Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $147,500 (Base Price $130,825)
Seating Capacity: 2
Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; automatic adaptive highbeam headlights; a collision prevention system; an electronic stability program; LED headlamps; and a rearview camera; AMG high-performance braking system; and heated power folding mirrors
Standard Equipment: 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires; a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle; a touchpad controller to navigate the infotainment center; speed-sensing dynamic power steering; a keyless entry system; internal hood ducts; AMG performance steering wheel; race mode and race start function; rear-mounted transaxle and carbon driveshaft; a dual zone automatic temperature control; heated AMG performance seats with memory; Nappa leather; a power trunk; stainless steel door sill trim; and red brake calipers
Options On Review Model: 19-inch and 20-inch AMG Cross-Spoke Forged wheels; an exclusive black paint; AMG carbon fiber trim; AMG door sill plate; red seat belts; a black roof liner; ambient lighting; crossbar carbon fiber; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane keep assist system; and AMG Dynamics Package, which included a dynamic engine, transaxle mounts, AMG performance steering wheel in Dinamica, yellow instrument cluster dials, an enhanced suspension and steering profile
Suspension
System: Forge
aluminum double wishbone suspension
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Burmester AM/FM/HD with satellite surround sound system
Bluetooth Connectivity/USB Audio Ports: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mile warranty
Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mile warranty
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder/503-hp
Torque: 479-lb
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 16-city/22-hwy
What’s New: The sleek 2016 AMG GT S two seater hardtop is the newest addition to the German luxury brand. It replaces the SLS AMG.
Pros:
This long and sleek, low-seating, rear wheel drive work of art on wheels is
powered by one engine, a 503-horsepower, twin turbo engine. The new AMG GT S
combines the best as it relates to the exterior styling of two German makes,
obviously one being Mercedes-Benz, and the other being Porsche. Unlike most super
luxury sports cars, the front-engine, two-seater is literally capable of
adjusting the sound of the exhaust system, using a rotary dial system. We call
this ‘active noise on demand’ or in laymen terms -- being a show out. And with
this car, that’s what it’s designed for – to standout from the crowd.
Although
we did not personally have an opportunity to push this vehicle to its limits
because of the inclement weather, the AMG GT S is capable of sprinting from 0
to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Yes, you heard us right. This is one of the German
automaker’s well-engineered pocket rockets. However, we can confess to having a
brief moment of heaven, when we spotted a section of dry pavement. This sports
coupe literally through us in the seat as we departed from a traffic light.
Never before, had we experienced such exhilaration outside of a controlled race
track. Yes, this long and sleek monster had plenty of power to unleash, but we
reluctantly and with many regrets kept it tamed.
And
like all of today’s newer Mercedes-Benzs, the AMG GT S is outfitted with an
iPad-like intuitive infotainment system, which houses the audio and navigation
systems. It is all controlled by a futuristic and artfully-styled touchpad controller (or game controller).
Furthermore,
the interior of the vehicle screams race car, with its racing inspired power
bucket seats. Inside the cabin, it is obvious that the Germans have paid close
attention to details. Occupants can easily feel as though they are in an
aircraft, as opposed to an automobile. Yes, this is truly an aircraft on wheels
and the sky is the limit as it relates to speed, price and options.
Lastly,
we can’t forget that the AMG GT S offers usable trunk space, too.
Cons:
This is a true driver’s car. This two-seater, which lacks a true manual
transmission, is not designed for rugged city streets or just cruising around
town. This monster is suited for curvy roads, open highways and controlled race
tracks. Unlike the Corvettes or the Porsches, the ride is not compliant for
long distant road trips or city driving that requires a lot of stop-and-go.
Furthermore, the summer performance tires limit the vehicle’s ability to be
driven in extreme wet weather (and of course in wintery conditions). This is
truly a vehicle that begs for dry roads only.
Finally,
the AMG GT S only offers one engine. The SLS AMG it replaced offered two
engines. Even the standard engine offered significantly more power than the
vehicle we reviewed. With this AMG GT S being in its first model year, we can
only assume there are other variations to come.
Verdict: One of major gripes is that we did not have an opportunity to truly tap the power of the vehicle due to continuous almost Seattle-like rainy weather in Atlanta. This forced us to keep this tamed tiger in a cage. We were not truly able to unleash all that the vehicle had to offer. With that said, this head-turning sports coupe shows that it’s not only capable of building one of the world’s best luxury vehicles but that the German luxury automaker can produce a pure exotic sports car that goes head-to-head with Porsche, too.
Competition: Porsche 911, SRT Viper and Nissan GT-R
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