Mercedes-AMG concept impresses in endurance test

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX, a concept car from Mercedes-AMG, was put to the test on the legendary Nardo test track. Covering 40,075km in less than eight days, the concept car set a total of 25 long-distance records under extreme test conditions.

Among the records is the one for the longest distance ever covered by an electric vehicle in 24 hours. But in this extreme endurance test, the previous benchmark wasn't just broken once - it was shattered fourteen times. Mercedes-AMG fielded two CONCEPT AMG GT XX in the Nardo challenge. Both vehicles exceeded the previous record in every single 24-hour window by an overwhelming margin.

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX's athletic body is defined by a low-slung bonnet and a slender greenhouse

This ultimate stress test was only possible thanks to the unmatched endurance capability of its revolutionary drivetrain. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is powered by three axial flux motors and a direct-cooled battery - technologies that will enter production next year in the upcoming high-performance architecture AMG.EA. A host of additional, partially production-ready innovations also played a key role in this extreme test. These include an integrated cooling concept, sophisticated aerodynamics, and an intelligent operating strategy.

Powerful cooling is crucial to the CONCEPT AMG GT XX's sustained power, and at its core is the innovative direct liquid cooling of the high-performance battery. In addition, as different systems require different temperature ranges, the Central Coolant Hub (CCH), described as the mastermind of the concept's cooling system, precisely supplies all components.

The AIRPANEL air control system ensures an optimal balance between cooling and low drag, operating with movable louvers positioned behind the radiator grille

The major advantage of this cooling system lies in its ability, in combination with the axial-flux motors and directly cooled battery, to deliver full performance in virtually any situation - whether driving or charging. Another integral element of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX's cooling concept is the passive underbody cooling plate at the front, which helps to relieve the main radiator so much that the air control system can remain closed over long periods.

Aerodynamics also contribute to the high cooling performance. To achieve this, the brand's AIRPANEL air control system was further developed and ensures an optimal balance between cooling and low drag, operating with movable louvers positioned behind the radiator grille. For the first time, the wheel-arch coolers (including fans) are integrated into this system.

The newly developed Alpitronic charging station and the temporary High-Power Charging Hub, the concept car was able to hit its record-breaking achievements

At 300 km/h, roughly 83% of the drive energy is needed to overcome aerodynamic drag. Efficient aerodynamics are therefore particularly crucial in the high-performance segment, especially as the CONCEPT AMG GT XX completed the majority of its extreme endurance test in Nardo at precisely this speed.

Therefore, the vehicle is aerodynamically optimised for high speeds. Its athletic body is defined by a low-slung bonnet and a slender greenhouse. Complementing this are a low-slung front section with side air curtains, front splitters ahead of the wheels, and a long, wide rear with diffuser and side blades.