The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S makes no secret about its aspirations to take on the Porsche 911 Turbo in performance and style, but now it will try to undercut the rear-engine mainstay in price. But don’t forget about the Brits in this German shuffle, given that the Jaguar F-Type R coupe out-muscles both the Benz and the Porsche with its demonic 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 and sub-$100,000 starting price.
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S
Let’s stick to the Germans to start. The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S will start at $130,825 including destination, compared to $152,095 for the 911 Turbo. Affalterbach will pack the AMG GT S with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the Porsche 911 Turbo utilizes the brand’s iconic flat-six engine, displacing 3.8 liters and turbocharged to 520 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. The front-engine Mercedes-AMG GT S sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds on its way to a 193-mph top speed, while the 911 Turbo does the deed in 3.2 seconds with a 195-mph top speed. (Not to be ignored, the 2015 Porsche 911 GTS starts at $120,035, complete with its 430-hp flat-six and 3.8-second 0-60-mph sprint when equipped with the PDK automatic gearbox.)
There’s no doubt that both of these luxury track beasts are poised to go head-to-head, but where does the Jaguar F-Type R fit in the mix? Its 550-hp supercharged V-8 puts it at the top of the pack in terms of raw power, which is even more tempting considering the $99,000 cost of entry. It’s arguably the most attractive of the three cars, but it falls a bit flat in the performance department: 4.0 seconds from 0-60 mph and a top speed of 186 mph. It’s heavy on style, but it’s also just plain heavy—3,637 lbs versus 3,516 for the Porsche and a still-unofficial 3,400 lbs for the AMG GT S.
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S
More good news—the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S comes with a decent suite of standard fare. In addition to the uprated engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, you’ll also get AMG brakes, AMG selectable exhaust, AMG adaptive suspension, LED headlamps, heated AMG performance seats, keyless entry, a premium Burmester sound system, Comand infotainment with satellite radio, a rearview camera, park assist, and forward collision warning. There are also plenty of optional colors, interior leather schemes, upgraded wheels, and available carbon ceramic brakes.
Other stand-alone options include a carbon-fiber engine cover, door-sill covers, panoramic roof, various exterior styling trims, and a carbon-fiber or silver fiberglass crossbar. The Lane Tracking package offers blind-spot warning and lane-keep assist technology, while the AMG Dynamic Plus package adds selectable driving modes, dynamic engine and transmission mounts, and an AMG steering wheel.
There will be 386 total examples of the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S Edition 1. This limited-run GT S adds unique styling and aerodynamic bits, a Black Diamond interior, Edition 1 badges, as well as the Lane Tracking, AMG Night Styling, and AMG Dynamics Plus package.
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S
The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S goes on sale this April, with the standard AMG GT to follow in Spring 2016.
Via: Automobile Mag
