After going against an initial entry list of 12 cars and then inching past fierce rivals like the BMW M4 Coupe/M3 Sedan and the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, the Mercedes-AMG GT was crowned winner of the 2015 World Performance Car Award. Mercedes-Benz was on a roll at the "World Car Awards 2015," winning three of the five categories. Voted by an an international jury of over 75 journalists, the Mercedes-AMG GT apparently won the hearts of most, whether in standard trim or as the GT S.
"Its on-road presence alone is almost enough to qualify it as a ‘Top 3’ finalist. But in addition to its ruggedly handsome looks it has an impressive spec sheet comprising biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, seven speed dual-clutch transmission, 456bhp (minimum)...and much, much more." noted the World Car Awards jurors.
As the second model to be developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG, the GT is largely based on a modified platform borrowed from its predecessor, the SLS AMG.->ke2504 While it's shorter, lighter and about as fast, the Mercedes-AMG GT is much less expensive, being positioned in a lower segment. Its arch-enemy is the Porsche 911,->ke282 but it also goes against models like the Jaguar F-Type R or the upcoming Maserati Alfieri.->ke4832 The U.S. 2015 lineup only offers the GT S version, which is packed with a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter, V-8 engine with 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The less-powerful GT version will hit showrooms by the end of 2015, while the GT3-inspired hardcore model is expected to be unveiled in 2016.
Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Why it matters
Even though it uses a redesigned version of the aluminum spaceframe found on the SLS AMG and an all-new powerplant, the Mercedes-AMG GT has managed to undercut its predecessor's starting MSRP by almost 50 percent. Starting at $129,900, the model is priced between the Porsche 911 GT3 and its number one rival, the 911 Carrera GTS.
It represents a new chapter in Mercedes-AMG's->ke8 modern history, especially since it will evolve to an increased lineup, thus set to battle the 911 on more than one front. The Mercedes-AMG GT has ended Porsche's->ke1 three-year reign as World Performance Car winner. It remains to be seen if it will do the same when it comes to sales, since the 911 has been unmoved from its position for decades.
Mercedes-AMG GT
Read our full review here.