New for 2016
The 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GT S is an all-new model, and is the second car built from the ground up by the company's AMG® division.
The Very Embodiment of World Class
As the old saying goes, “If you want something done right you have to do it yourself.” So when Mercedes-Benz went searching for a replacement for the now-discontinued SLS AMG®, the only solution was to rely the experience and expertise of its own AMG® tuning vision.
The result is a beautifully crafted sports car built from the ground up to deliver a driving experience wholly unique to the Mercedes-Benz brand. The result is the breathtaking 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GT S.
Powertrain and Performance
The GT S is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, and driving the rear wheels through a 7-Speed AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® .
The V8 is an entirely new engine and includes many innovative features, including direct injection, dry-sump lubrication, and a “hot inside V” arrangement for the turbochargers--an all-new engine configuration in which the turbochargers are tucked inside the cylinder bank instead of on the sides. Besides taking up less space, this layout also reduces exhaust emissions and boosts responsiveness.
Packing plenty of power, the hand-crafted engine fires the bullet-like AMG® GT S to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 193 mph. As for fuel economy, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GT S earns 18 mpg combined (16 city/ 22 highway).*
Like any good sports car, though, the AMG® GT S is more than just a big engine. Helping the driver make the most of the engine’s power are a dual-clutch transmission that can shift faster than any person, and adaptive suspension and an AMG® Drive Control system, which provide adjustability for all sorts of driving conditions.
For proper balance, the AMG® GT S also features a rear-mounted transaxle, connected to the engine by a carbon-fiber shaft. Also at the back is an electronic limited-slip differential that ensures plenty of cornering positivity.
An optional AMG® Dynamic Plus Package sharpen things up even further with dynamic engine and transmission mounts, a widened power band, other handling tweaks, and an AMG® Performance steering wheel to harness all of it.
While the initial launch of the Mercedes-AMG® GT consists of the high-powered S variant, Mercedes-Benz will launch a slightly less powerful version that will feature the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 tuned to generate 456 hp.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GT S starts at $129,900** and is a two-door, two-seat coupe. Currently only the GT S model is available, but Mercedes-Benz does plan on launching a slightly less powerful version soon.
Since the AMG® GT S is a Mercedes-Benz as well as a sports car, it isn’t surprising that luxury is emphasized as much as performance. Standard equipment includes COMAND® infotainment system with touchpad controller, eight-inch freestanding display screen, multifunction steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Burmester Surround Sound system.
Other standard equipment found in the 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GT S includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, an electronically controlled rear differential, an adaptive suspension, and a dynamic exhaust system with driver-selectable settings.
The GT S also comes with front and rear parking sensors, which should make parking the car much easier (we wouldn’t want any scratches or scrapes!).
In addition to the standard equipment, the list of options includes mbrace telematics system, and Mercedes-Benz Apps, which includes a suite of apps such as Google and Yelp search, Facebook, and informational services such as local movie times, gas prices, and an RSS Newsfeed.
Exterior/Interior
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG® GT S embodies classic sports-car styling. Inheriting the front-mid engined chassis of the SLS AMG®, its wheels are pushed to the corners and the hood stretches into next week like the vintage SL sports cars and grand prix racers Mercedes-Benz will almost certainly use in AMG® GT S ads.
The classic proportions are given a modern edge with the optional AMG® Exterior Carbon Fiber Package which, just as the name says, adds some carbon-fiber pieces, including a front splitter, front fender vent fins, mirror caps, and a fixed rear spoiler.
The two-seat cabin features a proper thick-rimmed steering wheel and heavily-bolstered sport seats, and one of the most unusual center consoles in a production car today. It’s flank by eight buttons arranged in a “V” in commemoration of the car’s extroverted engine.
At the center of it all is a new touchpad controller, which combines said pad with a rotary wheel for more intuitive access to the infotainment features.
Simply put, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG® is a beautiful car. It perfectly captures the excitement and feel of a true performance machine while exuding both elegance and sophistication—two traits Mercedes-Benz vehicles are famous for.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Mercedes-AMG® GT S includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, eight airbags, and ATTENTION ASSIST®. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist are available as part of the optional Lane Tracking Package.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GT S is a scintillating sports car worthy of its Mercedes-Benz and AMG® pedigree. It deftly delivers a dynamic driving experience that few, if any, can match, and it does so while enveloping drivers in world-class, Mercedes-Benz luxury.
For more information, or to schedule your test drive of this remarkable new model, be sure to contact or visit us at Sears Imported Autos today.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
