The imported car market is seeing a surge of new high-performance cars. High-performance vehicles, capable of running not only on regular roads but also on tracks, are targeting enthusiasts while demonstrating brand technology.
Mercedes-Benz Korea will start customer deliveries of the high-performance two-door coupe 'The New Mercedes-AMG GT 55 4MATIC+' next month. This is the first major change for the second-generation AMG GT model since the release of the first-generation model in 2015. The high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, 'GT 63 S E Performance', is also expected to be released within the year.
AMG is the high-performance sub-brand of Benz. It started in the 1960s as a small company tuning Benz vehicle engines but began to gain attention by winning various racing competitions. After a long collaboration with Benz, it became a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2005.
Typically, high-performance cars involve significantly higher development costs compared to standard models, resulting in lower revenue. However, they serve as a means to showcase the differentiated technology and quality of the brand. Demand is limited, as the price difference ranges from several hundred thousand to several million won compared to standard models.
Benz emphasized the performance of the second-generation AMG GT model along with the philosophy known as 'one man-one engine', which the brand has pursued. This method involves one engineer handling the assembly of a single engine from start to finish, signifying meticulous craftsmanship.
The engine and transmission combination installed in the second-generation AMG GT model (maximum output of 476 horsepower and maximum torque of 71.4 kgf·m) unleashes explosive speed and strong power simultaneously. It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.9 seconds, earning it the performance level that is colloquially referred to as a 'street legal race car.'
BMW's high-performance brand M, which competes with Benz AMG, held the 'BMW M Fest 2025' from the 31st of last month to the 1st of this month and unveiled the 'New M3 CS Touring' for the first time in Korea. It is the first high-performance wagon model of the M3 lineup, and in addition, the first dedicated model 'M1 Procar' will also be displayed.
Audi has also been unveiling high-performance models one after another since the beginning of the year. In February, it launched a high-performance RS model based on the top model of its Q series, the New Q8, and recently unveiled the high-performance model S5 alongside the mid-size sedan New A5, which is set to launch in the second half of the year.
Not only imported cars but also domestic brands are accelerating their assault on the high-performance car market. Following Hyundai's N and Kia's GT, Genesis is strengthening its position in the motorsports market with its Magma brand. Renault Korea plans to officially introduce the high-performance brand Alpine to the domestic market next year.