Concept Rendering of AMG GT with Gull-wing Doors / Photo Source = Instagram ‘@j.b.cars’
The iconic Mercedes-Benz AMG division, renowned for high performance, has recently taken to electrification. Their GT 63 S E Performance, an electrified iteration of their top-tier two-door coupe GT, has turned heads with its release.
Armed with a massive 827 horsepower and a peak torque of 144.8kgf.m, this powerhouse sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 2.8 seconds. Notwithstanding its remarkable performance, some purists long for the retro touch of the initial SL’s Gull-wing doors. As curiosity piques, renderings infused with creative flair whimsically reimagine the AMG GT with a slight nostalgic twist.
Mercedes AMG GT
Photo Courtesy of Instagram ‘@j.b.cars’
The Legendary Gull-wing Doors: A Tribute to the Benz 300 SL
Vehicle enthusiast and creator J.B.Cars captivated Instagram audiences on April 24th with a speculative digital rendering. Though the depiction showcases a modern AMG GT, it wows with Gull-wing doors that add an innovative edge. This long-nose, short-deck rear-drive coupe has origins linking to the SLS AMG, SLR McLaren, and the venerable 300 SL.
Debuted in 1954, the 300 SL was the commercial adaptation of the 300 SLR, a stalwart of the 24h LE MANS. Its design, inherited from a race car, retained the space frame but conventional side-opening doors were impractical. Instead, after extensive deliberation, they opted for distinctive upward-opening doors to avoid reconfiguring the frame significantly.
Mercedes Benz 300SL
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG
Gull-wing Doors on the SLS AMG: A Blend of Heritage and Safety
The moniker ‘Gull-wing door’ stemmed from the door’s semblance to the wings of a seagull. It was a factor that boosted the 300 SL’s charm and became emblematic. When AMG created the SLS as its maiden supercar, these heritage doors were a key homage feature. Even with a proposition for electric-powered opening, gas lifts were selected for weight efficiency. To ensure egress in the event of a rollover, a hinge mechanism designed to detach using a micro-explosive was incorporated.
Mercedes AMG GT
Could Gull-wing Doors Be Retrofit to the AMG GT?
Despite the wow factor, the Gull-wing doors were nixed in the AMG GT in favor of standard doors, highlighting the original’s practicality issues. The AMG GT broke tradition by adopting a carbon roof instead of pursuing the complex Gull-wing door design. While some enthusiasts might miss the unique feel of the Gull-wing doors, the disadvantages outweighed the aesthetics. Gull-wing door tuning would essentially require a thorough design overhaul akin to creating a semi-new vehicle. As such, admirers may have to find solace in virtual renderings for now.
FAQs about the Gull-wing Door and the AMG GT
- What is a Gull-wing door?
- A Gull-wing door is a type of automotive door that is hinged at the roof rather than the side, allowing it to open upward and resemble the wings of a seagull. It is most famously associated with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
- Why did the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL have Gull-wing doors?
- The 300 SL utilized Gull-wing doors due to the space frame structure inherited from its race car predecessor, which made conventional side-opening doors impractical.
- Are Gull-wing doors safe in the event of a rollover?
- Modern implementations like in the SLS AMG include safety features such as a micro-explosive in the hinge to ensure that doors can be detached in the event of a rollover, allowing occupants to exit the vehicle safely.
- Why did the AMG GT not feature Gull-wing doors?
- The Gull-wing doors were omitted in the AMG GT design due to various practicality issues, such as the difficulty in closing the doors from the inside and challenges with entry and exit in confined spaces.
Conclusion
The legacy of the Gull-wing door remains a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz’s innovative design history. Although modern iterations like the AMG GT have moved away from this iconic feature in favor of improved functionality and performance, the allure of the Gull-wing door continues to inspire enthusiasts and designers alike. As we continue to appreciate the blend of past and present in automotive design, the Gull-wing door lives on, not only in the physical realm but also through the creative reimagination in virtual renderings.