This $100,000+ Mercedes-Benz AMG Is So Fast Its Hubcaps Can Fly Off
Mercedes-Benz AMG has long since been known for producing some of the world’s fastest vehicles. Cruising comfortably at triple-digit speeds requires some serious engineering. As a result, even the tiniest components have to be built to withstand some serious forces. However, Mercedes-Benz AMG issued a new recall for its GT models for an unusual reason. According to CarComplaints, the GT’s hubcaps can fly off at speed.
What is wrong with the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT lineup makes up some of the brand’s fastest vehicles. However, they have been experiencing hubcap-related issues for quite some time, says CarComplaints. According to CarComplaints, despite issuing the recall recently, this issue actually dates back to the end of 2019. This is because Mercedes-Benz received several customer complaints regarding missing hubcaps. According to CarComplaints, all of these complaints came from owners of the ultra-powerful GT model.
Mercedes-Benz AMG reacted swiftly and decided to investigate the issue. However, CarComplaints reports that the initial theory was that they were stolen. This is because the hubcaps contain a large Mercedes-Benz emblem. However, CarComplaints reports that Mercedes-Benz AMG reviewed its internal warranty data and found plenty of complaints regarding hubcap fasteners. According to CarComplaints, there were linked to an existing workshop issue regarding stuck or stiff hubcaps.
From there, CarComplaints reports that Mercedes-Benz AMG decided to conduct various tests to narrow down the problem. A batch of faulty fasteners was found and determined to be the cause of this latest recall.
Which GT models have these hubcaps?
You should only worry about this latest recall if you have a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. According to CarComplaints, the recall covers the 2019-2020 AMG GT 53 4MATIC and AMG GT 63 4MATIC. Although there are just 1,150 cars affected, you have to keep in mind that the GT doesn’t sell in massive numbers.
According to CarComplaints, it is quite difficult to diagnose this issue before it happens. This is because owners won’t notice the failure until the hubcap has flow off while on the road. During Mercedes-Benz AMG’s testing, the automaker found that the hubcaps would fly off after a short period of driving.
To remedy the issue, CarComplaints reports that Mercedes-Benz AMG will begin its official recall on February 16th, 2021. From there, it will contact the owners of affected vehicles to schedule a time to replace the faulty parts. The official fix will be to replace the hubcaps with brand-new ones that have the proper fasteners attached. Since this is mostly just a visual problem, there is no serious threat to these vehicles’ owners.
What is so great about this super sedan?
To understand why these hubcaps can’t stand up to the pressure, you have to look at the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC’s stats. Under the hood lives a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 developing 577 hp in standard trim. Opt for the “S” model, and you get 630 hp. This allows the large sedan to reach a top speed of almost 200 mph. However, the AMG GT 63 is more than just raw power. In fact, it recently became the fastest luxury car to lap the Nürburgring. The GT can even reach 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, an amazing feat considering its over 4,700-lb curb weight.
