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The cylinder heads and injector surfaces are hardened
by Mercedes-Benz Nanoslide technology, proven in the
previous AMG V8 and current AMG F1 cars. Direct
injection pushes fuel into the cylinders at up to 2,900 psi
and the turbos rev to 186,000 rpm, with electric blow-off
valves to push 2.3 times more oxygen into the cylinders
than a normally aspirated engine does.
Fuel consumption varies from 9.5 to 12.5 litres per 100
km, with a 65 litre tank, a kerb weight of around 1,600
kg and the luggage capacity is a usable 350 litres, plus it
accommodates the inevitable set of golf clubs.
The GTS with the Edition 1 includes the Black Diamond
interior package, with performance seats in nappa leather
and DINAMICA - a wear resistant soft suede from the
feel, red seat belts (very groovy) and a very ergonomic
performance steering wheel in DINAMICA with red
stitching that is also found across the dashboard, console
and seats, all very cool.
The centre console (is huge and supposedly shaped like
a Vee for V8) has the starter button, Comfort/Sport/Sport
+ and Race mode selector, traction control, suspension,
etc., and an exhaust loudness button, where I fully expect
everyone to use the loud settings at all times through
those cavernous exhausts exiting the carbon fibre ports.
The driving position is comfortable once you have
negotiated the very high sills (as high as the top of the
seat, so ladies with short skirts beware!) and plonked
yourself down, electronically adjusting the seat to suit.
The mouse and large LCD screen provide all the other
settings one could want or ever need to fiddle with. The
interior feels robust, secure, comfortable and classy with
an array of vents to suit every need.
The attention to detail from the stitching to the buttons,
trim, lighting and dials is all top notch.
So here we go, push the start button and the car
snarls in to action with a delightful crackle from
the exhaust, settling into a deep resonant rumble, which
is hugely satisfying to listen to.
No mechanical parking brake levers anymore, this
is fully digital, slip the selector into drive and we move
forward down the ramp and through the forecourt to the
road.
For this foray, Sport + is selected as we ease out being
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