When Mercedes-AMG engineers took the subtle CLE Coupe, force-fed it moderate amounts of steroids, and made it look moderately cool without drawing wanton attention, the result was the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe. What about the Cabriolet version?
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet
The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet is the latest AMG open-top model. It starts at 100,436 Euros, which is less expensive than the Mercedes-AMG SL43, making it the season’s bargain. The CLE53 Cabriolet is a bold blend of machoness and subtlety, as you would expect from a moderately beefed-up CLE Cabriolet.
Under the hood, the CLE53 Cabriolet has a 3.0L inline-six engine with an electric turbo and an integrated starter generator that produces up to 472PS of power. Mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, it does 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
The CLE53 Cabriolet is a moderately good car to drive on the road and on the track. It has AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully adaptable power distribution and rear-wheel steering. It also has AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, three-stage AMG parameter steering with variable ratio, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping. However, the controversial AMG Real Performance Sounds is downright filtered.
Having a V6-powered convertible with a six-figure price tag is outrageous, but for the fun of it, you can really have the CLE53 Cabriolet over the SL43 because despite being slower than that, it is less expensive, more powerful, and overall, more fun to drive. It's a bravado of a bargain AMG managed to pull it off.
The SL-Class rewrote the rules of what a grand tourer should be in terms of elegance and performance. It's known to be one of the longest-running names in Mercedes's history.
The age of the new normal deserves a new SL for this generation and here it is.
You're looking at the Mercedes-AMG SL, the latest chapter of the SL-Class lineage and I got one from Forza Horizon 5's European Automotive Dry Season Playlist.
So, what's it all about the Mercedes-AMG SL?
No longer called the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the first-ever Mercedes-AMG SL continues the SL lineage in a whole new approach. Sized and styled to AMG GT standards, the Mercedes-AMG SL is powered by the same 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine as the said model. In the SL63, it produces 585PS of power and while mated to an AMG Speedshift 9G and 4MATIC+, it does 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds and 315kph of top speed.
Is the Mercedes-AMG SL a revolution or a sacrilege to the SL lineage? To prove my point, I've pitted against the most powerful SL from the distant past, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. V8 vs. V12. Which one is superior? Let's roll the tape.
And now the results...
SL65 Black Series - 1m16.093s
SL63 (R232) - 1m15.626s
It's a close result! Despite being less powerful than the SL65 Black, the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL63 barely defeated it close-shave!
Undoubtedly, the Mercedes-AMG SL is the pinnacle of the SL lineage, and with its elegance and performance inherited from its ancestors, the star is reborn after all.
Man, I would like to end my impression with the Mercedes-AMG SL but...my brain just hatched an idea. What role will the Mercedes-AMG SL63 4MATIC+ play in Horizon Mexico?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe is what happens when they made the subtle CLE Coupe force-feeding moderate amounts of steroids and made it look moderately cool without drawing wanton attention.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe
Starting at 91,511 Euros plus additional costs, it is the least expensive of the Mercedes-AMG coupe lineup. Although cheaper to own than the awful-looking BMW M4, the latter can eat it alive on the road and track, mind you.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe transforms the subtle CLE into a moderately macho machine that prefers to take it seriously without the wanton brutality that most high-performance coupes can throw at them. With its typical AMG exterior treatments, the AMG Performance steering wheel, and sports seats with red contrast stitching and red accents, among others, the CLE53 is a brave bold blend of machoness and subtlety you can expect from a moderately beefed-up CLE Coupe.
Under the hood, the CLE53 is armed with a 3.0L inline-six engine with an electric turbo and an integrated starter generator that produces up to 472PS of power, less than the base BMW M4 Coupe. Mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, it does 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
Because the CLE53 comes with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully adaptable power distribution and rear-wheel steering, it feels moderately good to drive on the road and on the track. Coupled with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, three-stage AMG parameter steering with variable ratio, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping, you'll find plenty of reasons why and why not enjoy the CLE53 in every way, although the controversial AMG Real Performance Sounds is downright filtered by the way. This is something not you would expect on a modern sports car like the CLE53.
