a distinct, performance bent exhaust note for the eight narrow exhaust vents integrated into the Vision GT’s oversized rear end
Reminiscent of the grille from a1952 300 SL, the Vision GT’s frontal area features LED lights that can alter patterns throughout the race
2/5
Reminiscent of the grille from a1952 300 SL, the Vision GT’s frontal area features LED lights that can alter patterns throughout the race
Vision GT, weighing only 1385 kg (3053 lb), is virtually outfitted with a twin-turbocharged AMG V8 capable of 585 hp and 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque
3/5
Vision GT, weighing only 1385 kg (3053 lb), is virtually outfitted with a twin-turbocharged AMG V8 capable of 585 hp and 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque
Vision GT has an aluminum space frame with key elements in carbon fiber giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) per horsepower
4/5
Vision GT has an aluminum space frame with key elements in carbon fiber giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) per horsepower
Vision GT's sensually muscular body appears to amalgamate bits of a Dodge Viper, Aston Martin One 77, Bugatti Veyron and SLS into its hyperbolic design
5/5
Vision GT's sensually muscular body appears to amalgamate bits of a Dodge Viper, Aston Martin One 77, Bugatti Veyron and SLS into its hyperbolic design
View gallery - 5 images

One of PlayStation’s most enduring titles, Gran Turismo, will launch version 6 on the eve of its 15th anniversary next month with a smattering of spectacular new rides. Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers to have fully engaged its marketing engine for the launch and is helping kick-off the virtual exercise with a spectacular 585 hp virtual concept named the AMG Vision Gran Turismo.

Nudged by Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer and President of Polyphony Digital Inc., select manufacturers and design studios have created futuristic designs for the series.

Gran Turismo is one of the most enduring and respected driving series of any platform, not just PlayStation. The levels of realism seen in the series has proven so effective that actual GT driving programs have created some of the best drivers in their respective classes. But without the beautifully rendered racers the series is nothing, which is where Mercedes-Benz steps in with its hyperbolic racer.

Vision GT has an aluminum space frame with key elements in carbon fiber giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) per horsepower
Vision GT has an aluminum space frame with key elements in carbon fiber giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) per horsepower

Based loosely on Mercedes-Benz gull-winged SLS (with elements that are also reminiscent of the Dodge Viper, Aston Martin One 77 and Bugatti Veyron), the Vision GT is outfitted (virtually) with a twin-turbocharged AMG V8 capable of 585 hp and 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque. Weighing in at a scant 1,385 kg (3,053 lb) should give the concept a significant advantage against virtual Prius’ and others on track.

The sensual, muscular and suitably exaggerated design is built around an aluminum space frame with key elements in carbon fiber; because even in the virtual world, one can never have enough carbon fiber in the diet.

Mercedes reports a slightly insane weight-to-power ratio of 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) per horsepower and as braking in the virtual world is just as important as in the physical, proper AMG composite ceramic brakes are included to handle deceleration.

Auditory aspects are just as important to the GT experience as the visuals, which is why Mercedes-AMG sound team created a distinct, performance derived exhaust note for the eight exhaust pipes sticking out the Vision GT’s oversized rear end.

Mercedes-AMG sound team created a distinct, performance bent exhaust note for the eight narrow exhaust vents integrated into the Vision GT’s oversized rear end
Mercedes-AMG sound team created a distinct, performance bent exhaust note for the eight narrow exhaust vents integrated into the Vision GT’s oversized rear end

Mercedes-Benz notes the interior has influences from Formula 1 but with proper concept treatments such as a floating instrument panel above the steering wheel and F1 seats integrated into the footwell.

One key detail that remains distinctively Mercedes is the retro styled grille treatment. Reminiscent of the grille from the firm’s famous 1952 300 SL, the Vision GT’s frontal area features LED lights that can alter patterns throughout the race. The design is actually an extension of the diamond grille introduced into Mercedes new A-class vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept will be a part of the initial GT6 release with other designs introduced over time via online updates.

A 1:1-scale model of the Mercedes-AMG Vision Gran Turismo will be unveiled at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in California this week, but unfortunately this design looks set to remain a virtual reality.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

View gallery - 5 images
1 comment
1 comment
ActiveGuitar
And those wheels are going to hit hit the inside of the wheel well on every little pebbles. I wonder if there is even and inch between... Would be a nice ride. Parking is also interesting. It can never be able to drive in to a multistory parking lot because it will be stuck at the first ramp. Looks nice as a concept or to tow it to a race track and crash it, but it's not a vehicle. :)