The Mercedes-AMG GT has just started it’s career, officially. It’s great to see this car doesn’t illustrate any kind of “uber” philosophy. At least, not in a striking way. The engine displacement is 4,0 litre only, the power of the top version is just above 500 PS and it’s presence doesn’t draw the attention by overwhelming dimensions. It’s top capabilities come from a fine balance of characteristics and plenty of advanced technical solutions.
Mercedes-AMG GT has an almost complete aliminium body, an optimum front/rear weight distribution of 43/57% (thanks to the transaxle layout of the transmission, mainly), a low-height center of gravity and a particularly refined chassis, which works under the supervision of the AMG Ride Control electronic system. This one offers three settings: Level C (basic setting, for a rather comfortable drive), Level S (for very curvy tracks, like the Nurburgring Nordschleife) and Level S+ (for fast tracks, like Hockenheim). It’s not yet the moment to go into the deep details, but mentioning the Mercedes-AMG GT counts on 462 PS and the Mercedes-AMG GT S counts on 510 PS, has it’s relevance.
No more reason to live in the past: the Mercedes-AMG GT is here. This granturismo coupe looks like it had been made exactly for those who were thinking “after the ’54 300 SL, Mercedes has never shown again such a charismatic sportscar.” During the decades, the typical SL-series evolved towards obvious luxury and comfort. Some other extreme machines were lately admired at the Mercedes-Benz stands from various motor shows (SLRs, SLS AMGs), yet none of those seemed to take things further exactly from the point where the classic 300 SL left them. Coming down directly from the racing arena 60 years ago, the streel-oriented 300 SL coupe was standing for a better everyday usability, original style, fine technology and genuine sportiness. None of it’s next successors kept straightly this direction. Yet, after having a first look at Mercedes-AMG GT, comes the sensation that this is the 300 SL of the 2000s second decade. OK, without these nice-looking, but damn incommodious gullwing doors. Anyone really angry about this?