On a scale between the now-axed E53 Coupe and C63 Coupe, I can say that the CLE53 sits between them. Not extreme as such but it feels moderately good everywhere. Sure, the BMW M4 can chew it alive but when it comes to being subtlety and macho, the CLE53 is the one. Case closed.
With the arrival of the all-new, second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT, the Mercedes-AMG family is now officially an all-AWD lineup, which is a shame for trigger-happy purists who enjoyed its glorious tire-burning past. Transition aside, let's get to know more about the all-new, all-wheel-drive, second-generation model.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT
Starting at 188,704 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new, all-wheel-drive, second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT is the latest chapter of the AMG-original sports car that promises to be as good as the previous model but with the added AWD capability to throw punches everywhere.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT interior
Beginning with the design, the new model stays true to its predecessor's roots by retaining the familiar silhouette that is easy to distinguish while the front view dons the signature AMG grille from its predecessor's AMG GT3 racing machine, and the rear taillights are inspired by the EQ range.
The new interior packs a similar layout to its open-top equivalent, the Mercedes-AMG SL, meaning it's got that Tesla-esque touchscreen that handles the infotainment and climate control as well as track data while in the middle of track days.
For the first time in an AMG GT, it can be configured to have two additional seats, although it's too tight to get through, meaning the only purpose for these two extra seats in the back is either a child seat or your pet. Of course, it can be folded down to accommodate some stuff at the back such as your suitcases or golf bags but who cares about it. This new model is starting to feel like a grand tourer rather than a modern sports car.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT
At launch, the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT is offered only in GT63 configuration armed with a 9-speed MCT and 4MATIC+ with fully variable torque distribution allowing it to behave in either a four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive, depending on road conditions. With a power output of 585PS and 800Nm of torque, the GT63 is capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 315kph, about 2kph slower than the previous model's R. Touche.
Taking advantage of AMG's motorsport know-how, the all-new AMG GT features an eclectic mix of aluminum, steel, magnesium, and fiber composites for maximum rigidity, top performance, and weight savings. Thanks to its GT3-inspired grille and active aerodynamics, it's got better downforce and drag compared to its predecessor, making it easy to breathe in before its blow-by-blow close combat.
With its improved dynamics and the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active roll stabilization, this sports car is fully prepared for almost everything, come tarmac, gravel, or snow. Ain't no Bentley but this is how this new model rolls, metaphorically speaking.
As expected, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT is stuck with the most advanced driving assistance systems and while such things work in normal driving conditions, they can be worth intimidating for speedo boys behind the wheel.
Although the switch to AWD is controversial, and the optional two extra seats at the back cramps its character, this is the AMG GT the whole multiverse should be pouring in its glass of water right now. With its improved looks and performance, this is the true show of force the AMG way and this one's too impossible to be ignored. Any takers?
The AMG Black Series lineage is known for pushing beyond the limits with its race-bred performance and dynamics only the privileged can enjoy.
So, what makes the AMG Black Series, pun intended, darker than black? I got three AMG Black Series vehicles in Forza Horizon 5 to make statements.
Let's begin with the SL65 AMG Black Series. Using the R230 SL65 AMG as its basis, the Black Series is an upgraded version of the said model which comes with an improved version of a 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission. With the engine developing 661HP of power, it is the most powerful V12-powered AMG vehicle ever. 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed limited to 199mph. Aside from its raw power, the Black Series is 250kg lighter than the regular SL65 because of the use of light carbon fiber composite (CFRP) parts and replacing the foldable hardtop roof with a fixed roof.
Next is the C63 AMG Black Series, a beefed-up version of the C63 AMG Coupe. It is armed with an improved AMG 6.2L V8 engine producing 517PS of power and 620Nm of torque. Apart from the performance, it also comes with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 wheels, black diffuser insert from SLS AMG GT3, chromed twin tailpipes, AMG sports suspension with AMG rear axle differential lock, 3-stage ESP, and others. Mercedes-Benz limits production of the C63 AMG Black up to 650 units but with high demand, it was extended to 800 units, and all of them bought one of these.
Lastly is the most powerful AMG Black Series vehicle ever made; the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. It features aerodynamics inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing machine, making it a road-legal track toy in its own right. Apart from the race-inspired aerodynamics, the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine has been tuned to produce 730PS of power output, making it the most powerful ICE-powered AMG model ever built.
