Daring Debut

Ben Oliver checks out the Mercedes-AMG GT, the first car to be designed a built from scratch by the marque’s high-performance division

And despite those smaller dimensions, the new car gains a much bigger trunk than the old SLS, now capable of carrying the essential two golf bags on the Sunday morning race to Fanling or Clearwater Bay. And there's some real wit and verve in the cabin, with Merc's hallmark, upright, iPad-style central display, and a central console between the seats with its buttons arranged to mimic the layout of the car's V8 engine.

The gulling doors don't carry over from the SLS, sadly, and there's unlikely to be an open version of the AMG-GT as Mercedes thinks it would cannibalise sales from the iconic SL roadster. The two cars are close in size, but the SL is a cruiser, rather than a racer.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the AMG-GT will be pitched and priced squarely against those rivals. Deliveries start next year, but such is the anticipation that builds around entirely new models from desirable brands that we'd advise having a conversation with your Mercedes dealer now, if you don't want to find yourself at the back of a long queue next spring.

SCORECARD

Mercedes AMG-GT S

How much? TBD
Engine: 3982cc, twin-turbo V8; 510PS/503hp at 6250rpm
Transmission: 7-speed twin-clutch
Performance: 0-100kph 3.8sec, max 311kph
How Heavy? 1,570kgs

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