March 16: Filling another niche - the AMG GT Coupe'

Seems perfect, right? Going balls out around your local track in your gift to yourself, a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. Quality time with the most important person in your life. Wonderful, but way at the back of your mind is that niggling bit of guilt about leaving the family behind on this beautiful day, while you selfishly indulge your inner Lewis Hamilton fantasies. What to do? What to do? Buy the wife another Louis Vuitton handbag? The kids another computer game?

Fear not, since this is Mercedes-Benz we are talking about, the niche filler extraordinaire and they have heard your prayer. Round the corner of your mansion with your loving wife, the kidlings in tow and thrill them with the knowledge, that they'll soon be spending more time with the man they adore..........

Yes sir, your dream of expanding quality time with your family is about to come true, since at last week's Geneva auto show, M-B dropped another hot rod on an unsuspecting public. I mean, who comes up with these ideas? Who thought a four door AMG GT was needed to complete the line? Who started this thought process?

Going way back, someone thought a four door Vette would fly........

We all know how well that went over, but to be fair, this was a handcrafted effort by an aftermarket supplier and only a few ever saw the light of day. Also, it was back in the time when a 10 second 0-60 time was considered a feat, so maybe not enough power to pull those extra bodies. Maybe they'd have better luck with the new one........

And surely Benz wasn't thinking about the Porsche Panamera, when they were planning their family hot ride......

Not really a 911 sedan, just an unusual four door with Porsche styling cues. Capable, but no 911 hunter.

Ferrari has also tweaked us with this modern day family car..........

Nice, but they'd rather spend their developmental dollars on an upcoming suv. Maybe after that one starts outselling the rest of the Ferrari line (shortly after introduction, no doubt) will they drop a four door on us. Those holding their breathe better start making funeral arrangements.

Now back to Mercedes and our family man looking to make the most of his spare time with his loving family. So, everyone grab your helmet, as this ain't no Gran Turismo video game. This is real life and daddy knows how to make all the right moves........

With up to 630 hp and 195 mph Father's Day will never be the same. And all thanks to those niche fillers at Mercedes-Benz.

Until next time.......