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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2017

New BRABUS C63 S Takes the Sedan to the Next Level

When BRABUS unveils each of their cars, I'm always blown away with their technical accomplishments. Now, they've taken worked their genius with the Mercedes-AMG C63 S.The main draw to this new BRABUS C 63 S is PowerXtra B40S - 650 performance upgrade made to the 4.0-liter V8 engine. BRABUS' engineers added boost pressure with a set of specially developed turbochargers, complete with a larger compressor unit and new core assembly. All-in-all, an extra 140 hp is added to the car, bringing the power up to 650 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power gives the car a 0-62 mph sprint of 3.7 seconds, as well as a limited top speed of 200 mph. Could it go faster? I'd like to think so.Other features that BRABUS offers for the C63 includes a stainless steel exhaust with butterfly valves, 20-inch wheels, coilover suspension and a slew of aerodynamic components for the exterior (as seen in the pics). And, as always, BRABUS' upholstery shop can fit the cabin with a variety of materials like Alcantara and leather.Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 17, 2017

Sad! - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Abandoned Since 2011

So, I've been sick for the past few days, meaning I haven't driven around at all. In fact, I didn't drive my car for two days straight. When I finally got back to my car, I legitimately felt bad leaving my car sitting there for two days without being used. Sure, two days isn't a lot compared to those who leave their cars parked at their holiday homes for months on end. Even still, I felt bad.Now, imagine that my car wasn't a Ford Mustang and it was a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and instead of two days, it was six years. My ownership of such a car may be fictional, but the fact that a car this magnificent has been untouched for six years is complete non-fiction.Back in 2010, Magazín ProDriver CZ photographed a white SLR McLaren at an impound lot. Now, in 2017, they've photographed the same exact car in the same exact impound lot completely untouched. Now that's sad.According to GTSpirit.com, this car was confiscated as part of a theft inquiry that involved a leasing company. Because of the situation, the car cannot be sold or touched until the police investigation is complete.Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren For Salehttps://www.facebook.com/MagProDriverCZ/videos/1245975945520503/

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2017

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing Create Carbon Fiber Beauty

A decade of collaboration between the performance division of Mercedes and Cigarette Racing has brought forth another amazing powerboat. With styling inspired by the latest AMG GT R, the exterior has hints of carbon fiber along with the fender vents of the car. Daimler's Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener was quoted as saying: “The 2017 50’ Marauder AMG is a particularly striking result of our continued collaboration with the Cigarette Racing Team, and a fitting tribute to honour 10 years of working together". The Green Hell Mango paint is taken from the brilliant looking GT R and is a reference to being refined on the 'Ring. Extensive use of carbon fiber instead of fiberglass trimmed 1,300 lbs of which will make for a fun and fast experience.(New Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Inspired by AM37 Powerboat)Power comes from a pair of the latest Mercury Racing 1550s. The 9.0-liter twin turbo monster has quad cams along with a massive intercooler and it runs on pump gas. With normal fuel, you are limited to only 1,350 hp, but 112 octane and the Race key fob unlocks the full 1,550 hp. It would be neat to see the 4.0-liter AMG V8 in a marine application, but the reverse flow heads would be difficult in a boating application. Mercury's V8 history can be traced back to the infamous Mystery Motor, and we will cover it another time. The 2017 Progressive Miami Boat Show opens today, and its the perfect spot for an unveiling. It also marks the 50th anniversary of AMG, so we understand the need for 3,100 hp. Stay with us for more updates from Mercedes-AMG and the Miami Boat Show.Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2017

