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I am considering pulling the trigger on a GTC, but am a bit concerned with ground clearance. The car is from out of town (I'm on the Toronto, ON area), so trying to see if I can "test drive" one to check it myself is not really possible (especially with dealerships being shutdown). However, I'd hate to purchase the vehicle and simply not be able to get it into my driveway.
So I thought I would post on this forum and see if I could get a general consensus as to whether or not the vehicle will be able to clear the ramp at the end of the drive. It is about 3 feet long and depending on where you measure, about 6 1/4" to 7 1/2" in rise. The left two-thirds of the ramp aren't as steep, but the right side is steeper (which I have no problem avoiding).
According to my calculations and mockups from blueprints around the web, the car appears to almost clear when driven straight-on. Obviously I would approach on an angle though to provide some additional clearance.
However, with simple mockups, I can't guarantee accuracy, and I am concerned about the front lip as well as the break-over angle (between the axles).
Sorry for the level of detail, but I am concerned with spending such a significant amount of money on a car only to have to sell it right away because I cant get it into my garage.
Anyways, I realize you guys can't give a definitive answer, but I'd love to hear the general consensus. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hmm, I never worry about driveway entrances on my AMG GT S, since it has a fairly short front overhang and no super low lip spoiler. I was worried about this kind of thing when I was looking to buy a Porsche 718 Spyder, but ended up buying a used AMG GT S for various reasons (ground clearance an approach angle being one).
Your driveway entrance looks exceptionally bad, with the combination of a step on the kerb, and a steep rise to the sidewalk. Your calculations look reasonable, and it'll probably work from an angle. Perhaps a local owner could try getting onto your driveway slowly (with careful supervision from someone outside watching to make sure it doesn't scrape). I'd volunteer to do that, though Waterloo's a little distance away, and I have a GT S rather than a GT C.
You say you have a 2014 Boxster S - how does it fare on your driveway? Does it scrape when entering straight on?
I've looked at the 981 and 718 Spyder and they are a definite no-go with this driveway. My Boxster (now sold) was fine on an angle, but then again, it sits about 1 - 2 inches higher (depending on what parts you compare). I never tried it straight on, but it likely would have not fit with the longer nose.
However, I did accidentally drive my M6 Gran Coupe straight on (attempting a rushed 3-point turn). it broke the front bumper and I had to get it replaced/repaired.
BTW, I'm in Burlington (not actually Toronto). If I get super serious, I'd might be willing to pay for someone to come do a test.
IMO, you're going to have problems....especially if you back out of it. My driveway is no where near as bad and I have had scraping issues if I dont go in and out a certain way.
I have become the king of scraping nightmares. If you want to enjoy your cars, you gotta do what you gotta do. These are obviously removable and I can put them away after I’m done. I buckled and am having permanent metal plates fabricated and brought in. Heavy, but permanent and necessary. I am not scraping the art work I have.
I'd never go to that extent. Either it fits without scraping or I don't buy the vehicle.
It's just so frustrating having this silly limitation on what vehicles I can get, simply due to how the city constructed the curb (which I cannot legally change).
I'd never go to that extent. Either it fits without scraping or I don't buy the vehicle.
It's just so frustrating having this silly limitation on what vehicles I can get, simply due to how the city constructed the curb (which I cannot legally change).
well it looks like you'll need to shop for trucks instead of exotic/super cars lol.
My GTC scapes on everything! Anything other than nearly flat driveways cause it to rub, coming in at an angle helps slightly. Eventually I will have to replace the front lip. Not ideal but there is no way around it.
Before I read the comments, I was going to say you should be fine. Mine is lowered quite a bit and my garage entrance is worse than that but if I come in at a severe angle, it doesn't scrape. If I tried to come in head on, pretty sure I would break my car.
I also am interested in purchasing an AMG GTC, and I have noticed that there will be MANY places that I just won't be able to drive in anymore.
Sucks that Toronto and the GTA have crappy roads.
I am considering pulling the trigger on a GTC, but am a bit concerned with ground clearance. The car is from out of town (I'm on the Toronto, ON area), so trying to see if I can "test drive" one to check it myself is not really possible (especially with dealerships being shutdown). However, I'd hate to purchase the vehicle and simply not be able to get it into my driveway.
