Forget the Porsche 911 – here is the world’s new benchmark sports car it’s the two-seat Mercedes-AMG GT S and it arrives in Australia in July priced at $295,000.
If you’ve been absent from the world in the last few months and have missed the details on this astonishing all-new ‘Benz, the news is it’s a front mid-engine lightweight aluminium spaceframe sports car using a transaxle (seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and differential at the rear) to optimize balance (47% front/53% rear) and enhance driving dynamics.
The Mercedes-AMG GT S is the world’s first sports car to use the ‘hot inside V’ internally mounted twin turbochargers.
The AMG 4.0-litre biturbo V8 delivers 375kW of power between 6000-6500rpm and peak torque of 650Nm from 1750-4750rpm.
It’s a genuine supercar, tipping the scales at only 1540kgs and covering zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at 9.4l/100kms.
Underneath is double-wishbone suspension front and rear derived from motorsport and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers from beautiful forged aluminium for reduced unsprung weight.
Electronically controlled damping and the AMG Dynamic Plus system (including a Dynamic Select ‘Race’ setting) are both standard (ceramic brakes are optional).
Wheels are 19x9 at the front and 11x20 at the rear with 265/35 R19 and 295/30 R 20 rubber.
Naturally the Mercedes-AMG GT S is a poster child for cutting edge automotive technology – for example the mix of different materials including magnesium and aluminium enable the bodyshell to set a new sports car benchmark weight of just 231kgs.
If that’s not enough, you’d best consider the Mercedes-AMG GT S ‘Edition 1’.
Like other AMG ‘Edition 1’ models, this takes the GT S down an even sportier road.
There’s an aerodynamic package which brings a larger front splitter with a smooth transition to the flics on the front apron side air intakes, front wheel arch flics, a fixed rear aerofoil and black trim for the side sill panels.
And an ‘Exterior Night Package’ including a diamond grille in black with louvre in high-gloss black, front wing fins in high-gloss black, high-gloss black exterior mirrors, diffuser trim strip in high-gloss black, black tailpipes and tinted glass for the rear side windows and rear windscreen.
And the 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels are 10-spoke alloys painted in high-sheen black.
Inside is a black Nappa leather interior with performance seats And a Dinamica microfiber flat-bottom performance steering wheel.
