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Mercedes-Benz blends game and reality in Gran Turismo concept (pictures)

LOS ANGELES -- Mercedes-Benz showed incredible dedication to the upcoming Gran Turismo 6 video game, building a full-scale concept car to mirror its virtual counterpart. Called the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the name refers to Mercedes-Benz's performance division, its general term for its concept cars, and the popular racing game.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
The grille echoes that in the recent A-class concept unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show. It also borrows styling from the famous 300SL Gullwing, a main source of inspiration for this concept. But in a futuristic twist, LEDs cover the grille, and can be made to show different light patterns.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Mercedes-Benz claims that the AMG Vision concept uses its latest AMG V-8 engine, giving it 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Being a concept car, we won't get to test the truth of that claim, but those specs should carry over into the video game version.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
The oversize wheels have an extraordinary look, not to mention extraordinarily thin rubber.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Racing-style releases mark the back corners of the hood, and include LED accent lights, presumably so the pit crew can find them during 24-hour endurance races.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Instead of side mirrors, the AMG Vision uses cameras, a cue seen on many concept cars over the last decade.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
There is no rear window, and the rear spoiler appears to adjust based on vehicle speed.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
There is a huge amount of overhang under the rear of the car, accentuated by the tapered styling. Mercedes-Benz notes there are eight exhaust tips integrated into the rear of the car.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
The fuel filler echoes the look of the hood releases, and sits just behind the cabin.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
For the display, Mercedes-Benz put a racing helmet and firesuit-clad mannequin in the driver's seat. Or was it Mercedes-Benz's version of the Stig?
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
A translucent panel in on the steering-wheel column would presumably show relevant driving data, but the static display here has a graphic of the Nürburgring Südschleife.
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
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