2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

NEW FOR 2016:

- All-new model.

Since 2004, Mercedes-Benz has been a key player in the supercar arena. It kicked off its efforts with the SLR, a vehicle that it co-developed with McLaren – and subsequently sold for more than US$400,000. Benz took development of its successor, the SLS AMG in-house, slashing prices to $198,000 when it was launched in 2011. For its third offering, the all-new AMG GT S, Mercedes has slashed prices to just $149,900 – and amazingly, performance hasn’t been compromised.

Yes, the GT loses the SLS’s gullwing doors, but it’s still a thoroughly attractive machine sporting a sleek, fastback-like profile that’s vaguely reminiscent of the classic Jaguar E-Type. The car’s width and stellar rear-biased weight distribution remains the same as the SLS AMG, but the car is nearly 10 cm shorter in length and sheds 50 kilos thanks to an all-aluminum chassis.

AMG’s engineers have outfitted the GT S with the all the high-performance technology one could reasonably ask for: active exhaust, three-mode adaptive dampers, an electronic limited slip rear differential. Active engine mounts, and carbon ceramic brakes are also available.

Meanwhile the cabin is more spacious thanks to the taller body shell and the fitment of regular doors, while fit and finish is every bit as fine as a sports flagship ought to be.

Unlike the past two generations of Mercedes supercar, the GT goes the turbocharged route. The engine shrinks from 6.2 litres to 4.0, and power dips from 583 hp to 503. But torque remains steady, and it’s accessible from just 1750 rpm instead of 4750. As with the old SLS, the AMG GT drives the rear wheels through a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Mercedes-Benz quotes a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h.

The GT is available in GT S and Edition 1 trims. A standard base model will arrive next year.

Standard equipment includes staggered 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, retractable rear spoiler, red painted brake calipers, proximity key with push-button start, illuminated door sills, Burmester surround sound system, COMAND with touchscreen interface, fixed panoramic roof, lithium-ion battery, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and rear-view mirror, AMG floor mat, Dinamica headliner, automatic climate control, heated front seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, power adjustable passenger’s seat, cargo net, alarm, forward collision warning with auto-brake, attention assist, full LED headlight, automatic high beams, parking sensors, reverse camera, rain-sensing wipers, power folding exterior mirrors, passive blind spot assist, 12-volt power outlet, electric parking brake, power windows, AMG Sports Exhaust, garage door opener, Ride Control sports suspension, tire pressure monitoring system.

Edition 1 includes carbon fibre roof, Nappa leather and Dinamica upholstered AMG Performance Seats with red contrast stitching, red seatbelts, bicolour 19-/20- inch AMG wheels, full Dinamica AMG performance Steering Wheel, AMG Aerodynamics Package including fixed wing rear spiler, larger front splitter, extended wheel arches, and side skirt attachments, Night Package with gloss black exterior trim.

Exclusive Pacakge adds extended trim elements in door armrest, and matching trunk cross bar trim in carbon fibre, matte carbon fibre or matte silver fiberglass.

The AMG Track Package adds high-performance sports tires, firmer sports suspension, further engine performance tuning in Race and ‘M’ modes, active engine mounts, AMG Performance Steering Wheel, instrument cluster with yellow dials, and AMG Dynamics Plus Package.

Key options include exterior carbon fibre trim, carbon fibre interior doorsills, carbon fibre engine cover, Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, AMG carbon ceramic brake systems, AMG performance steering wheel.