Mercedes-AMG GT S One of Clarkson’s Cars of the Year

By Tony Markovich - August 23, 2016

Jeremy Clarkson is, at least on a thoughts-about-cars level, one of the most respected automotive journalists on the planet. He might be THE most well-known on Earth, along with his co-stars Richard Hammond and James May, due to Top Gear. Even the people who don’t like or respect Clarkson will still likely lean in a little closer at a nearby mention of his name, just to know what ludicrous thing he’s said this time or what car he’s thrashed. He’s the definition of a presenter personality. So, when Clarkson lists his “top 10 drives of the past year (or so),” we, along with everybody else, pays attention.

The first five cars on his list are also (for the most part) the cheapest (I’m gonna make you click the link if you want all 10, because #credit). He discusses the Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Recar, Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé, Mercedes-AMG GT S (not the cheapest), Ford Focus RS, and the Ford Mustang GT. He says the MX-5 can cure depression, calls the 4C an untrained Ferrari puppy, says driving the GT S is like sitting behind a supertanker, the RS is proof Ford has found its way again, and references Bullitt when describing the new Mustang. But back to the GT S.

After talking smack about the outlandish SLS, Clarkson talks about how incredibly light the AMG sports car is, how massive its hood is, how the twin-turbo V8 is an acceptable replacement, and calls it the Mercedes Mustang. Not bad, especially from someone who’s not afraid to share his true feelings.