Review
Mercedes AMG GT
The very first Mercedes was a racing car and it is within this tradition that we have to see the brand new Mercedes-AMG GT. A sturdy rear, a long hood and a cockpit placed far back give the GT the proportions of a true sports car. Accompanied by a roaring V8 biturbo, we set off with the 462 hp GT.
Motorizations
The Mercedes-AMG GT is available in two power variants, the AMG GT and the AMG GT S. The GT is available from 119,064 euros and has a power of 462 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. The GT sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and the top speed is 304 km/h. The AMG GT S graces your driveway from 138,303 euros and has a power of 510 hp and a max. torque of 650 Nm. This model is also slightly faster and goes from 3.8 seconds to 100 km/h. The top speed is electronically limited to 310 km/h. Both models are powered by a loud V8 BiTurbo with a lung capacity of 3,982 cc. The engine sends full power to the rear wheels and in terms of transmission, both models have a lightning-fast 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 4.0-liter V8 biturbo was specially developed for the GT and is characterized by, among other things, a lightweight construction, a V8 soundtrack that you can’t get enough of, fast throttle response and racing performance. The engine is assembled by hand in Affalterbach entirely according to AMG’s “one man, one engine” principle.
AMG Ride Control
The AMG GT S is equipped as standard with the AMG Ride Control sports chassis. This is optional on the AMG GT. Our test car (AMG GT) was also equipped with this option. The advantage of this system is that you can adjust the damping of the sports chassis to the driving situation. This can be done via a button or by choosing a driving program: comfort, sport and sport plus. In comfort, the adjustment of the shock absorber is aimed at comfortable driving, while in sport plus, for example, this will be very stiff. The shock absorption is different for each wheel and in addition to the selected setting, this also depends on the condition of the road surface and driving style. This makes this sports car also very useful in everyday life.
Sporty cockpit
The interior also exudes sportiness. In the center of the driver we find a sporty cockpit in carbon look. The sports steering wheel in nappa leather with three spokes and a flat bottom not only looks good, but also fits well in the hand. The sports seats fit like a glove, without feeling overly sporty or uncomfortable. This only contributes to usability for daily travel.
The center console (AMG Drive Unit) also contributes to the sporty look and feel of the AMG GT. On this console we find, among other things, the Dynamic Select button, the engine start button, the button for electronically adjusting the shock absorbers and a cup to adjust the exhaust sound.
Aluminum space frame
The performance of a sports car depends on the optimal possible distribution of weight with the aim of creating the lowest possible center of gravity. For the AMG GT, it was decided to make the car lighter at the front than at the rear. Due to the chosen construction, the weight ratio is 47:53 between the front axle and the rear axle.
The space frame of the AMG GT consists largely of aluminum and weighs just 231 kg. The front module is made of magnesium. The tailgate is made of steel and not aluminum to guarantee the necessary rigidity. By choosing these materials, the end result is an extremely light construction.
Driving experience
We can only describe the driving experience of the AMG GT as sublime. The car has loads of power available and even in the pouring rain the systems ensure that everything remains under control. The sound of the V8 in the cabin is heavenly and sounds a bit like a tiger roaring. In terms of steering behavior, it takes some getting used to pressing the accelerator at the right time in a bend, but once you get a feel for the car, this comes naturally. If you want to take it a bit easier, put the car in comfort mode and it is also very useful for daily trips.
Conclusion
The only pity about the AMG GT is that you see so little of it in everyday life. If you can spot one in the wild, it is a handsome appearance and a car that attracts a lot of attention. The color “AMG Solarbeam” is our personal favorite. Driving the AMG GT is a true experience, both in terms of pure racing performance and sound.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
