Mercedes-AMG GT S launches in July, priced from $295,000

Mercedes-AMG GT S front quarter

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced the pricing and specification of its barnstorming 375kW Mercedes-AMG GT S.

Priced from $295,000 when it launches in July this year, the GT S is the only variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT in Australia, with the local arm choosing not to import the less powerful “entry-level” GT model.

The centerpiece of the GT S is the new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that delivers 375kW at 6,250rpm and 650Nm at 1,750-4,750rpm. It will slingshot the supercar from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 310km/h, while returning a claimed average economy of 9.4L/100km.

Built on an aluminium spaceframe, the dry sump V8 engine is matched with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission driving the rear wheels complete with locking differential. Weighing 1,540kg, the front mid-engine GT S has a 47/53 weight distribution and power-to-weight ratio of 3.08kg/hp.

Broad shoulders for an emotional overall appearance

Mercedes-AMG GT S rear quarter

With its base areas, broad shoulders and expressive tail light graphics, the rear area creates an emotional overall appearance. The licence plate bracket is located in the lower part of the bumper, allowing the Mercedes star to be placed prominently on the smooth-surfaced boot lid. Added to which there is an extendable rear aerofoil, which is perfectly integrated into the body while the car is at a standstill. The black diffuser insert with tailpipes integrated into the bumper and the trim strip in matt iridium silver inspired by the A-wing in the front create a visual sense of lightness across the entire tail end.

The newly developed AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine

Mercedes-AMG GT S engine

The new high-performance engine springs to life at the push of a button: even the sound as the engine starts up brings you out in goose pimples. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine was developed specifically for the GT S. The innovative eight-cylinder engine as the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family boasts outstanding power delivery, performance figures on a par with motor racing, lightweight construction as well as high efficiency and environmental compatibility. It features the brand’s hallmark emotive V8 engine sound, along with immediate response and high pulling power. The GT S sets new benchmarks in terms of efficiency, too. With its 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, it already meets the Euro 6 emissions standard, including the maximum particulate emissions level that takes effect in 2016.

First sports car engine with ‘hot inside V’ and dry sump lubrication 
The new AMG V8 engine has two turbochargers which are not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks but rather inside the V configuration – experts call it a ‘hot inside V’. The benefits are a compact engine design, optimum response from the turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters. The dry sump lubrication also ensures the oil supply even with high lateral forces and allows the engine to be installed lower, thus moving the centre of gravity closer to the road and forming the basis for high lateral acceleration. The new Mercedes?AMG V8 biturbo engine is the world’s first sports car engine with ‘hot inside V’ and dry sump lubrication.

Performance exhaust system with fully variable exhaust flaps 
The Mercedes-AMG GT S is equipped as standard with an AMG performance exhaust system with fully variable exhaust flaps. This allows the driver to vary the engine sound: depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT mode the driver may experience the V8 with a focus on comfort and relaxed, long-distance journeys or with a more powerful, emotive, motorsport-inspired touch. The AMG DRIVE UNIT includes a separate button to control the exhaust flaps directly.

A tradition of hand-built excellence: “one man, one engine” 
The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is produced in Affalterbach according to the “one man, one engine” principle. In the AMG engine shop, highly qualified fitters assemble the engines by hand according to the strictest quality standards – as confirmed by the AMG engine plate bearing the engine technician’s signature. “One man, one engine” ties in with Mercedes-AMG’s unique motorsport genes, which exude innovative strength by virtue of the technology transfer from racing series – from Formula 1 to the DTM to the involvement in customer racing with the SLS AMG GT3.

Seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration 

Mercedes-AMG GT S centre console

When it comes to the power transmission of the new GT S the Mercedes-AMG engineers rely on a combination of front mid-engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration at the rear axle – this layout has already successfully established itself in the SLS AMG. The weight distribution with its ratio of 47 percent (front) to 53 percent (rear) benefits from this configuration. The efficiency, shift speed and precision of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission have been further optimised for usage in the new sports car. Thanks to the larger gear ratio spread, the pronounced torque plateau of the V8 turbo engine can be used optimally. The drivetrain’s overall design is ideal for an uncompromising sports car. At the same time, the exacting requirements in terms of everyday practicality, noise level, ride comfort and fuel consumption have been met.

