The
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was a fantastic grand tourer. As the successor to
the 300SL Gullwing (mostly in spirit), the SLS AMG reminded automakers
and buyers everywhere that Mercedes does more than shove big engines
into its standard offerings. Now, with the SLS AMG in our rearview
mirror, there’s a power vacuum in the M-B lineup; thankfully, the
automaker came to the rescue with the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT, a raucous
grand tourer that’s sure to bite into F-Type and 911 sales.
At its core, the AMG GT is a proper successor to the SLS AMG, because both of them share a fair bit of chassis architecture. However, that’s where the similarities end. The biggest sub-dermal change comes by way of the engine; under the hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, packing either 456 horsepower (on the base GT) or 503 horsepower (in the higher-trim GT S). Mercedes estimates that the GT S will hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it a fair bit quicker than its closest two competitors, the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Jaguar F-Type R coupe.
The AMG GT’s exterior still follows the same long-hood, rear-cab layout of the SLS AMG, but the gullwing doors are eschewed in favor of traditionally hinged ones. The front end carries most of the same visual cues as other Mercedes cars, especially in the headlight design. The rear end, while thick and muscular, tapers off into a softly rounded rear bumper, with taillights that remind us of another recently-released Mercedes, the S-Class Coupe. There’s an electronically-activated rear wing, but that breaks up the elegance a bit.
The interior, too, follows along with most of Mercedes’s current design cues. The AMG Affalterbach emblem is embossed into the center armrest. The centrally-mounted touchpad and dial are the same there, as well, as is the navigation screen that looks as if it’s floating in front of the dashboard. Round vents, soft lines, and blends of both color and texture litter the cabin, making the car feel every bit worth its six-figure price tag.
Of course, you’re not buying a poser-mobile with some racy looking bits and a big ol’ engine. Mercedes-AMG built this car not just for the street, but also for the track. The engine uses a dry-sump lubrication system to maintain oil pressure under heavy g-forces. The GT S has an electronically-locking rear differential to help maintain traction. The transmission is actually a transaxle, mounted to the rear differential to keep the vehicle as balanced as possible. Combine these things with a low curb weight and a motorsport-based suspension, and you’ve got a car that will tear up whatever surface it touches.
Given its size and its specifications, the AMG GT will stand as a perfect competitor to the Jaguar F-Type and the Porsche 911, two expensive grand tourers that attempt to give owners the best blend of comfort and performance. However, Mercedes is attempting to shoot over the heads of both these companies, at least in terms of price; the AMG GT should start around $120,000, about 20 grand more than either the Porsche or the Jaguar.
At its core, the AMG GT is a proper successor to the SLS AMG, because both of them share a fair bit of chassis architecture. However, that’s where the similarities end. The biggest sub-dermal change comes by way of the engine; under the hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, packing either 456 horsepower (on the base GT) or 503 horsepower (in the higher-trim GT S). Mercedes estimates that the GT S will hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it a fair bit quicker than its closest two competitors, the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Jaguar F-Type R coupe.
The AMG GT’s exterior still follows the same long-hood, rear-cab layout of the SLS AMG, but the gullwing doors are eschewed in favor of traditionally hinged ones. The front end carries most of the same visual cues as other Mercedes cars, especially in the headlight design. The rear end, while thick and muscular, tapers off into a softly rounded rear bumper, with taillights that remind us of another recently-released Mercedes, the S-Class Coupe. There’s an electronically-activated rear wing, but that breaks up the elegance a bit.
The interior, too, follows along with most of Mercedes’s current design cues. The AMG Affalterbach emblem is embossed into the center armrest. The centrally-mounted touchpad and dial are the same there, as well, as is the navigation screen that looks as if it’s floating in front of the dashboard. Round vents, soft lines, and blends of both color and texture litter the cabin, making the car feel every bit worth its six-figure price tag.
Of course, you’re not buying a poser-mobile with some racy looking bits and a big ol’ engine. Mercedes-AMG built this car not just for the street, but also for the track. The engine uses a dry-sump lubrication system to maintain oil pressure under heavy g-forces. The GT S has an electronically-locking rear differential to help maintain traction. The transmission is actually a transaxle, mounted to the rear differential to keep the vehicle as balanced as possible. Combine these things with a low curb weight and a motorsport-based suspension, and you’ve got a car that will tear up whatever surface it touches.
Given its size and its specifications, the AMG GT will stand as a perfect competitor to the Jaguar F-Type and the Porsche 911, two expensive grand tourers that attempt to give owners the best blend of comfort and performance. However, Mercedes is attempting to shoot over the heads of both these companies, at least in terms of price; the AMG GT should start around $120,000, about 20 grand more than either the Porsche or the Jaguar.
Funny enough, mercedes benz has always been ma best, buh wen I take a look at the price.... #smh
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