Mated to a 7G-DCT, it has a top speed of 325kph. It lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:48.047, which is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, although beaten by a modified Porsche 911 991.2 GT2 RS, which was later beaten by the FH5 hero car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE.
With all three gathered around Copper Canyon, it's time to find out which of the AMG Black Series lineage is the best, and as always...
...fastest time wins. This comparison will demonstrate how much progress AMG has made with the Black Series lineage from the V12-powered SL65 AMG Black Series to the road-legal track car that is the AMG GT Black Series. Let's roll the tape.
And now the results...
SL65 Black Series - 1m07.134s
C63 Black Series - 1m06.917s
AMG GT Black Series - 59.743s
As expected, the AMG GT Black Series not only is the most powerful Black Series vehicle ever made but also the quickest because of its Nurburgring credentials. Exceptional for a road-legal GT3 car. It really is.
Because of the AMG GT Black Series' exceptional performance against the other two Black Series vehicles, it's time to reward this car with something gorgeous. So gorgeous, it makes me want to say "forget my husband, I'll go make money".
Finally, the AMG GT Black Series shows its true colors. Oh, Shuka-sama. You never fail to impress me. Shuka who? Shuka effing Hanazono! That's her! Sorry about that but hey, her look and feel suits its personality. It's got the impression of a seductive villainess from a steamy webtoon. Wait, what?
Steamy aside, our Shuka-sama prepares to unleash some unreasonable force against street racing veterans in reserve around what seems to be a re-enactment of Tokyo's Daikoku parking area.
Interested in this EventLab creation by someone named Mojo5290? Here's the share code: 117 535 418
Anyway, let's get this sideshow on the road.
This reminds me that I would make a webtoon out of this experience; Lady Shuka used unreasonable force with her AMG GT Black Series. That would make a great title for my potential webtoon masterpiece.
Having respect with the AMG GT Black Series, it's sad to see that the entire AMG lineup is AWD only, making this the last rear-wheel-drive AMG vehicle ever made. Of course, BMW's M division got rear-wheel-drive vehicles like the M2, the M3, and the M4, but they've ended up like they're the only ones in the yard. So sad.
Still, no regrets. I'm glad I got to experience the last rear-wheel-drive AMG vehicle ever made. Even Lady Shuka's impressed with it.
Auf Wiedersehein, rear-wheel-drive AMG cars like the AMG GT Black Series. You made us proud.
The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is the ultimate version of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover that pushes the boundaries of what a GLC can do and with such performance, this is the GLC that is too cool to be ignored by latecomers everywhere.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance Coupe
Starting at 121,856 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new GLC63 S E Performance, in normal and coupe versions, is what happens when the second-generation GLC gains some superpowers and plans to use it either for good or for evil. Whatever path it crosses, the new model prefers to go nearly quietly unlike the old GLC63 from a distant past because of its electrified powertrain that is deemed controversial by AMG fanatics.
Although it looks similar to its lesser brother, the GLC43, with some minor alternations to its detailing in order to differentiate it from the lesser one, as well as the same interior that can be fitted with optional Performance Seats, the GLC63 S E Performance throws away the predecessor's V8 power in favor of the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine armed with the electric drive unit, AMG High-Performance Battery, belt-driven starter-alternator, and electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, creating a P3 Hybrid layout that produces 680PS of power output and 1,020Nm of torque, more than the previous model it replaces.
Mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G gearbox, the GLC63 S E Performance can sprint from 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds, and with an optional extra, it has a top speed of 275kph, making it the quickest GLC ever spawned.
Controversial the P3 Hybrid powertrain is, the GLC63 S E Performance delivers arm-wrestling dynamics most will liken it to wielding a humongous ax in the woods even while fiddling with the AMG Dynamic Select, AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System, three-stage variable steering, rear axle steering, ESP, and its AMG high-performance composite brake system. Although extremely bulky to drive due to its PHEV powertrain, it feels capable of lashing out through tarmac, gravel, and snow like it's payday.
