Finally, after what felt like a million teasers, we can divulge all we know about the spectacular Mercedes-AMG GT. What are you waiting for?
It goes fast
The car comes in GT and GT S forms, both of which are powered by a hand-built four-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine codenamed ‘M178’. The GT gets 462 hp and 600Nm of torque, allowing a 0 to 62mph time of 4 seconds and top speed of 189mph. The 510hp, 650Nm-toting GT S, meanwhile, manages 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds and 193mph.
The boot is nearly as big as a Ford Focus’
Two-seaters are hardly the pinnacle of practicality, but at least the Mercedes-AMG GT has an impressive boot. Its hatchback design result in 350 litres of space, which is just shy of the 363 litres you get in a trusty Ford Focus. You’ll be the envy of your local Tesco supermarket in this thing.
It has an iPad-sized display
Okay, so the Tesla Model S and its 17-inch touchscreen is the current king when it comes to interior display sizes. But the Mercedes-AMG GT’s 8.4-inch COMAND display is still mighty impressive. The best feature surely has to be the ability to adjust the exhaust valves for a more potent engine roar.
It would hug a tree (if it had arms)
Such a big thirsty V8 should spend its life at petrol stations. To be fair, it probably will if you drive it like you’re a motoring journalist. But a lighter touch could yield as much as 30.1mpg while emitting 216g/km of CO2 emissions. How many supercars can say that?
What, no manual?
Hell no. Mercedes doesn’t trust your mash potato hands and sausage fingers. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is connected to flappy paddles on the steering wheel ensures the shifts are fast, flawless and ultimately fun.
A Black Series version is on the way
Even before the Mercedes-AMG GT lands, we’ve heard rumblings of a Black Series version. That means we will soon see an even faster, more performance focussed version of a fast, performance focussed car. Suffice to say, it will be frightening.
A Jaguar F-Type is fatter
Maybe the Jaguar F-Type R should consider a diet. Mercedes has somehow made the GT and GT S weigh 1,645kg – 5kg less than the Jag. Bear in mind that figure includes a 68kg driver, 7kg of luggage and a 90 per cent full fuel tank. The predominantly aluminium chassis weighs 231kg on its own.
It reacts to how you drive it
Dig a little deeper into your pockets for the AMG Dynamic Plus package, available on the GT S, and you can reap the benefits of engine and transmission mounts that can operate indepently. Drive fast and the mounts will tighten up for a more precise drive. Take it easy and you get a little extra comfort.
So how much are we talking, then?
An exact price is yet to be disclosed (we will know all in October), but a price of around £95,000 for the GT and £110,000 for the GT S is expected so it can take on the Jaguar F-Type R and Porsche 911. Deliveries start in April 2015 so there’s plenty of time to come up with a really effective money-making scam.
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