Episode 37: Mercedes-AMG GT, Frankfurt Auto Show, Mazda CX-3, Mercedes-AMG Project One

Benjamin talks about driving the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R on the track at Bilster Berg in Germany, as well as his experience with the Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Sami discusses his strong feelings for the Mazda CX-3, and teases his drive of the redesigned Lexus LS.

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• 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R - First Drive — I'm sitting in the driver seat of the GT R on Bilster Berg's pit row, listening to AMG Driving Academy chief instructor Reinhold Renger as he goes over the finer points of the bright green monster's high-tech wizardry. Although the R may share its basic shape with the street-oriented GT and GT S editions of the coupe, mechanically this most belligerent member of the AMG family is as different from the base car as a straight razor is from a Schick. Despite his willingness to demonstrate how I can dial in as much or as little traction control as I may desire using the dash-mounted knob, Renger helpfully suggests that, of the GT R's four drive modes, I stick with "Sport+" and avoid "Race" until I've had at least a few laps at speed under my belt. "You know, because, well, this is a lot of car," he says, looking me directly in the eye. A pause, and then he repeats this for a second time. "A lot of car."