AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept shows off ahead of PS3 appearance

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a spectacular new virtual sportscar concept created by its in-house design team for inclusion in Sony's new PlayStation 3 game "Gran Turismo 6."

Called the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the brawny-looking gullwing coupe is to be revealed as a model at the opening of Mercedes-Benz's new research-and-development center in Sunnyvale, Calif., on the eve of next week's LA Auto Show.

Yet despite the unveiling in 1:1 scale, the new two-seater is destined to remain a feature of the virtual world as the first in what Mercedes-Benz is billing as a series of Vision Gran Turismo vehicles to be unveiled in the near future.

While the virtual properties of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo mean it will only ever see running as a high-resolution graphic within the new "Gran Turismo 6" game, this hasn't deterred Mercedes-Benz from providing it with detailed styling and mechanical data -- elements of which are said to provide solid hints to the upcoming GT AMG due to be unveiled in mid-2014 as a range-topping replacement for the SLS AMG.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic 300SL, Mercedes-Benz designers have provided their latest concept with exaggerated proportions, with a long probing nose and cabin well back within the wheelbase giving an instantly aggressive appearance that is further enhanced by bulging wheel houses and a wide track stance.

Central among the detailing brought to the exterior design of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo is a traditionally shaped chrome-rimmed grille imbued with a large center three-pointed star badge and individual LEDs that act as modern-day louvers to provide varying light patterns.

Mercedes

In a further nod to the past, the virtual Mercedes-Benz also receives gullwing doors that hinge from a center point within the roof, similar in fashion to those seen on the soon-to-be-discontinued SLS AMG.

Inside, there is a futuristic-looking interior that Mercedes-Benz says has been inspired by a modern-day F1 cockpit. The instruments take the form of a glass display that floats above the steering wheel, revealing information such as speed, revs and operating temperature. Among the controls are classic rocker switches in the center of the dashboard and within the headlining -- the latter layout is said to be mirrored on the upcoming GT AMG.

For its inclusion in "Gran Turismo 6," the AMG Vision Gran Turismo has been conceived to run a twin-turbocharged V8 engine of unspecified size, mounted up front, where it develops 577 hp together with 590 lb-ft of torque. With a virtual aluminum spaceframe body weighing 3,054 pounds, this provides it with a weight-to-power ratio of 5.3 pounds per horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz describes this figure as being “unrivalled in the super sportscar segment and one that guarantees exceptionally dynamic performance” -- a statement that has led to rumors suggesting the performance data may in fact point to a Black Series variant of next year's GT AMG due to make an appearance in 2016 .

To complete the experience, Mercedes-Benz has provided its virtual concept with eight tailpipes and what it describes as a “sonorous exhaust note.”

By Greg Kable