Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

With a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, the GT S can leave many would-be competitors sulking in a puddle of ego. Even without verifying that claim, our time with an example rented from Mercedes-Benz proved that the AMG GT is an immensely capable and enjoyable sports car that can challenge the Audi R8, Jaguar F-Type, and Porsche 911--the exclusive six-figure luxury two-seaters club.

The body remains skateboard flat during handling maneuvers, thanks to its mid-ship mounted V8, aft of the front axle, as well as the adaptive suspension, making the car eager to tackle any sinewy asphalt put before it. The flat-bottomed steering wheel requires significant effort to muscle around, but the thick wheel is wrapped in rich suede leather and proves highly responsive. When the lane-departure warning system detects the car is straying to the side, it responds with an aggressive, power-tool-like steering wheel vibration that snaps the driver to attention, while admonishing the misbehavior. Let the AMG lose on a track as we did, it proves balanced and playful. As long as this beast is in the right hands, it will drift at will.

Adding to the feisty persona, the shifts from the seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual are immediate and swift, with the engine responding in kind. Paddle shifters by the steering wheel, invite manual interaction at all times.

Five driver-selected modes allow the personality to be adjusted on the fly, ranging from "comfort" to "race." Beyond harnessing the desired dynamics for the conditions, be it a sedate commute or adrenaline rush on our track, this mode was occasionally used to turn up the exhaust rumble at stop lights. Sport+ loosens the reigns of the stability control to allow some play.

Indeed, the AMG GT is not for the faint of heart. The stiff ride is not for everyone, the low slung car requires lots of ducking to get in and out and the tight cockpit can be confining.

Many controls, including the shifter, are positioned far back on the center console, requiring ligament-straining flexibility to access. Kudos are given for having true cupholders--a convenience not always found in a German sports car.

The brown leather interior on our car was stunning. But the narrow, bolstered bucket seats hug like a corset, making them most suitable to riders of narrow frame. The lumbar adjusts for comfort, but the bolsters remain fixed.

The rear cargo space is surprisingly useful, and the hatch is power operated.

A suite of safety features help keep things in check, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pre-safe (to prepare the car in case of imminent accident), and an attention assist to watch for signs of drowsy driving.