Yes, like its C63 S E Performance equivalent, the all-new GLC63 S E Performance's electrified drivetrain sounds muffled for speedo boys behind the wheel but everything else, the intense performance proves that this GLC is willing to use all of its superpowers for good or for evil. Whichever path it tips through, the world's burning with jealousy over the all-new GLC63 S E Performance because this is too cool to be ignored by latecomers everywhere. We just want one.
The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is the entry-level AMG version of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover that balances the practicality and performance you would expect for Stage 1 of the AMG-fied GLC.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43
Starting at 86,870 Euros plus additional costs, the X254 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is all about checks and balances fit enough for what's known to be a decent rival to the Audi SQ5.
Although it looks and feels just like the normal GLC, the GLC43 is kitted with signature AMG elements on the outside as well as sports seats (AMG Performance seats optional), and the available AMG TRACK PACE data logger that displays your on-track performance on the move, among many other AMG-fied features you can find in this entry-level AMG crossover.
In tune with the times, the X254 GLC43 is armed with a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder engine featuring the world's first electric exhaust gas turbocharger. Inspired by AMG's F1 involvement, this new electrified and compact engine produces 422PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox and the rear-biased AMG Performance 4MATIC, it does 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
For a semi-high-performance crossover that delivers a decent balance of performance and practicality everywhere, the all-new GLC43 feels down-to-earth intermediate to drive, even amateurs can get hooked on its sporty characteristics its possess. Although not much of a challenge, the all-new GLC43 is a great start to the AMG-fied GLC lineup. Consider this a warm-up exercise, boys and girls.
The collaboration between Forza Horizon 5 and Donut Media continues with the Upgrade Heroes series update where players gained full access to the Horizon Test Track feature, originally accessible only to the Donut Media Horizon Story last December 2022, as well as the recent swarm of, you guessed it, JUNK CARS! LOTS AND LOTS OF JUNK CARS!
The highlight of the recent barrage of JUNK CARS is the arrival of the Donut Media Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z) cars as featured in the Donut Media Hi Low segment. In case you don't know, the Donut Media boys ran the Hi Low segment where they buy two identical used cars and then modify them with a specified budget.
Nolan's Z33 costs $20,000 worth of cheap modifications while James' Z33 costs $50,000 worth of "really nice" modifications. Both of these modified cars were booted with new coilovers, wheels, tires, new car paint, and some turbochargers. In typical project car fashion, both cars break down, but hey, long story short.
Both of these Donut Media Z33 cars can be won just by clearing both Hi Car and Low Car Horizon Stories. You can even keep your very own Z33 Fairlady Z after the finale as well as other prize cars in store for both stories.
Rather than comparing these two Donut Media Z33s just to determine "does more expensive really mean more better", I decided to let these cars enjoy themselves at the Horizon Badlands against the competition, just to experience the "MO POWA BABEH" mantra both Donut-modified Z33s had. (cue guitar riff noise)
MO POWA BABEH! Guess these Donut Z33s didn't break down just like what James and Nolan experienced it during their little experiment.
The Donut-modified Nissan Z33 Fairlady Zs weren't the only junk cars in store in the Upgrade Heroes update. A trio of junk cars made a comeback in Forza Horizon 5 such as the Syclone, the Typhoon, and the SL65 AMG Black Series.
First up, the GMC Syclone that I won from the Storm Season Playlist. Based on the GMC Sonoma pickup truck, the Syclone has a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine equipped with a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler. It develops 280HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated with a 4-speed automatic. 0-60mph takes about 5.3 seconds and based on a Car & Driver test, it does a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 93 mph.
Next up is the GMC Typhoon that I won from the Dry Season Playlist. Based on the Jimmy SUV, the Typhoon features the same specs as its Sonoma-based Syclone pickup truck. It has a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine equipped with a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler. It develops 280HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated with a 4-speed automatic.
Lastly, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series that I won from the Hot Season Playlist. Using the R230 SL65 AMG as its basis, the Black Series is an upgraded version of the said model which comes with an improved version of a 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission. With the engine developing 661HP of power, it is the most powerful V12-powered AMG vehicle ever. 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed limited to 199mph. Aside from its raw power, the Black Series is 250kg lighter than the regular SL65 because of the use of light carbon fiber composite (CFRP) parts and replacing the foldable hardtop roof with a fixed roof.