Electronic rear-axle locking differential as standard in the GT S
The GT S is fitted as standard with an electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, which is likewise integrated into the compact transmission housing. The electronic function provides even more sensitive, faster control than the mechanical solution, thus pushing the limits of handling dynamics even further. It not only further improves the traction of the driven wheels, but also increases the cornering speeds at the limits. The system operates with a variable locking effect in acceleration and overrun mode, and is perfectly tuned to the various driving conditions and road surface friction coefficients.

Double-wishbone suspension from motorsport

Mercedes-AMG GT S front

Driving dynamics and comfort on long journeys; racetrack performance and everyday practicality: the new Mercedes-AMG GT S delivers on all counts. A great deal of attention was paid to the seamless integration of all mechanical and electronic systems during design, development and testing. From the suspension, through 3-stage ESP®, locking differential, steering, aerodynamics and tyres to the brakes – only successful precision engineering and the concerted networking of individual specialist disciplines serves to produce the required results and thus the exhilarating sports car driving experience, characterised by superb precision and clear feedback.

The AMG GT S offers the perfect conditions: it uses the technological DNA of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, one of the most successful sports cars in recent years. Thanks to the optimum weight distribution of 47 percent (front) to 53 percent (rear), the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and the selected suspension layout, the driver benefits from precise steering response, formidable agility, low inertia when changing direction, and outstanding traction. Double-wishbone suspension is used at the front and rear – a technology adopted straight from motorsport.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminium in order to reduce the unsprung masses. The double-wishbone concept locates the wheel firmly, with minimal elastic movements. The high camber and track rigidity not only results in high cornering speeds, but also provides the driver with an optimum road feel when cornering at the limit. An extremely direct connection of the shock absorber on the rear hub carrier reduces vibrations and undesirable wheel load fluctuations. Highly neutral behaviour and defined, predictable responses at the tyre grip limit were important development objectives for the dynamic handling experts at Mercedes-AMG.

Mercedes-AMG GT S with electronically controlled damping 
The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping comes as standard on the Mercedes-AMG GT S. The driver can adjust the damping characteristics at the push of a button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT or by using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three stages are available: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus”.

The speed-sensitive sports steering features a variable steering ratio: this enhances vehicle handling and agility at low speeds while maintaining driving safety at high speeds. The power assistance is a particular highlight: it responds not only depending on the given road speed, but also according to the current lateral acceleration and the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode. As a result, the driver has a perfect feel for the vehicle thanks to the direct feedback from the road. The standard-fit 3-stage ESP® with the “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF” functions works in perfect unison with the locking differential and is tuned optimally to the outstanding driving dynamics and safety requirements.

AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package standard for the GT S 
The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package further augments dynamism and agility. It is standard (Australia and New Zealand) for the GT S and includes dynamic engine and transmission mounts, for example. The engine and transmission mounts assume an important function in the case of a transaxle design: soft mounts improve comfort since they provide more effective decoupling of noise and vibration. Handling and agility benefit, however, from an overall stiffer mount set-up. Mercedes-AMG resolves these conflicting objectives using dynamic mounts, which adjust their stiffness continuously and instantly to the respective driving conditions and handling.

A specific engine application in the DYNAMIC SELECT “RACE” drive mode and in the manual “M” transmission mode makes the GT S even more dynamic. The package also includes tauter spring and damper tuning, more negative camber at the front axle as well as an adapted speed-sensitive sports steering system. The performance steering wheel in black DINAMICA microfibre and yellow highlights in the instrument cluster round off the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package.

Optional ceramic high-performance composite brake system

Mercedes-AMG GT S wheel

Excellent deceleration characteristics and high fade resistance come courtesy of the high-performance composite brake system –on the GT S with discs measuring 390 millimetres in diameter at the front, to cope with the higher performance, as well as red brake callipers. A ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available for both models as an option. Its advantages: lower weight, longer service life and even better fade resistance thanks to the ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 402 millimetres at the front and 360 millimetres at the rear.

