We already knew that the next generation AMG GT will bring major changes. First, it will only be offered as a coupe - as the Roadster will be replaced by the new SL, and second, following the footsteps of the SL, it will initially be offered in two versions: GT53 and GT63 - both of which have already been caught testing. A more powerful version will also be offered, however, and just like with the SL, this range-topping plug-in hybrid will wear the E-Performance badge.

Back in January, our spy photographers caught the new SL E-Performance out for some testing in the cold weather of Sweden. Today, another E-Performance model, this time the AMG GT, was caught testing in a more appropriate environment: the Nürburgring race track.

So, how do we know this is no ordinary AMG GT? Well, first because it features testing equipment on all four wheels and second because we can spot the charger port on the right side of the rear bumper.

It will only make sense for Mercedes to offer an E-Performance version for both the SL and the next AMG GT - especially since the system is already being used on the Mercedes-AMG GT 63S E. In fact, Jochen Hermann, chief technical officer for Mercedes-AMG, already confirmed that the new SL is also slated to get AMG’s E Performance plug-in hybrid system. And if the SL will get it, so will the AMG GT.

For the sedan the hybrid system combines a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers 630 horsepower and 664 pound-feet and an electric motor that adds another 201 horses and 236 pound-feet of torque. The system delivers a combined 831 horsepower and 1,033 pound-feet of torque.

However, at this point it is unknown if the SL and the AMG GT will deliver the same amount of power, but a figure of around 700 horsepower has also been rumored. It is also rumored that the sports car will offer two different power stages: the AMG GT63 e and the AMG GT 63 E-Performance, but since this is pure speculation, you should take it with a grain of salt.

One thing is for sure: no the how much power the E-Performance will deliver, it will be significantly more powerful than both the GT53 - 469 horsepower - and the GT63 - 577 horsepower. It remains to be seen where the Black Series version will be placed or if the E-Performance will serve as a spiritual successor to the Black Series.

Just like the Mercedes-AMG GT 63S E, the AMG GT E-Performance will feature a more aggressive exterior look. The prototype caught testing already features a modified front bumper - it looks deeper in the middle when compared to the other GT prototypes. Also, just like in the sedan version, bot the suspension and the braking system will be updated.

Since the new AMG GT is expected to be unveiled before the end of 2022, the E-Performance version will most likely follow sometime in 2023.