From a distance this coupe looks to be a Porsche or Jaguar. It isnot. Obviously. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S is, if you couldn’ttell, a rapid transit system built for two. Long of hood andheritage design, it replaces the gull-winged SLS that had lesstech and cost some 70 grand more. Making the GT S a bargain, Isuppose.(ON CAMERA) If you have a spare $131,000 lying around youcan buy a base model GT S. As tested, this one is $171,000.You’re in that far, might as well finance the rest.Those extras include fade free carbon ceramic brakes, all kindsof carbon fiber trim and structural bits, plus an upgradedinterior package that looks for all the world to be from LordVader’s TIE fighter. I doubt he’s a yellow guy though. Skip theSolarbeam paint to save nearly 10 grand.Mercedes is gunning for Porsche 911 and Audi A8 though theyhave engines in back. This 4-liter 8-cylinder has two turbosnestled in the V. Martin, who hand assembled it, would explainthe lack of a traditional oil pan allowed engineers to drop theengine 2 inches for a lower center of gravity (SOUND UP) isn’tthe sound of 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torquelovely? It’s variable. (SOUND UP) Drive modes tailorperformance, “race” being a bit much for grocery getting.Engine mounts are computer controlled for less vibration.(ON CAMERA) Using the shifter? It’s a little bit of a reach back,a bit awkward.The rear-mounted 7-speed dual-clutch transmission deliversthis sturm und drang to the back wheels. The driveshaft iscarbon fiber.(SOUND UP HOOD CLOSING)Mercedes claims 0-60 sprints happen in 3.7 seconds (SOUNDUP)(ON CAMERA) Seems like the Mercedes folks are beingconservative. Oh, look how fast I’m going…Only track time can reveal this cars lofty performance, itcruises without drama at double the speed limit. Don’t ask mehow I know. Certainly I didn’t test the top speed claim of 193miles an hour. GT S does not use trendy electric powersteering. It’s hydraulic.(ON CAMERA) One thing you’ll notice right away, the steeringis incredible direct, without being squirrelly.The faster it goes, the more capable GT S seems to become.Aerodynamics deploy automatically at speeds over 75 miles anhour.(ON CAMERA) I think I’m going to keep that down. (I’mactually keeping it lowered) I don’t need to attract any moreattention to myself…Gas mileage? Well it’s awful of course. But if that’s yourconcern this is clearly not your car.(GFX) On specified premium fuel, the E.P.A. rating is 16 city /22 hwyObserved fuel economy is 17 m.p.g(ON CAMERA) You can probably tell from the level of my voice,this is not as quiet as an S Class. It’s not as cushy of a rideeither. That should come as no surprise.Even in comfort mode, I’m not sure I’d want to travel longdistance in this car. You’d certainly arrive quickly though.The cabin is snug for a couple, the panoramic glass roof wouldbrighten things up. Seats are infinitely adjustable so there’s noissue there. A wonderful Burmester audio system is standard,though the engine sounds even better. Being a Mercedes, theCOMAND user interface is here, there’s all sorts of ways toenter data, including handwriting.(ON CAMERA) Not just an ultra high performance machine, GTS is also a practical hatchback. Kind of. Sort of.Get the security shade out of the way and there’s room enoughfor just three packs of the two-ply. Owners will probably carrysuitcases I’m guessing.There’s a higher velocity GT R model on the way if this is notpowerful enough. For those who just love the way thealuminum panels seem to be poured over the aluminum spaceframe chassis, a standard GT will start at $113,000. (SOUNDUP) And I’ll assume it’s hardly pokey. Considering its looks andperformance, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S should fast becomea classic.