‘Handcrafted by racers’, is the catch phrase Mercedes Benz is using for the new AMG GT. And it’s quite a statement.
It implies that the AMG GT is a track focused sports car, something Merc has never done before. No doubt you’re saying to yourself, “what about the SLS?” Well other than a few layout similarities there’s not a lot that ties the SLS super-sports car to the AMG GT.
Mercedes AMG GT
The technical stuff
That’s because the GT has been crafted from the ground up by AMG, using techniques and materials that are normally reserved for actual racing cars. The code-name M178 four litre twin turbo charged V8 is dry sumped – the only sports car in the world to go this route – to lower the car’s centre of gravity as much as possible.
Those turbo chargers sit inside the V, allowing for a compact engine and reducing the length of the intakes, which significantly improves throttle response and reduces turbo lag. Moving to the rear, there’s a seven speed double clutch gearbox sitting on the rear axle, another first. This gives the GT optimal weight distribution and keep that all important centre of gravity low.
The engine and gearbox sit on dynamic mounts, which stiffen in sporty driving modes to reduce the engine’s weight transfer having an affect on handling characteristics. But then soften in normal driving conditions to limit vibrations transferring to the body shell.
The combination is simply sublime, and of course the performance is remarkable. 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and top speed is north of 300km/h. But the story doesn’t end with exceptional stats.
Aluminium is used extensively throughout the car, comprising over 90% of the spaceframe. There’s a steel bootlid, for rigidity and a bit of weight over the rear. In front of the front wheels AMG use super lightweight magnesium, thereby limiting inertia ahead of the front axle which helps to reduce understeer.
The rear axle is looked after by an electronic locking differential, which has on a variable locking effect, optimising turn in and traction on exit of a corner. Double-wishbone suspension is used at the front and rear – a technology adopted straight from motorsport, and using forged aluminium to reduce unsprung mass.
The drive
Now, you must forgive me for all the technical detail above, it just highlights the lengths to which AMG has gone to make the GT the ultimate sports car. The results of their efforts are clear as day once you get behind the wheel.
I recently spent the day driving the AMG GT, from the AMG headquarters at Zwartkops Raceway through the Johannesburg and Pretoria countryside to the Gerotek test facility. We were let loose on the high speed banked oval to get a sense of the GT’s immense power. I can assure you it’s plenty quick enough.
The drive home highlighted the car’s ability to be civilised, enough to be used everyday. In comfort mode the GT cruises along at a whisper, keeping revs low and dialing out road imperfections remarkably well. The double clutch gearbox handles itself nicely, with smooth slick changes. Creature comforts bathe the leather and aluminium trimmed interior. I’d happily sit in the worst of Johannesburg’s traffic in the GT.
But it’s on the racetrack the AMG GT really comes alive. With a wide-eyed AMG driving instructor sat next to me, we hurtled down the main straight at Zwartkops Raceway before dabbing the brakes and dipping into the first corner, a fast sweeping left hander that dips down into the apex before rising to a sharp braking point. It’s a corner that requires a fair dose of bravery.
The GT clung to the tarmac like nothing I’ve ever driven around there. Front end grip is mega. You can really feel the effect of that clever weight distribution. Composed and balanced, giving exceptional confidence to get back on the loud pedal.
Then there are the brakes, a set of optional carbon ceramic discs measuring in at a whopping 402mm in diameter. They’re brilliant. Progressive and linear in their application, precise enough for nice modulation to adjust both force and entry into the corner (a bit of trail braking is always nice). The standard steel brakes are less effective though – and suffer from fade after 4 or 5 laps at full tilt – so get the ceramics.
Unleashing 375kW along the back straight is no easy task thanks to a gentle curve. In most cars this is tackled at full throttle. The GT’s immense power requires a little lift – it’s that quick, topping out at near 190km/h before you’re back on the anchors.
There’s a precision to the AMG GT that I’ve not experienced in a car before. And that gives you the confidence to explore the car’s limits without fear of binning it into a wall. It’s balanced and subtle, but brutal on power delivery, throttle response and traction.
Any AMG wouldn’t be such without a proper bit of noise as well. The GT delivers it in spades. Nice cracks and burbles on up and down shifts, and a solid roar when the pedal is mashed into the carpet.
Mercedes AMG GT
The Verdict
Yes, I like this car. And I didn’t think I would if I’m honest. The pictures don’t do its subtle lines any justice and make the proportions look a bit funny. In the flesh there’s a presence about it.
And of course it’s a brilliant thing to drive. AMG pulled out all the stops on this one, utilising actual racing technologies to produce a car that feels at home on a track, yet is perfectly happy bumbling along a motorway, or doing the daily grind.
The question of course is whether the GT can steal some of Porsche’s lunch. After all it’s the 911 that has dominated this segment for 40 years. Unfortunately without having driven them back to back it’s hard to say, but what I can tell you is that with all that technology – and the raw appeal of that V8 – I’m more drawn to the Merc.
Via: BizNews.com
