PRICE : 2016 Mercedes Benz AMG GT - $129,900
In terms of design and performance, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT is a bold move squarely aimed at the Porsche 911.
That’s not to say the sleek, stylish lines don’t pay homage to the incumbent; on the contrary. There are hints of the 911 throughout the AMG GT’s exterior design, but most especially at the rear, where the thing, semi-crescent tail lights and smooth, round forms produce a definite hint of the thing to be left, well…behind. At the nose, and from the side, however, there’s much more to remind the viewer of the previous SLS AMG GT, the qullwinged predecessor of this very similar yet very different car.
One of the primary differences from the SLS AMG GT to be found in the new Mercedes-AMG GT is the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. With 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet on tap, the new engine is about 80 hp less powerful than the previous 6.2-liter V-8, but thanks to the turbochargers, there’s more torque on demand just about everywhere across the rev range.
Add to the shorter, stiffer platform of the AMG GT the new dynamic engine and driveline mounts found with the Dynamic Plus Pack on GT S models, and you have the most impressive handling to be found in an AMG car to date. In fact, you have handling that’s capable of rivaling the current 991 Porsche 911. And with the AMG GT’s hydraulic steering, the feel and finesse gets a nod in the Mercedes’ favor.
That’s right, the hydraulic steering on the AMG GT is simply brilliant. In a world of simulated steering feel, even with the very good solutions offered by Porsche in the 911 and Boxster, the hydraulic assist offered in the AMG GT is a breath of fresh vintage air—and a revelation for the fingertips.
At launch, and for the first year of sales, the AMG GT will only be available in GT S form, which includes the 503-hp engine and some other upgrades, including more packages to improve handling and other aspects of performance. For the 2017 model year, AMG will add the standard AMG GT, which downgrades output to 456 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, as well as shunning some of the more complex or expensive performance options included standard with the GT S.
Inside the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT there’s a lot to admire as well, except for space. Sure, there’s a snug cockpit for the driver and an even more cozy place for the passenger—but there’s not back seat to even sniff at—not even the vestigial nubs of the 911. Material, design, and quality are top-notch, however, with premium leathers, real metals, and top-tier plastics all making appearances.
There’s no crash data for the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT at present, nor is there likely to be, as the $110,000-130,000 base price of the GT and GT S will keep it from seeing the offset impact sled. The EPA rates the AMG GT S at 16 mpg city, 22 highway, 18 combined, which is predictably thirsty.
For more details on the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, including its driving characteristics and more, visit our first drive report at Motor Authority.
EXTERIOR
"The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a sports car in its purist form," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. "Breathtaking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars. The GT is a consummate combination of beauty and intelligence."
The new Mercedes-AMG GT embodies the sensual purity of sportiness and emotion. The two-seater is characterised by hallmark rear-wheel-drive proportions. The V8 biturbo front mid-engine ensures optimum weight distribution, which forms the basis for superb driving dynamics. The long bonnet with its pronounced powerdomes, the greenhouse which has been moved far back, the large wheels and broad tail end make up the distinctive looks. The large tailgate conceals a practical luggage compartment.
Positively arched surfaces give the Mercedes-AMG GT its sensuous character and the appearance of a sculpture. Viewed from the side, the dome-shaped, arched roof line and the frameless doors are eye-catching features. A muscular element sculpted out of the side wall creates a sense of lightness and dynamism, even when the vehicle is at a standstill. The surfaces and lines of the side wall flow into the rear-end with a dramatic tapered effect. The GT deliberately avoids lines in the shoulder region. The only line is one lower down, picked up again in the rear bumper, which stretches the body and makes it appear lighter. The side air outlets, each with two fins, represent a typical, styling feature of Mercedes-Benz sports cars. The GT has no visible aerials which could disrupt the overall appearance.
The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the coupé a superior, self-confident front: the three-dimensional diamond radiator grille with central Mercedes star, a broad louvre and AMG lettering stands in the centre of the front end. LED High Performance headlamps with stylised "eyebrows" as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators, as well as three separate high-beam reflectors lend the GT its characteristic look.
Large air intakes optimise the flow of air to the cooling modules. The A-wing with front splitter in the lower third of the front apron, a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, makes the sports car appear low-slung and wide. While the front splitter is painted in the body colour on the GT, it comes with a high-gloss black finish on the GT S. Overall, customers can accentuate the exterior design according to their personal preferences: options available include the Exterior Silver Chrome package, the Night package and the Exterior Carbon-Fibre package.
► Broad shoulders for an emotional overall appearance
With its base areas, broad shoulders and narrow tail light graphics, the rear area creates an emotional overall appearance. The licence plate bracket is located in the lower part of the bumper, allowing the Mercedes star to be placed prominently on the smooth-surfaced boot lid. Added to which is an extendable rear aerofoil, which is concealed from view while the car is at a standstill. The black diffuser insert with tailpipes integrated into the bumper and the trim strip in matt iridium silver inspired by the A-wing in the front create a visual sense of lightness across the entire tail end.
Flat, wide tail lights with new sequential turn signals reflect state-of-the-art technology. 18 individual LEDs on each side indicate where the driver intends to turn by sequentially illuminating them from the inside to the outside.
The tail lights underline both the sporty styling of the rear, as well as the attention to detail and sophistication - form and function combine in a unique way to create a perfect unit.
INTERIOR
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT's cockpit is a thing of beauty. The design, materials and workmanship are all top-notch. Buyers have the ability to customize the space with different upholstery materials, contrasting stitching and trim choices that include matte or glossy carbon fiber. The 8-inch display boasts crisp graphics, but it looks a bit like an iPad perched atop the center vents and is one of the few inelegant touches in an otherwise stunning cabin.
