Last week a select group of dealership employees and members of the AMG Private Lounge were invited to Palm Beach for an exclusive look at the upcoming AMG GT S. This new vehicle is the second creation of AMG (following the SLS AMG) and is entering the Sports Car segment in spring of 2015.
Two representatives from Atlanta Classic Cars attended the employee event and can share first hand impressions. Doug Strong, far left, and Nash Solanki, third from left, spent two days racing around the track and the hills of California and have come back excited about this new vehicle!
Technically:
“Hot Inside V” Turbocharger configuration. The exhaust manifolds are on the top of the engine, rather than the bottom, which makes for shorter runners. It eliminates the turbo lag and also makes the engine more efficient. Emissions are lowered because the catalytic converters are on top to treat the exhaust sooner.
Active Electromechanical Engine and Transaxle Mounts: This feature uses electricity to change the viscosity of the oil for a comfort or sport ride. This allows for very distinctive differences between a cushy street set-up and a very stiff track set-up.
Carbon Fiber Drive Shaft: The drive shaft is only 8.8 lbs! The lower weight is obviously a benefit and it also has less drive line losses for more power.
Driving Impression:
The sound of the vehicle is incredible. It has throatiness that is usually missing from a turbocharged engine. This sound can be turned up or down with the exhaust flap button to have the best of both worlds.
The handling on the car is laser sharp. Point the wheel and it will go where you are asking. The suspension is stiffer than the SLS and responds perfectly.
Race mode makes this a perfect race car. It will hold the car at 5000 rpms for a very aggressive track experience.
On surface streets the car is surprisingly comfortable. Most sports cars in this category are much stiffer and would not be ideal for daily driving.
Looks:
Solarbeam Yellow was the star of the show! It glows in the sun.
The large intakes on the front with the intercooler is a balance of style and performance.
The hatchback is a little retro, very practical and great looking!
Competitor Vehicles:
Jaguar F-type R – 5 litre supercharged V8, 7-speed. Good sound but lacks power and torque compared to the GT S. Not as fun to drive. The interior was not as intuitive and lacked polish.
911 Carrera 4S – All-Wheel Drive, wide body. Stunning car, handles well. Seems a little dated. Not as thrilling in the mountains because of the rougher ride. Not as comfortable all around.
Overall:
This is Nash’s new favorite car! It is a technological marvel. It is exhilarating to drive. It is an emotional experience! The handling, the braking, the comfort, the race experience – it does it all well! The styling is a work of art. This is destined to be a classic and the best of both worlds – a race car and a daily driver.
Thanks for sharing your impressions Nash! Order early…with the amount of great press this car is getting the order banks will fill up well before the car is launched!