Extreme Offroad Luxury: Mercedes-Maybach G650

If you are looking for an exclusive SUV, your search is over. Mercedes-Maybach is planning a limited run of convertible G wagons based on the 4x4². To be formally unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, the official name will be G650 Landaulet. The first 4WD to bear the Maybach name, it features a convertible soft top for the rear passengers. To be worthy of such an exclusive name, it borrows the finest elements of the S class to make a very luxurious interior. Driver and front passenger can be silenced by invoking a glass partition, and it has the same electro-chromatic abilities as the Magic Sky Roof found on the SL.Rear passengers are also treated to dual 10" screens in the partition wall and massaging seats from the S class. The wheelbase needed a stretch of 22" in order to accommodate all the pleasantries, and nothing was left out. The rear cup holders are heated and cooled for the ultimate in top-down motoring, and the seats have all the massaging features we have come to love. Power comes from the venerable twin turbo V12, offering 630 hp to three locking differentials. Hopefully, Jay-Z is on the waiting list because only 99 examples will be produced. No word of US availability was mentioned, but we will have updates after the unveiling. Stay with us for all your Mercedes news.All Mercedes G Class For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 07, 2017

Designo Edition and RedArt Edition Mercedes-Benz Models

From Daimler's February 6 press release:Exactly six weeks before the start of spring in Europe, Mercedes-Benz is launching its automotive springtime with attractive editions of its SL and SLC Roadsters. Customers can choose from the SLC RedArt Edition as well as the SL designo Edition. While the compact SLC special model emphasizes sporty dynamics, the SL is tailored towards exclusivity and fine interior design. SLC RedArt Edition...Expressive: Mercedes-AMG SLC 43* RedArt EditionThe AMG RedArt Edition for the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 provides expressive highlights with stylishly placed red elements. The exclusive special paint finishes in designo selenite grey magno and designo iridium silver magno make the SLC top model into quite the eye catcher. Customers can choose from six other colours. Red trim elements on the front and rear apron, the red front splitter, red flics in the AMG bumper and the red fins in the wings lend the Roadster an eye-catching look. Striking 45.7 cm (18-inch) AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with red rim flange as well as red brake callipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering dominate the vehicle's side design. SLC RedArt EditionSeats are designed in black leather with silver pearl nappa leather inserts with exclusive upholstery, head restraints in carbon-embossed leather and embroidered Edition logo. The red contrasting topstitching and the red borders on the AMG floor mats match the overall look. Alternatively, upholstery variants in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre as well as Exclusive nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre, among others, are available. Seat heating as well as AIRSCARF neck-level heating for driver and front passenger ensure high levels of comfort. A multifunction sports steering wheel with carbon-embossed leather inserts, the AMG E-SELECT selector lever with nappa leather insert and embossed AMG logo as well as the aluminium trim element with dark carbon grain are also part of the exclusive range of appointments. SLC RedArt Edition...SL designo Edition with even more exclusivityThe legendary Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster gains even more exclusivity with the new designo Edition. The special model is characterised by stylish elements and high-quality materials on the exterior and interior. The metallic finish in brilliant blue, the 48.3 cm (19-inch) or 50.8 cm (20-inch) AMG 10-spoke forged wheels as well as the chrome flics in the front apron ensure a special exterior look. The badges with the designo Edition logo placed laterally between the chrome badges subtly reference the Roadster's special status.Mercedes-Benz SL-Class For Sale SL designo Edition- End

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Unveils New E63 S Wagon

You knew it was going to happen. The mad scientists at AMG have stuffed their twin turbo V8 into the new E-Class wagon. The new E63 S wagon uses the 4.0 liter V8 found in other AMG models to offer 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Six times the power of a 1.0-liter Focus is sent through a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission to a revised 4MATIC+ AWD system. It allows 60 mph to arrive in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (limited electronically). The twin-scroll turbochargers spool up quickly, offering maximum torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.(Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT C Edition 50)In an attempt to harness such power, 4MATIC now has an electronic center differential and a locking rear. The body is 1.1-inches wider, which brings cargo space up to 35 cubic feet. A new air ride system has triple chambers which offer lightning quick changes to ride height along with improved camber control. Front brake rotors are 15.4" and 1.4" thick. The power steering is electric, with a variable ratio to offer proper feedback. A new Drive Pilot mode uses hands-free steering control along with intelligent cruise control to drive itself in bumper to bumper traffic jams. Handing over that much power to a computer sounds like Skynet, but we will know all the details after the formal launch at the Geneva Motor Show. Stay with us for more Mercedes-AMG news.Mercedes-AMG E63 For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Hypercar Teased, Will Be Powerfu...

