Formula 1 fans might be familiar with the Mercedes-AMG GT S, F1’s new safety cars that are seen speeding around race tracks with its orange and green lights on. Now, this precision driving machine is all set to hit the roads in Kerala.
In motorsport, a safety car is called in to limit the speed of competing cars and to save the continuity of the race in the event of an obstruction on the track or bad weather. They are driven by experienced circuit drivers who match the expertise of professional rally drivers. After all, GT S is immensely powerful to give even the most successful sports and rally cars a run for their money.
Cars from the Mercedes stable have been ruling the ‘safety car segment’ for a long time. The 2015 edition of the Formula 1 saw the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG GT S as safety car, which took over from SLS AMG. It is the same model which was brought to Kochi by Bridgeway Motors, the new dealer of Mercedes-Benz in the state, last week, to offer auto enthusiasts in the state an opportunity to test-drive the vehicle. Car lovers from almost all the districts in the state and aspiring buyers experienced first-hand its optimum performance across all parameters such as drivability and riding comfort.
Have a look at the test drive impressions and specifications of Mercedes-AMG GT S:
A power-packed coupe
The V8 bi-turbo engine with 510 bhp and 650 Nm reaches 0-100 km/h in just about 3.8 seconds. When you turn the engine on, it will growl like a beast, and, once you press the accelerator, it will give out a throaty roar!
If you are slipping inside the cockpit of the AMG GT S, you will feel like sitting in a fighter jet.
Stunning looks
Mercedes-Benz introduced the two-door Gran Turismo model, a coupe style GT, last year. It also looks similar to its predecessor SLC. The long, sweeping hood, overwhelming size, and the iconic emblem on the front radiator grille. All these features will give any car enthusiast a kick.
Though many exterior features such as the large wheel arches are modelled on SLS, the gull-wing doors have made way for the conventional doors. 19" front/20" rear AMG twin 5-spoke wheels also give the vehicle a distinct style.
Design and styling
The GT S uses a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The V-8 is mounted in the wheelbase. The spaceframe chassis is made out of aluminium alloys whereas steel and magnesium add strength to the boot lid and the engine bonnet, respectively. The alloy wheels are of different sizes as the front-rear weight distribution of the car is 47-53 per cent.
Sporty drive
When you hit the accelerator, it does not just gallop, but flies in top speed! Not to exaggerate, but it does take off like a rocket. The hissing, rumbling noise would definitely give the rider a similar adrenaline rush experienced by race car drivers. It is also equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and paddle shifters. It comes with five drive modes including the Super-Sport mode as well.
Interior comfort
Though the cockpit is inspired by fighter jets, the build quality of GT S is first class, with plenty of leather throughout which gives the vehicle an aesthetically pleasing look. The sophisticated Burmester surround sound system is one of the several luxurious features in GT S.
What's on offer is definitely worth every penny of its asking price of Rs 2.5 crore!
For test drive, contact Bridgeway Motors on 8139000104.
