Gripping news: Hankook and Mercedes-AMG team up

The new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé is here, and in a nutshell, it's a powerhouse of luxury and performance.

This powerhouse is ready to give rivals like the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar F-Type a run for their money. But before you hit the track, let's break down what makes this car special, from its sleek design to its roaring engine, and of course, the tyres that hold it all together.

A closer look under the hood 

The AMG GT Coupé boasts aggressive, sculpted lines that scream speed and sophistication. Compared to its predecessor, the new model appears wider and more planted, with a redesigned front grille and headlights that add to its imposing presence.  
 
Pop the hood and you'll find a handcrafted AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, available in various tunes.  The base model delivers a thrilling 430 kW/585 hp, while higher trims promise even more exhilarating performance figures. This translates to a blistering 0-60mph time that will leave you breathless. Speaking of breathtaking, the starting price for the AMG GT Coupé is expected to be in the region of £150,000, with various trim levels and options influencing the final cost. 
 
Stepping inside, the AMG GT Coupé doesn't disappoint. The interior is a harmonious blend of high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and driver-focused ergonomics. Expect premium leather upholstery, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Mercedes has clearly prioritized both comfort and connectivity in this luxurious cabin.

The rubber that meets the road

Hankook has stepped up to the plate as supplier for the new AMG GT Coupé, including the “MO1” label on the tyre wall marking the premiere partnership between the brands. Hankook is equipping this particular beast with their bespoke Ventus S1 evo Z tyres “specifically engineered to handle the car's immense power and performance”, notes Sanghoon Lee, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe.  These Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) tyres boast an extra-wide tread and a reinforced aramid hybrid cap ply, designed to provide maximum grip and stability at high speeds, essential for a car capable of exceeding 196 mph.  
 
The silica-rich tread compound isn't just about performance on dry asphalt — although the new tread mixture is able to withstand the high temperatures associated with the extreme speeds this vehicle can produce. It's formulated to deliver consistent grip and braking in various weather conditions, ensuring driver confidence even when pushing the car to its limits. This is further enhanced by a unique tread pattern, meticulously designed to optimize contact with the road surface and provide predictable handling.

Nürburgring Nordschleife

Hankook tested the rubber on the 12.665-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife, where Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Rimac Nevera, and the Tesla Model S Plaid have been setting milestones. It was a bonding experience for Hankook’s development engineers and the AMG test drivers, as they took the car to 190 mph. Since one lap under race conditions on the “Green Hell” is considered the same as 1,243 miles of normal driving, “if you can hit your performance and speed targets on the Nordschleife,” notes Klaus Krause, Head of the Hankook Europe Technical Center (ETC), “you can have full confidence in the capability of your tyres.” 

So, with all this talk of horsepower and handling, we're left wondering, what kind of driving experience will the new AMG GT Coupé deliver on these specially designed Hankook tyres? What do you think?  

Hero image credit:  Mercedes Benz