The 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT debuted yesterday as a new high-performance model that the German carmaker says would help move it to a new segment in the sports car space. And while it’s all good that Mercedes is spicing things up with this new vehicle, it has some big shoes to fill in the form of the previous Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
Pricing is, as expected, quite hefty for the new AMG GT, as the car is expected to sell at a base price of $120,000. Still, Mercedes has the AMG GT visualized as an everyday car with some practical features, rather than a traditional sports car that wows on performance, and performance alone. According to Mercedes, the new AMG GT is “a comfortable and reliable companion for everyday motoring thanks to its practical decklid, easily accessible luggage compartment, and high level of comfort on long journeys.”
In terms of design, the 2016 Mercedes AMG GT is primarily made out of aluminum, while its long hood and wide rear proportions are a nod to the carmaker’s history as a maker of rear-wheel drive vehicles. But it is, at the end of the day, a “sports car in its purist form,” according to Gorden Wagener, VP of Design for Mercedes parent company Daimler. “Breathtaking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars,” he added.
The 2016 Mercedes AMG GT comes with a twin-turbo, 4-liter V8 engine that makes 456 horsepower, and its performance is estimated at 3.7 seconds from 0-60 mph, and 193 mph for its top speed. An upscale GT S version will come with even more power under the hood, at 503 horses for the upscale option.