Mercedes-Benz has torched rivals Porsche in the countdown to the Paris Motor Show by revealing the hugely-anticipated Mercedes-AMG GT.
A two-seat sports car which takes aim at the Porsche 911, the Mercedes-AMG GT was mostly designed by Daimler AG but its development has been done completely in-house by AMG.
Power comes from a new biturbo 4.0-litre V8 code-named the M178 with dry sump lubrication and an adaptive aerodynamic duct to feed cool air to the turbocharger’s ‘hot-v’ – all driving the rear wheels via AMG’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
There are two models – the GT (345kW/600Nm) and the GT S (381kW/650Nm).
The Mercedes-AMG GT covers zero to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds while the GT S steps into the ‘supercar’ league with a time of 3.8 seconds.
Apart from the extra power and torque, the Mercedes-AMG GT S gains an electronically controlled differential (mechanical for the GT) and larger 390mm front brakes (360mm for the GT).
Different rubber too – 255/35 R 19 front/295/35 R 19 rears for the GT or 265/35 R 19 front/295/30 R 20 rears for the GT S.
Dimensionally, the Mercedes-AMG GT is 4,545mm long, 1.939mm wide and stands 1,289mm high. Overhangs are minimal and the wheelbase is 2,630mm.
For kerbweight you can chalk-up just 1,540kgs.
Underneath is a brilliant lightweight aluminium chassis and the GT S scores AMG Ride Control three-stage adaptive damping.
Styling is…well, drop-dead gorgeous and includes a retractable rear wing.
But get this – the Mercedes-AMG GT is a hatchback with a 350-litre cargo capacity. Stunning looks, awesome performance and practical…it can’t get any better can it?
Yes it can when you open the doors and glance inside where you’ll see beautiful nappa leather, brushed aluminium and carbon fibre plus the full gamut of AMG infotainment and driver aids technology.
Yes folks, the 2014 ‘Car Of The Year’ has been run and won by the Mercedes-AMG GT…well we think so any way.
