This is a very special car segment. It is a numbers game! It is a segment that tugs at emotion and desire and zero common sense. Buyers in this segment are not bothered by car reviews and the opinions presented by motoring editors. Buyers are not easily swayed away from one brand to another. Its takes the actual behind the wheel experience to decide.
Mercedes is the newcomer in this segment. In late 2015, Mercedes unveiled their AMG built GT for RM1,150,000 and RM1,200,000 (for the Edition 1). It had a V8 Bi-Turbo engine with 550bhp and 800Nm of torque and went from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. It was impressive looking and drove like a true supercar. However, it did not have enough ‘magic’ to become a best seller in this segment. Many Malaysian supercar buyers test drove it, but they ended up buying others.
Its closest rival was the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and in 2015 Porsche launched this much talked about 911 GT3 RS for RM1,750,000 and it was sold out even before it was locally launched. Powered by a 4.0-liter with 500bhp and 460Nm of torque, this lightweight track ready Porsche could do the 0-100km/h run in just 3.3 seconds. This is just 0.2 seconds faster than the AMG GT and yet costs some RM550,000.00 more. This price difference buys you a whole other car!
Now fast forward to 2017 and Mercedes-Benz is back in the segment with a brand new supercar which they launched on November 2nd 2017. The Mercedes-AMG GT R. This new Benz GT is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin turbocharged engine that will push out 585bhp and 700Nm of torque. It will run from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds and it sells for RM1,700,000.00.
A day earlier on November 1st, Porsche launched their all new 911 GT3 for RM1,700,000.00 (the exact same pirce). Coincidence or what?
This new 911 GT3 is powered by a 4.0-liter flat engine that produces 500bhp and will run from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. This is 0.2 seconds faster than the AMG GT R.
So, which will be the best seller? Looking at the sales numbers so far, it looks like the Porsche GT3 is in the lead. It has pedigree on its side and Malaysian buyers seem to be drawn more to owning a supercar from Porsche. The Mercedes AMG GT R is built for abuse and looks more exotic. It has also an AMG hand built engine.
Final decision is yours if you have not bought either yet. We are just presenting the facts for your entertainment.
