Learning from the success of its first in-house sports car, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division began developing a new, high-performance coupe and roadster with the help of Formula 1-star Lewis Hamilton. The AMG GT that bowed at the 2014 Paris Motor Show looked forward rather than borrowing from Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious past as its SLS predecessor did.

A gaping grille emblazoned with twin chrome bars at a large three-pointed star gives way to a long, low hood. The relatively upright windshield culminates in a sloping roofline that arches gracefully into the truncated tail. Under the long hood, AMG has plenty of space for its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, known internally as M178. Like the rest of the AMG GT, the V-8 was developed not in Stuttgart, but in Affalterbach under the watchful eye of AMG chief Tobias Moers. The exhaust manifolds and turbochargers sit inside the engine’s V in a bid to eradicate turbo lag. Dry-sump lubrication ensures reliable track and road performance. The latest version of AMG’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox hustles power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.

AMG aimed to make the GT a pure sports car. The lineup bowed in AMG GT guise and the AMG GT S arrived not long after with a 515-hp version of the V-8—nearly 50 more than the standard engine—an adaptive suspension, a revised rear differential with electronic control, additional Race and Race Start drive modes for the AMG Dynamic Select system, upsized 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and a sport exhaust system with a bypass that opens up a more aggressive rumble at higher engine speeds.

This AMG GT S is presented in nearly new condition with approximately 6,800 miles recorded. It is a California car from new that has lived in the Santa Barbara area, where it has been well kept and maintained. It looks purposeful in its factory delivered finish of metallic Selenite Grey over Nappa leather upholstery and is generously appointed as one would expect of a top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz flagship vehicle. With an original MSRP nearly double the current price, offered is a chance to own a 500+ horsepower AMG GT S, nearly as new and with looks and performance that continue to stun.