. . . on the road . . . Interview with Gorden Wagener

Even the town’s name was changed. Affalterbach became Affasterbach – unofficially, of course, and just for this evening. A full-on stage show with lights, fog, music, international guests ranging from Formula 1 drivers to Roger Federer. Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, explained it like this: “The best minds from our global development departments have contributed their extensive expertise – from Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen and Untertürkheim to Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach and YASA in England, right through to our Formula 1 powertrain experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth.” The result gleams in orange: Concept AMG GT XX. Packing over 1,300 horsepower, it showcases AMG’s cutting-edge technology program. But what does that actually look like?

Mr. Wagener, the Concept AMG GT XX clearly echoes the C111 series – a prototype series from the seventies with highly efficient aerodynamics, at least by the standards of that era.

That’s right. Though I should clarify that I’m not a fan of the whole “form follows function” philosophy. Because in addition to function, there is emotion, and that is what brings design to life. Sure, aerodynamics plays a role in a performance car, but it doesn’t end there. What we’re after is something spectacular, almost exaggerated. Something that looks like it was drawn by the hand of a designer – bold, emotional, iconic.

Instead of “form follows function”, what resonates more with you?

We prefer to say: form follows emotion. Yes, aerodynamics are important, and of course the Concept AMG GT XX is highly efficient aerodynamically. But its form isn’t dictated solely by function – it’s driven by expression and personality. An AMG isn’t just meant to drive incredibly well – it needs to excite and fascinate us visibly as well. Our designers have embraced the challenge of blending technical innovation with aesthetic power. Those sharp lines and bold surfaces, that clear silhouette – it’s not just about function, it’s about making a statement. That’s how you turn a car into an icon.

So you see form as being expressive – not purely rational?

Exactly. A good car can – and should – have an emotional look, not just a sensible one. Of course it’s important that aerodynamics and aesthetics work together. But that alone isn’t enough for us designers. Our job is also to ensure that the vehicle has an individual, recognizable and emotional character. People don’t buy a car just because it has a good drag coefficient. They buy it because it also stirs something in them.

So aerodynamics come second?

That’s going a bit too far. Again – we design production cars, not race cars. And we know that design is the number one reason people buy a car. Still, I wouldn’t go so far as to establish a hierarchy here. Ideally, aerodynamics and design complement each other, especially in a sports car. And let’s not forget – aerodynamics is critical for high performance, particularly at high speeds. At 300 km/h, over 80 percent of the engine power is used just to overcome drag. That shows how crucial efficient aerodynamics really are in the high-performance sector. This leads to key visual characteristics too – and authentic ones at that: the car’s flat profile, the raked windshield, the low hood, the steeply slanted side windows and the absence of a rear window, just to name a few.

What makes the proportions of the Concept AMG GT XX stand out? And how important are details in the overall concept? 

Proportions are everything when it comes to emotional impact. We deliberately chose a wide track, a long wheelbase and a low roofline to convey strength and dynamism. This combination creates both tension and ( ... )

→ Read the entire interview with Gorden Wagener in the new ramp #68 »Happy as a Clam«!