There are lots of numbers involved in shopping for a cars: power output, fuel consumption, number of airbags, price, interest rates, payback period and warranty. At the bottom end of the market, price is probably the biggest dealbreaker. At the top end, however, where money talks (and easily saunters to the next showroom), those numbers better translate into an emotion that is nothing short of thrilling.
There is little doubt those shopping for a sports car will be delighted by the new Mercedes-AMG GT.
The GT S version can travel from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h.
Power output is 340 kW for the GT and 375 kW for the GT S, both using a 4ℓ V8, 209 kg biturbo engine. Inside, the turbocharger spins at a maximum of 186 000 times per minute.
Kerb weight is 1 540 kg, which makes the weight-to-power ratio 4.1 kg/kW. This is pretty good, and is partly made possible by the fact that 93% of the body shell is made of aluminium, with the front module made of magnesium.
The body shell weighs 231 kg.
Weight distribution between the front and rear axles is 47% to 53%, which, in conjunction with the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, translates into high cornering speeds.
Braking efficiently is equally important as pulling away in a hurry, and the GT offers 360 mm brake discs all round, with the discs on the GT S measuring 390 mm in diameter at the front.
The two-seater is also practical – yes, dear, really – with the 350 ℓ luggage compartment able to hold a number of shopping bags, or two golf bags. This compartment is similar in size to the A-Class.
When driving, the driver can choose between five different drive programmes to select the characteristics of the ride, including Comfort, and Race.
Inside the GT, the power output of the Burmester high-end surround sound system is 1 000 W.
The price is probably the least attractive number in the car’s arsenal, at R2-million for the GT S and R1.66-million for the GT. Also, fuel consumption is stated as 9.3 ℓ/100 km, and carbon emissions at 219 g/km.
Now just try and stick to 120 km/h . . .