Joey Starr did warn us. “If I’m to do this, you have to bring the goods”. So we did. The AMG GT-R is the baddest version of the iconic race car. In its brand new neon green color, it can only be compared to a dangerous praying mantis. Yes, this beast devours everything that comes its way. Going from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds, this is the kind of car you step aside to let by. A fan of Stuttgart-based Mercedes, Joey Starr (who wrote « Ma Benz » with his rap band NTM back in the day) got to discover the car first-hand with us. With its large hood and driver seat that feels like you’re sitting on the rear wheels, the GT-R is undeniably part of the same family as the SLS. In the Rue Mallet-Stevens, in front of all the buildings designed by the legendary architect, we’re in for a full-on chromatic experience. What surprises you when you step into this car is the ‘cocoon’ sensation. Once behind the steering wheel, Joey Starr is just eager to get it going – the excitement even peaks through his tinted sunglasses, and it’s only growing larger as the adventure goes. This is what has made the success of AMG in the last 10 years. Indeed, in spite of restrictive norms, it has managed to preserve one of the best pleasures of driving: the noise.

Needless to say that in Paris, this car makes heads spin. Equipped with a 7-speed gearbox, the beast melts into city traffic without difficulties. The rear drive wheels make the job easy, and you end up going extra muros in no time. “Let’s see what it has in store for us”. In a blaring sound, the car gains phenomenal momentum with all the racing qualities you’d expect. It’s evident Joey knows what he’s doing. His driving is fast but controlled and smooth – and we must admit we’d still be driving if we didn’t need to stop at a gas station at some point. “It’s a pleasure factory”, he concludes. It would be hard to disagree…