Having gotten to know the recent swarm of junk cars, let's thrash them across the Horizon Badlands, and see if these clunkers got any chance of surviving these punishing courses...
Wow, these junk cars managed to survive. I guess immortality is their middle name.
As the Donut boys would say, "WE BUY JUNK CARS, WE PAY A LOT. DEPENDING ON THE YEAR THO". Judging by the recent swarm of junk cars looks like we're going to be sticking around with a potential next wave of junk cars until the final series update of FH5 before the transition to the 2023 Forza Motorsport game coming this October.
Could this day get any worse for me as the Horizon Mexico adventure is nearing its twilight? Ah, junk cars...
The all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 range, which is based on the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, signals the beginning of the era of the subtler AMG machines because the newest AMG machines are no longer the monster machines of the past because, being built for the new normal, they have sacrificed its monstrous selves for the sake of subtler, more powerful forms. In short, they're no longer as loud as they used to be.
2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Estate
2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
Starting at an estimated 115K Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, in sedan and estate forms, is no longer the C63 the world remembers because despite being a W206 C-Class on steroids, what's underneath is not what you call a treat because we live in the new normal and for this new model, electrification is a sin the new model has committed.
Although it looks similar to its lesser brother, the C43, with some minor alternations to its detailing to differentiate it from the lesser one, as well as the same C-Class interior that can be fitted with optional Performance Seats, the C63 S E Performance's powertrain is not a pleasant sight for speedo boys behind the wheel because, under the hood, the previous model's V8 engine has been thrown away sadly and replaced by the same 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the A45 but it's been added with the new electric drive unit, AMG High-Performance Battery, belt-driven starter-alternator, and electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, creating a P3 Hybrid layout that produces 680PS of power output and 1,020Nm of torque, more than the previous model it replaces.
Mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G, the super saloon gone commando has a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds and with an optional extra, 280kph flat-out. 270kph if you're in the estate version.
Although the P3 Hybrid powertrain is deemed controversial for AMG fanatics, the C63 S E Performance drives like a sports car as expected. By playing around with the AMG Dynamic Select system with seven driving modes and a customizable Individual mode, you can experiment with various ways and means to get yourself addicted to this car. Running on Electric mode, it's good for up to 125kph of top speed while the Battery Hold mode keeps the battery state of charge constant.
Plunging into Race mode, the C63 S E Performance is ready to unleash mayhem on the track. Taking advantage of its AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System, three-stage variable steering, rear axle steering, ESP, and its AMG high-performance composite brake system, this 4WD executive car on steroids can dance despite the bulk of its PHEV powertrain. Although less noisy than its V8-powered predecessor, it can surely make a mess out of it.
While the PHEV powertrain is an absolute turn-off compared to the old V8-powered model, the all-new C63 S E Performance is like an upper-class sewer rodent pampered with style. Despite its quiet behavior, it can surely be an aggressive schizophrenic when the opportunity arises. The world's getting jealous about this high-performance PHEV super saloon right about now because, with such power despite its controversial powertrain, you can really kiss your ugly-looking BMW M3 goodbye.
Since its 2015 debut, the Mercedes-AMG GT is one of the most dramatic sports cars the high-performance division has ever made and with all that motorsport know-how, it seems that Mercedes really made a well-balanced sportscar that ticks all the right boxes.
Having enjoyed the normal AMG GT and the muscled GT R, at last, the final bullet of the first-generation AMG GT has been fired and I'm calling the shots.
Yes, this is the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series that I won in FH5's Upgrade Heroes Wet Season playlist and now that I've got it, it's time to have a word with what's known to be the AMG GT's final form.
The AMG GT Black Series features aerodynamics inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing machine, making it a road-legal track toy in its own right. Apart from the race-inspired aerodynamics, the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine has been tuned to produce 730PS of power output, making it the most powerful ICE-powered AMG model ever built. Mated to a 7G-DCT, it has a top speed of 325kph. It lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:48.047, which is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, although beaten by a modified Porsche 911 991.2 GT2 RS, which was later beaten by the FH5 hero car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE.