So I thought I would post on this forum and see if I could get a general consensus as to whether or not the vehicle will be able to clear the ramp at the end of the drive. It is about 3 feet long and depending on where you measure, about 6 1/4" to 7 1/2" in rise. The left two-thirds of the ramp aren't as steep, but the right side is steeper (which I have no problem avoiding).
According to my calculations and mockups from blueprints around the web, the car appears to almost clear when driven straight-on. Obviously I would approach on an angle though to provide some additional clearance.
However, with simple mockups, I can't guarantee accuracy, and I am concerned about the front lip as well as the break-over angle (between the axles).
Sorry for the level of detail, but I am concerned with spending such a significant amount of money on a car only to have to sell it right away because I cant get it into my garage.
Anyways, I realize you guys can't give a definitive answer, but I'd love to hear the general consensus. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
mine barely scrapes. I can swing by and you can see if it works. You would be surprised at the clearance. The only thing I scrape is sometimes my custom front plate mount or the small piece of plastic hanging down below the bumper. Let me know. Cheers
For what it’s worth, my old 987.1 Porsche Boxster at stock ride height used to scrape the plastic pieces sticking down in front of the front tires on my driveway. My AMG GT S never gets close to scraping on my driveway, and I’ve never scraped in parking lot entrances either - I’d have no qualms daily driving it apart from the fear of it getting damaged or keyed if left parked outside. I’m a bit paranoid after having had a brand new car get keyed by someone last year; these cars get a lot of attention - mostly positive, but probably some negative jealousy too.
I’m not sure if the AMG GT C front end is lower than the AMG GT S, but it’s not like the AMG GTR PRO or Porsche GT cars where you legitimately need to worry about the front bumper cover breaking off everywhere you go. However, if your driveway broke a BMW M6 bumper straight on, it’ll probably break an AMG GT C bumper straight on too, so just always be careful and drive it in at an angle.
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mine barely scrapes. I can swing by and you can see if it works. You would be surprised at the clearance. The only thing I scrape is sometimes my custom front plate mount or the small piece of plastic hanging down below the bumper. Let me know. Cheers
Good to know that you've not had too many issues.
I'd love for you to swing by, although when I say "Toronto", I was being fairly general. I am technically Burlington (off of Lakeshore), so that may be a bit of a distance for you. But then again, maybe an excuse to take the car out in the sun tomorrow.
For what it’s worth, my old 987.1 Porsche Boxster at stock ride height used to scrape the plastic pieces sticking down in front of the front tires on my driveway. My AMG GT S never gets close to scraping on my driveway, and I’ve never scraped in parking lot entrances either - I’d have no qualms daily driving it apart from the fear of it getting damaged or keyed if left parked outside. I’m a bit paranoid after having had a brand new car get keyed by someone last year; these cars get a lot of attention - mostly positive, but probably some negative jealousy too.
I’m not sure if the AMG GT C front end is lower than the AMG GT S, but it’s not like the AMG GTR PRO or Porsche GT cars where you legitimately need to worry about the front bumper cover breaking off everywhere you go. However, if your driveway broke a BMW M6 bumper straight on, it’ll probably break an AMG GT C bumper straight on too, so just always be careful and drive it in at an angle.
Interesting. I had a 981 Boxster and those flaps in front of the tires you mention clear completely. But that car is not as low. So it sounds like the GTS/GTC might be doable.
The GTS/GTC are same ride height and exterior dimensions. Slightly different shape on the front trim at the bottom, but the placement and size are all very similar.
But beyond the front lip, I am also wanting to know if the breakover angle will work - that is actually the weaker point of the car (9.5 degrees at the front, but only 8.9 degrees between the axle).
I'd love for you to swing by, although when I say "Toronto", I was being fairly general. I am technically Burlington (off of Lakeshore), so that may be a bit of a distance for you. But then again, maybe an excuse to take the car out in the sun tomorrow.
shouldnt be an issue. She needs a nice run on the highway... but if the weather holds I might be out on something with 2 less wheels and no motors... just sayin...
I'd love for you to swing by, although when I say "Toronto", I was being fairly general. I am technically Burlington (off of Lakeshore), so that may be a bit of a distance for you. But then again, maybe an excuse to take the car out in the sun tomorrow.
So what was the consensus? Did DriveAMG ever link up with you?
Simply going off of the photographs provided, I would have no issue pulling into a drive like that at a 45 degree angle, and I'm lowered. I don't think you'll have any issues with a regular height car.
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