Mercedes' latest version of the COMAND interface controls what appears on that display. Floating above the traditional dial controller is a touchpad that mimics tablet and trackpad gestures like swiping, pinching and tapping. You can also trace letters and numbers on the surface (when inputting a street address, for example), though this feature is mainly aimed at buyers whose primary language does not use the Roman alphabet. Although the new touchpad takes some getting used to, COMAND remains one of the best infotainment systems available.
The seats are well-bolstered for sporty driving, but their thin padding makes the AMG GT just uncomfortable enough that you wouldn't necessarily want to take it on a really long road trip. Taller drivers might not be able to slide or recline the seatback far enough to get comfortable. Outward visibility is limited by the thick A-pillars, low windshield header and long hood.
There's a useful amount of cargo space under the hatch, though at 12.4 cubic feet, it's slightly less than a Porsche 911's capacity. Soft luggage bags are a good choice to best fit the unusual shape, but you can squeeze a couple golf bags in there if you need to.
SPECIFICTION
► Year:2016
► Make:Mercedes
► Model:AMG GT
► Price:$ 129900 (Est.)
► Engine:V8
► Horsepower @ RPM:465 @ 6000 (Est.)
► Torque @ RPM:443 @ 1600
► Displacement:4.0 L
► 0-60 time:3.9 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:189 mph (Est.)
FEATURES
The basic GT is not on sale yet. However, the GT S comes standard with a Burmester surround sound system, a navigation system with an 80GB hard drive, keyless entry and go, dual-zone A/C, heated power-adjustable sport seats with a memory function, SiriusXM satellite radio with a six-month subscription, LED headlights, a rear-view camera, highbeam assist, black Nappa leather upholstery, black seat belts, Silver Chrome trim on the inside, red brake calipers as well as 19-inch alloy wheels up front and 20-inch units out back.
The list of standalone options includes dynamic engine mounts, ceramic brake discs, a host of different alloy wheel designs, additional paint colors, silver or red seatbelts, different shades of leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim on the center console, illuminated door sills, a carbon fiber engine cover and an upgraded Burmester sound system.
Mercedes-AMG also offers a number of option packages including the Exterior Silver Chrome package, the Night package and the Exterior Carbon-Fiber package.
DRIVETRAIN
Displacing 4.0 liters in a 90-degree, V-8 configuration, the aluminum block features a closed-deck design for added rigidity, while keeping its weight at only 461 pounds. The engine makes use of the innovated ‘Hot Vee’ configuration that routes the hot exhaust gases to the center Vee section, while the cool, fresh air is routed in from the outer sections of the cylinder heads. While it’s backwards from most conventional engines, it allows nearly instantiations pressure to the two turbochargers mounted within the Vee.
Forged aluminum pistons are fitted with ‘friction-optimized’ rings and the cylinder walls are covered with a NANOSLIDE coating for further friction reduction. A dry-sump oiling system keeps parts properly lubricated even when under extreme lateral Gs, and eliminates the need for a large oil pan. Without the bulky pan, Mercedes and AMG were able to lower the engine, decreasing the car’s overall center of gravity.
The four overhead cam shafts are fully variable in their timing and work with Piezo direct fuel injectors to deliver a precise amount of fuel for varying circumstances. The two turbochargers’ temperatures are kept in check by an indirect intercooling system with a low-temperature water circuit. The result is cooler air entering the engine at higher pressure. That combination helps the 4.0-liter V-8 generate its 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in the top-level Mercedes-AMG GT S. The oomph translates into a 0-to-60 mph benchmark of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph, figures that place the range-topping AMG GT between the 911 Carrera 4S and the Turbo.
There’s also a lower-tier engine that develops 456 ponies and 443 pound-feet of torque. The "lesser" GT is 0.2 seconds slower from naught to 60 mph and comes with a top speed of 189 mph.
PERFORMANCE
Power for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S comes from a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that cranks out 503 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission. In Edmunds testing, the AMG GT S launched from zero to 60 mph in a chest-compressing 3.6 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway).
When the AMG GT model debuts, it will have a detuned version of this powertrain with the V8 generating an estimated 456 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque
ENGINE
The newly developed AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine
The new high-performance engine springs to life at the push of a button: even the sound as the engine starts up brings you out in goose pimples. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine was developed specifically for the GT. The innovative eight-cylinder engine as the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family boasts outstanding power delivery, performance figures on a par with motor racing, lightweight construction as well as high efficiency and environmental compatibility. It boasts the brand's hallmark emotive V8 engine sound, along with an immediate response and high pulling power.
The new V8 also stands out with its precise power output, which is easily a match for a naturally aspirated engine. The driver truly appreciates the AMG engine, with its internal designation M178, particularly in M, or Race mode in the selectable drive modes, thanks to its linear power delivery, which makes it much easier to handle the vehicle at the limits. As part of this process, the sophisticated ECU even factors in the current driving condition and adjusts the accelerator response depending on the lateral forces generated.
With a displacement of 3982 cc, the V8 uses a range of technologies which are already being used in the 2.0-litre turbo engine in the A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG - presently the most powerful, series-production four-cylinder engine in the world. Both engines have the same bore/stroke ratio, providing the basis for high revving ability. The piezo direct petrol injection used at Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the mixture formation. The spray-guided combustion process was further developed in the third generation to meet all future legal requirements. The highly efficient and economical AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine meets the Euro 6 emissions standard, including the maximum particulate emissions level that takes effect in 2016.
SAFETY
The GT offers eight airbags, traction control and a three-stage ESP. It also comes with a long list of electronic driving aids including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, a technology that warns the driver if he or she is too close to the car in front and automatically applies the brakes if it senses a collision is imminent. The coupe also comes with Adaptive Brake, Attention Assist, parking sensors, Mercedes' Pre-Safe technology and a rear-view camera.
Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist can be ordered at an extra cost.
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