Although being avenged by its big brother, the ONE, the AMG GT Black Series is a serious track weapon that can be enjoyed either on the road or on the track, and when you let its turbocharged V8 engine loose, it really means big business for what's rudely called a road-legal GT3 racer. Still, it was pretty impressive trying out the car that has been longly demanded by Forza fanatics from the start.
To test the AMG GT Black Series' potential, I've pitted it against a squad of track weapons on the oval track, just to experience the GT3-inspired aerodynamics and the turbocharged V8 superpower it possesses. Roll the tape.
Not quite flawless but a win's a win for AMG's ultimate ICE-powered sports car ever made.
The AMG GT Black Series truly is the final bullet of the first-generation AMG GT that is proven to be a serious track weapon that can be enjoyed either on the road or on the track. Although it marked the end of the first chapter, the next chapter will soon be written, but rest assured, it won't be forgotten for many generations to come as the greatest ICE-powered AMG machine ever made.
Could this really be the best Black Series machine? Find out soon as I'll rally the past Black Series machines as they'll settle the scores once and for all which AMG Black Series car is the best. Watch this space.
The Mercedes-AMG GT became part of the Gran Turismo heritage ever since it became the hero car of 2017's Gran Turismo Sport, and here in Gran Turismo 7, it's been joined by two powerful versions; the R and the Black Series. Like a good Rider with powerful forms, the AMG GT has evolved from a no-nonsense sports car to the ultimate road-and-track warrior it was born to be.
So, how much the Mercedes-AMG has evolved from the normal one to the ultimate version known as the Black Series? Let's examine its metamorphosis.
Beginning with the original Mercedes-AMG GT, it doesn't count as a worthy successor to the SLS AMG because of the power output that separates these two but needless to say, the AMG GT's newly developed 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine produces almost the same amount of torques as the defunct SLS AMG. The S version produces 502HP of power and 478.8ft-lb of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-60mph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 193mph. Performance aside, the AMG GT features an aluminum spaceframe with an intelligent material mix on the body which sets the new standards for modern sportscars and results in lightweight but rigid sportscars that accommodate rather well with its drivetrain.
Apart from that, the AMG GT comes with other key points that make it capable on the road and on the track such as an electronic rear-axle locking differential, race-derived double wishbone suspension, and electronically-controlled damping with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package and ceramic high-performance composite brake system.
The AMG GT R is a high-performance variant of the AMG GT sports car that uses a specifically tuned version of the AMG 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine that produces 585HP of power and 700Nm of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 318kph.
It features a new active aerodynamics profile hidden underneath the body and when in RACE mode, the aerodynamics produces a Venturi effect, sucking the car onto the road and reducing the front-axle lift by around 40 kilograms at 250 km/h. It even has an active air management system, the AMG coil-over suspension, active rear-wheel steering, AMG TRACTION CONTROL, rear-axle limited-slip differential, and speed-sensitive sports steering.
The AMG GT Black Series is the ultimate version of the AMG GT sports car, and although flattering to call it the road-legal version of its GT3 racing car equivalent, it features the most powerful internal combustion engine AMG has ever spawned; a 730PS 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine mated to a 7G-DCT, capable of hitting 325kph of top speed. It lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:48.047, which is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.
With all three AMG GT variants got their word, it's time to find out how much the AMG GT has grown from when it was first launched to its final form, and with that, it's off to the Nurburgring Grand Prix track to conduct this experiment.
This is the ideal send-off to the C190 Mercedes-AMG GT because, with the said sportscar no longer in production, this will be a tribute to what is known to be one of the most influential sports cars to come out from the mid-2010s. Let's find out the true meaning of metamorphosis with the AMG GT. Roll the tape.
...and now the results...
AMG GT - 2m20.053s
AMG GT R - 2m18.128s
AMG GT Black Series - 2m12.334s
From its debut to the Black Series, the Mercedes-AMG GT has evolved from a no-nonsense sports car to the ultimate road-and-track warrior it was born to be. Although gone, it's not really the end of the Mercedes-AMG GT storyline because pretty soon, the next chapter will soon be written, and let's hope it will be as good as this while keeping up with the challenges of the new normal.
For the AMG GT, this is not the end. This is only the beginning...
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