A new Mercedes-AMG->ke8 four-door model, purportedly called GT4, is beginning to seem like less of a rumor and more of a real possibility. Like AMG’s SLS->ke2504 and GT->ke4853 models, the four-door would be exclusive to AMG, and new insider information suggests that it will be built on the same platform as the CLS->ke539 and positioned against the Porsche Panamera.->ke1840 It would be sold alongside the GT, making it the first time two AMG-exclusive models are sold concurrently.

A new report from Automobile suggests that when it arrives in 2018, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT4 model will come in more than one flavor, offering an entire range of both trim levels and drivetrain configurations. The three trim levels will include AMG, AMG S and AMG Sport, while engine options will consist of two 2.9-liter, inline-six diesels producing 300 and 400 horsepower, a turbocharged gasoline inline-six that produces 455 horsepower with the help of a 20-horsepower electric motor, and two V-8s (presumably the same twin-turbo 4.0-liters from the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT and 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63) producing 557 and 585 horsepower.

Automobile goes on to say that styling will be markedly different from GT, but the GT4 will share a few design themes, including a similar grille and body kit. It will share the CLS’s low, coupe-like roof line, but differentiate itself with a new lighting system, wheels and body panels, including new quarter panels, doors and bumper covers. Like the Panamera, the GT4 will also have a fifth-door hatch. A source at AMG head quarters familiar with the project says it will be priced somewhere between the CLS ($66,000) and GT ($130,000), and go up from there depending on trim and engine options.

Automobile

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Aside from a few off-the-cuff comments from Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers about a potential four-door AMG GT at the 2015 New York Auto Show,->ke226 there has been no official word on this car from Mercedes.->ke187 Though a stand-alone AMG sedan->ke142 could make sense. After all, AMG started life as an independent company, making big Mercedes sedans faster. But, until we hear anything official, I’ll continue to be skeptical that such a car is in the works.

Then there’s the name problem. ‘GT4’ doesn’t exactly fit in with Mercedes’ naming conventions, and there’s the much larger issue of it already being used by Stuttgart cross-town rival Porsche->ke1 and its 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4. You might remember that Porsche was none-to-pleased when Aston Martin->ke13 tried to use the GT3 name for what is now called the 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT12.

Why it matters

You can check our speculative review of the model here.