Forged wheels and sports tyres as an option
As standard, the GT S the dimensions are 9 x 19 (front) with 265/35 R 19 tyres and 11 x 20 (rear) with 295/30 R 20 tyres. Numerous design and colour variants are optionally available for both models.

Aluminium spaceframe with intelligent material mix 
Mercedes-AMG has gone for an intelligent material mix on the body of the GT S. Chassis including greenhouse and body are made of light alloy, the boot lid of steel and the front deck of magnesium. This extremely light element at the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, thus improving the vehicle’s agility. Over 90 percent of the weight-optimised spaceframe is made of aluminium components.

The bodyshell weighs 231 kilograms – a benchmark figure in the sports car segment. There were three key objectives during the design and development of the bodyshell structure: optimum strength, low centre of gravity and low weight. The high bending and torsional strength of the entire design enables extreme linear and transverse forces from the powertrain and suspension to be absorbed and transferred. Unwanted flexibility is thus reduced, with the vehicle responding rigidly and directly. As a result, the driver experiences a sports car with maximum dynamism that responds with excellent precision. The aluminium spaceframe also provides the basis for outstanding passive safety.

The Mercedes-AMG GT S is produced at Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is manufactured at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach.

Aerodynamics for high balance and effective cooling 

Mercedes-AMG GT S interior

Aerodynamically, the GT S was developed with one clear objective: transferring the high power to the road to enhance driving dynamics and handling safety at medium and high speeds. Thanks to the aerodynamic configuration, critical driving situations can be avoided – such as with a sudden evasive manoeuvre at high speed. The front-end design reduces lift to the desired level and helps route air to and from the cooling modules. The flow of cooling air also improves brake performance with the help of special brake cooling ducts.

The design of the underfloor cladding guarantees optimum exhaust airflow from the oil cooler in the underfloor area and effective airflow for the rear diffuser. As an active component of the aerodynamics, the Mercedes-AMG GT S comes with an extendable rear aerofoil that is integrated into the design silhouette. In combination with rear diffuser, the vehicle’s roadholding is enhanced.

Active and passive safety of the very highest calibre
The brand with the star boasts hallmark active and passive safety of the very highest calibre. The Mercedes-AMG GT S adopts numerous Intelligent Drive assistance systems that are familiar from the new S-Class. Standard equipment includes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, ATTENTION ASSIST and the tyre pressure monitoring system.

  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist
  • PRE-SAFE® system
  • PARKTRONIC
  • Reversing camera
  • Lane Tracking package including Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist

The standard-fit restraint systems not only include three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, but also front airbags, combined thorax/pelvis sidebags, windowbags and kneebags, for the driver and front passenger respectively.

Sporty and extraordinary: the Mercedes-AMG GT S “Edition 1” 
The “Edition 1” is a particularly sporty Mercedes-AMG GT S: the extraordinary composition of the sporty exterior and interior details create a head-turning spectacle.

  • Aerodynamic package in black (larger front splitter with smooth transition to the flics on the side air intakes of the front apron, wheel arch flics at the front, dynamic black trim on the side sill panels, fixed rear aerofoil)
  • Carbon-fibre roof
  • Exterior Night package (diamond grille in black with louvre in high-gloss black, fins in the front wings in high-gloss black, exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black, trim strip in the diffuser insert in high-gloss black, triangular side windows and rear window in heat-insulating tinted glass, black tailpipes)
  • 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish, tyres in size 265/35 R 19 on 9 x 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 on 11 x 20 (rear)

The pure racetrack feel also dominates the interior:

  • Black nappa leather interior with red contrasting topstitching
  • Performance seats with integral belt guide in black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching
  • Interior Black Diamond package
  • Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre with flattened lower section, 12-o’clock marking, red contrasting topstitching, steering wheel bezel in silver chrome with “Edition 1” lettering and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddle.

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