The latest automaker to hop into the hypercar game is none other than Mercedes-AMG. Their upcoming car, expected to be revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, had bits of information revealed on Facebook.(Related - Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT C Edition 50)According to a Facebook post made by Mercedes-AMG, the car will feature a Formula One World Champion drivetrain that is combined with a purely electric front axle drive setup. How much power will be housed within this powertrain? They say it will have more than 1,000 hp (735 kW) on tap, putting it right into the hypercar range. What's more, the Facebook post also noted that it's currently being called the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE.MotorAuthority had a chance to chat with Tobias Moers, the man behind Mercedes-AMG, while at the NAIAS. They learned that the F1 power unit will use a 1.6-liter V6 engine, two motor-generators and a lithium-ion battery. Additionally, they learned that "no more than 300 examples will be built" and it will have a price of around $2.54 million.For more on the Mercedes-AMG Project One, stay with us.All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT C Edition 50

The new Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe will be launched as the "Edition 50" model. The "50" comes from the 50th anniversary of the company, which was founded back in 1967, according to a press release issued by Daimler today.(Feature Photo by JVDA Photos)This new variant will be available in the exclusive designo Graphite Grey Magno finish, mixed with black chrome highlights. To match the exterior finish are the cross-spoke AMG forged wheels.Inside, the black and silver theme continues with the nappa leather in silver pearl/ black and more. From the looks of it, the star of the car's cabin would have to be the black AMG Performance steering wheel covered in DINAMICA microfiber with "Edition" lettering on the steering wheel. Also, the AMG Interior Night Package comes standard, which includes black steering wheel spokes, paddle shifters and door sill panels.To ensure everyone knows that this car is a special edition, the seats are embossed with a "GT Edition 50" logo and there is special badging included on the exterior.All Mercedes-AMG GT S For SaleTechnical Specs Mercedes-AMG GT Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Mercedes-AMG GT S Engine Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Displacement 3,982 cc 3,982 cc 3,982 cc Output 469 hp at 6,000 rpm 469 hp at 6,000 rpm 515 hp at 6,250 rpm Max. torque 465 lb-ft at 1,700-5,000 rpm 465 lb-ft at 1,700-5,000 rpm 494 lb-ft at 1,750-4,750 rpm Curb Weight 3,395 lbs 3,516 lbs 3,461 lbs Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.9 s 3.9 s 3.7 s Top speed 189 mph 188 mph 193 mph Rear-axle limited-slip differential Mechanical Mechanical Electronically controlled Suspension AMG sports suspension AMG sports suspension AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive adjustable damping Wheels front / rear 9.0 x 19 / 11.0 x 19 9.0 x 19 / 11.0 x 19 9.0 x 19 / 11.0 x 20 Tires front / rear 255/35 R 19 / 295/35 R 19 255/35 R 19 / 295/35 R 19 265/35 R19 / 295/30 R 20 Brake discs front/rear 14.2” / 14.2” 14.2” / 14.2” 15.4” / 14.2” Drive programs Four: C, S, S+, I Four: C, S, S+, I Five: C, S, S+, I, RACE Mercedes-AMG GT C Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Mercedes-AMG GT R Engine Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Displacement 3,982 cc 3,982 cc 3,982 cc Output 550 hp at 5,750-6,750 rpm 550 hp at 5,750-6,750 rpm 577 hp at 6,250 rpm Max. torque 502 lb-ft at 1,900-5,750 rpm 502 lb-ft at 1,900-5,750 rpm 516 lb-ft at 1,900-5,500 rpm Curb Weight 3,583 lbs 3,660 lbs 3,428 lbs Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.6 s 3.6 s 3.5 s Top speed 197 mph 196 mph 198 mph Rear-axle limited-slip differential Electronically controlled Electronically controlled Electronically controlled Suspension AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive adjustable damping AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive adjustable damping AMG RIDE CONTROL coil-over suspension with adaptive adjustable damping Wheels front / rear 9.0 x 19 / 12.0 x 20 9.0 x 19 / 12.0 x 20 10.0 x 19 / 12.0 x 20 Tires front / rear 265/35 R19 / 305/30 R 20 265/35 R19 / 305/30 R 20 275/30 R19 / 325/30 R 20 Brake discs front/rear 15.4” / 14.2” 15.4” / 14.2” 15.4” / 14.2” Drive programs Five: C, S, S+, I, RACE Five: C, S, S+, I, RACE Five: C, S, S+, I, RACE

