Mercedes-AMG GT S, supercar test Star – Sports Cars

Don't be fooled by the three-pointed star on the hood, Mercedes-AMG GT S this is real supercar: very fast, responsive and well balanced. The twin-turbo V8 responds angrily to every gas pressure, with no sign of hesitation despite the boost. Numbers alone are not enough to evoke emotions, but they are enough to understand what we are talking about, AMG GT S it produces 510 hp. and 650 Nm - all this is strictly loaded on the rear wheels - weighs 1.570 kg and boasts weight-to-power ratio at 3,22 kg / CV.

Charm for sale

As soon as you see it, the old glory of the Star immediately comes to mind with this long hood, especially in the silver paint. There Mercedes-AMG GT It lacks the gullwing of the iconic 300 SL of the XNUMXs, later carried over to the SLS AMG, but retains its genetic heritage. There AMG GTIn short, it has a stage presence that leaves you speechless. But the best comes when you launch it.

We climb aboard, press the START button, and we are amazed by the noise from which everything inside you vibrates: from Exhaust performance with variable exhaust butterflies, capable of "softening" the voice of the pounding 4.0 V8 engine or giving out all of its impulse, a dark sound is emitted, reminiscent of the sound of the Riva Acquarama. Shrill, immersive, but not annoying sound. At least for those inside the cab, with proper soundproofing.

La GT S it's a pretty comfortable supercar even on long trips - if the roads aren't too damaged - and the interior finishes are top notch, but it doesn't aspire to be a great touring car. We start our day with the Mercedes-AMG GT S from Rome, and on almost the entire route that goes to Spoleto, we test mainly its acceleration and recovery qualities on the straight.

But it is precisely when we approach our destination that we find a road suitable for us, winding and hilly, which must be strictly followed in Race Mode.

Ability to handle? We are on the Olympus of supercars

With a star on the bonnet and such a neat interior, we expected high performance, but not too much attention. Nothing is more wrong: this Bavarian supercar is dominated by the sporty side, starting with the performance of a supercharged V8 just impressive with the wide open gas beam.

In the face 510 h.p. power e 650 Nm of torque la GT S it rushes forward with enthusiasm (estimated time required to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h, just 3,8 seconds), and, above all, reacts violently to our every press. Starting with gas, with a reaction very close to that obtained with a naturally-aspirated engine. The AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is extremely fast.

The road is narrow and the asphalt is far from perfect, but there is AMG GT S does not put us in a quandary by being sincere and sociable about what happens to the wheels. Road holding is incredible and cornering traction surprisingly effective, despite being child's play, causing impressive oversteer. The beauty, however, is that you don't have to fight to fight when you are trying to go fast. This is made possible by the balanced weight (47:53 between front and rear) achieved with the front center engine and transaxle transmission, and a curb weight of only 1.570 kg (1.645 curb). Obviously there is limited slip differential, in this case electronically controlled, very responsive and adaptable to different driving decisions.

For the few, but not unattainable

If we think of the Mercedes SLS AMG from 2010 to 2014, then AMG GT It has price more "human": 125.200 462 euros in the version with 600 hp and 144.600 Nm and 200.000 400.000 euros for the AMG GT S, the most powerful of all that accompanied us on this wonderful route; The SLS AMG, on the other hand, costs around € XNUMX XNUMX. Not to mention the price of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which is well over € XNUMX XNUMX.

The AMG GT is thus a competitor to the Porsche 911. Of the 911 GTS, to be more precise, it is the closest to the AMG GT in terms of performance and price; or 911 Turbo, close to performance AMG GT S but equipped - for better or for worse - with all-wheel drive.