The brand new Mercedes-AMG GT impresses with the sound of the V8 engine as solely AMG can, however does the coupe additionally impresses by way of lateral dynamics with energetic aerodynamics, variable all-wheel drive and energetic anti-roll bars? German auto motor und sport journal provides its verdict.
Picture: Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-AMG GT already has a historical past. It was the primary SLS AMG with butterfly doorways. Then Mercedes needed a extra inexpensive successor and launched the primary era AMG GT (C190). Now comes the successor to the C190, codenamed C192.
However whereas the C190 was the flagship of the AMG division, the C192 is a by-product of the brand new SL roadster model. Due to this fact, the essential query is how totally different is the brand new AMG GT optionally accessible with a glass roof from the brand new SL with the textile roof?
The brand new SL developed by AMG on a devoted platform is the sportiest SL thus far, however as we noticed in our SL check, it isn’t a purebred sports activities automobile however goals to mix the qualities of an athlete with these of an on a regular basis GT.
The brand new Mercedes-AMG GT takes the technical foundation from the SL with an aluminum construction, however solely the doorways are an identical to the SL. The inside is just like the SL, with pure metallic inserts, fantastic leather-based upholstery, and a multimedia system with a portrait show. With the elective Efficiency seats, the motive force sits very low and perched nearer to the center of the automobile than earlier than.
The rear emergency seats are solely accessible as an choice for 1,904 euros, and if ordered, rework the AMG GT from a 2-seater to a 2+2 seater. And in contrast to the SL, the 2 seats provide extra than simply two baby seats or a boot extension. The boot can be sensible with a quantity of 321 to 675 litres.
The brand new double-wishbone entrance axle has allowed the use wider Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S with a dimension of 295. The bigger wheels give an excellent grip on the entrance, whereas the rear axle with wheels that rotate 2.5 levels in the identical or other way to the entrance relying on pace is 31 mm wider and contributes to wonderful agility.
Additionally, the suspension with electronically managed interconnected dampers cancels out any physique roll and helps the coupe get nearer to the asphalt as pace will increase. That is made doable by aerodynamic methods. A carbon profile drops beneath the bodywork at over 80 km/h, like within the case of SL, and will increase downforce because of a Venturi impact. Vertical flaps within the spoiler and horizontal flaps within the radiator grille regulate the airflow, and the rear wing has 5 adjustment positions from -11 levels to +22 levels for the race observe.
All in all, the coupe is a little more incisive than the SL model. It hides its giant 2-ton weight properly with a very good weight distribution of 54/46% entrance/rear. It feels lighter than the SL, and it helps that the fastened roof is 40% stiffer and the suspension is tuned firmer than the SL. Logically, it’s not very comfy on cobblestone roads, however that’s regular for a sports activities automobile.
The V8 nonetheless makes good music
The V8 engine nonetheless sounds nice and hasn’t misplaced any of its tone and exclusivity, being assembled by one man. The engine retains its excellent sound regardless of the introduction of the particulate filter and the amplification offered by the Burmester audio system. It will please AMG followers in addition to the rumble in Race mode and the truth that Mercedes didn’t use any hybrid system.
The M177 engine has a brand new oil tub, the crankcase is actively vented, the intercooler has been repositioned, and the consumption and exhaust pipes in addition to the catalytic converter and particulate filter have been redesigned. The 9-speed automated transmission with moist begin clutch is instantly connected to the engine and not positioned on the rear axle. Energy is distributed predominantly to the rear axle, with a most of fifty% on the entrance axle if required, and there’s a Drift Mode, which isn’t accessible on the SL.
Energy is in abundance, though the 800 Nm most torque is simply accessible from 2500 rpm. With launch management, the AMG GT reaches 100 km/h in simply 3.2 seconds. The highest pace is 315 km/h, however colleagues at Auto Motor und Sport who attended the launch occasion write that on the Granada occasion, in Spain, the police watched them with drones, so the highest pace will solely be examined on Germany’s no-speed restrict motorways.
VerdictThe new Mercedes AMG positions itself extra clearly as a sports activities automobile and drives extra excitingly than the SL. However there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