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New and Refreshed 2018 GLA Models

After five years, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been giving a refresh for the 2018 model year. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA model that sees a new design and power from the AMG GLA45.(Also Check Out - RENNtech Tuned Mercedes GT-S vs Porsche 911 Turbo S)On the outside, are new bumpers, wheels and an exclusive color called "Canyon Beige". Being a crossover/SUV, Mercedes wanted the new GLA to be more pronounced in its stance. To accomplish this, they added an optional off-road comfort suspension that raises the body by 30 mm. Now only does this increase its capabilities, but also makes it look more like an SUV.But, looks are only part of the equation. The real attention grabber from Mercedes has to be the new 2018 AMG GLA45. This new performance crossover will give drivers a jolt of excitement through a redesigned exterior and a more potent engine. Powering this the AMG GLA45 is turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is capable of 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. With this much power, it sits high up in its segment as far as horsepower and torque goes.Connected to engine of the GLA45 is an AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sport transmission. When pushed, the transmission will allow for a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph.If you're interested in picking up a new GLA, you can pick one up starting this summer.All Mercedes-AMG GLA45Technical data at a glance: Mercedes-Benz GLA250 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC Mercedes-AMG GLA45 Engine 2.0L inline-4 turbo 2.0L inline-4 turbo Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo Displacement 1,991 cc 1,991 cc 1,991 cc Output 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm 375 hp @ 6,000 rpm Peak torque 258 lb-ft @ 1,250–4,000 258 lb-ft @ 1,250–4,000 350 lb-ft @ 2,250-5,000 rpm Drive system Front Wheel Drive Variable All-Wheel Drive Variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC with variable torque distribution Transmission 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speedsport transmission Acceleration 0–60 mph (sec) 7.2 7.1 4.3 Top speed (mph) 130* 130* *155 (167 with AMG Dynamic Plus Pkg.)

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2016

Mercedes AMG GT-R Sets New Record at the Ring

Records are meant to be broken, and the team from Mercedes-AMG has raised the bar for every other Rear Wheel Drive car. Nürburgring has become a matter of bragging rights, as most major manufacturers are locked into a war for fractions of a second. Modern tests are made after a warm-up lap, with the car crossing the timing loop at full speed. In the old days. the records were based on a standing start, in which the clock was started before the driver jumped in. Only the fastest cars in the world are capable of breaking into the 6-minute range on street tires. Last month we were shocked by the 2017 Camaro ZL1 which made a lap in only 7:29, a whopping 11 seconds faster than its predecessor. Two-wheeled record laps are also impressive, even if only for entertainment.With an undeniable home field advantage, Mercedes-AMG spent countless hours developing the AMG GT series at the historic track. If you don't have the benefits of all-wheel drive, down force is your primary focus. Engineers learned this the hard way at LeMans in 1999 when the CLR proved to be a better aircraft than race car. For the GT R they pulled out every trick in the book for the ultimate lap time. In a YouTube video uploaded yesterday byIn a YouTube video uploaded yesterday by Sport Auto, we're taken on a blistering lap in what looks to be the same car we first saw at Mercedes-Benz of Tampa earlier this year. Under the hood is a 577 hp V8 that measures in at only 4.0-liters, but nestled between the reverse flow heads are the latest in turbo technology. Sending 516 lb-ft of torque to only the rear wheels seems like a recipe for destruction, but weight reduction and four-wheel steering will make your mouth water. Full-scale production will begin later this year and the GT R will arrive as a 2018 model. If you can't wait a few months, check out the great deals on the GT S from our dealers.GT-S For Sale

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