Green Hellion

Better Grip, Better Down force, Better Car. AMG Finally Dials  in Its Flagship.
 

- Chris Chilton

THE AMG GT S IMPRESSED almost no one at this magazine’s 2016 Performance Car of the Year testing. Admittedly, that was a reflection of the caliber of the competition—even the Ferrari 488 GTB couldn’t muster enough votes to win. But it also reflected disappointment with the hot Benz, which lacked the nuance and chassis balance to go with its hand-built engine and six-figure price.

Is the even more powerful and expensive GT R any different? AMG chief Tobias Moers’s track side advice at Portugal’s Portimão race circuit indicates it is indeed. With an easy smile, he explains the best way to tackle the sphincter tightening last turn before the straightaway—along, fast, blind, downhill right-hander—is with the stability system off and all four wheels drifting. Moers, an executive who likes to push envelopes more than pencils, is clearly a gutsy and skilled driver, but you don’t need to risk life and limb to get the most out of the GT R, because it’s more focused, rawer, and yet also more manageable than the GT S.