- Last year's champion returns this year
virtually unchanged, save for a new front end
aero kit and a rear wing.
But that's okay, because the mighty AMG
ripped off a lap of Mazda Raceway last year
in one minute, 35.57 seconds.
That's a remarkable time, considering that the GTS
sends power only to its rear wheels,
and it's relatively underpowered.
Hey, 503 horsepower sounds like a lot
until you consider that the average car this year
makes 540 horsepower.
The AMG's 4-liter twin turbo V8 sends it's power
to a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle
via a carbon fiber drive shaft.
The engine and transmission are held in place
by active engine mounts that contain the same
magnetorheological fluid that you'd find
in some cars' dampers.
And this car even came painted with
the same old yellow paint as last year's winner.
What's new?
Well, that aero styling kit.
Will the aero kit help put down
a quicker time than last years'?
Well, there's really only one way to find out.
Great shifts.
GTS really snaps off those shifts.
Turning in very stable through turn two.
That torque curve really good
at powering out of a tight corner.
Woohoo!
I can place the car well.
Strong brake bite, really enjoying that.
Good power down, balanced chassis.
It's all about balance.
So it's up the bump in six
and I can commit to power.
Aggressive late brake.
Look at that, we made it (laughing).
Good out of the corkscrew.
Down the apex in nine.
I've got a lot of confidence in the GTS.
Still like the car.
Strong braking, I must say.
Got to feed the power on a little more carefully,
there we go.
Got it!
Last year's winner, Best Driver's Car 2015 of MotorTrend.
The AMG, it has a macho feel.
It feels big and strong and capable,
like a linebacker, not a running back.
Wide power band, no sense of turbo lag on track.
And just love the engine.
The gearbox, I can't quite get it to be
completely intuitive on the racetrack,
I ran full automatic.
I think I prefer this car in full manual.
Brakes were really strong, great bite.
The car is very firm, I ran it in the race mode,
but it still soaked up the worst bump
at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,
that's over in turn six.
I was able to drive a very clean line
with some beautiful drifts, it just made me smile,
made me feel like a hero.
It has a big, fat steering wheel.
Last year's winner, I still love,
it's even better with the aero package.
Not a huge improvement but, every step forward
is a positive step.