Mercedes-AMG GT arriving in July

MERCEDES-Benz is not bothering with the lesser 340kW version of its fiery AMG GT sportscar, instead opting for the top-performing 375kW AMG GT S that will hit the roads in July this year priced from $295,000, before on-road costs.

Other global regions will have the choice of the lower-powered non S-badged version but Australia will be treated to the fastest iteration plus an even sportier Edition 1 option, which adds performance enhancing extras for $314,900.

Both variants use the hand-built AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to drive the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle with electric locking differential, pushing the AMG GT S to 100km/h from standstill in 3.8 seconds and to a top speed of 310km/h.

Forking out the extra $19,900 for the more exclusive Edition 1 brings a selection of interior and exterior modifications to set the pair apart.

On the outside, the “sportier” and “more head-turning” Edition 1 has a lighter carbon-fibre roof and a more aerodynamic body with larger front splitter, black side-sills and a fixed rear spoiler in place of the standard deployable version.

It also replaces the 18-inch and 5-spoke alloy wheels with a leaner 10-spoke set measuring 19-inches at the front and 20-inches at the back.

The Night package adds a dusting of black styling details including gloss grille, front wing fins, mirror caps and exhaust trims, while rear and back windows are in smoked glass.

Inside, the Edition 1 gets top-quality Nappa leather 'performance' seats with red stitching, matching interior leather coverings, and a performance steering wheel with flat-bottom and Edition 1 badge.

The flagship GT will not be a limited edition but Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific said previous Edition 1 versions of other models have typically run for about three months and can be subject to production constraints.

With pricing now out in the open it is clear the German car-maker will be competingdirectly with Porsche's feisty 911 GT3, which costs just shy of the AMG GT S price at $293,600.

Porsche's recently launched 911 GTS will also be in the sights, which kicks off from $268,700 for the rear-wheel drive and tops out at $305,300 for the targa-topped version with all four wheels driven.

While the naturally aspirated GTS can't quite match the turbo performance of the Merc, stepping up to Porsche's 911 Turbo takes the price out of range at $366,500.

Mercedes-AMG GT pricing*

GT S (a)	$295,000
GT S Edition 1	$314,900

*Excludes on-road costs.