It’s here. The Mercedes-AMG GT R has been launched at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Like we said before, it is a GT3 race car for the road boasting AMG’s most powerful 4.0-liter V8 engine.
Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, said, “With the GT R, we have reached the next level of driving performance. It combines the dynamics of our latest GT3 racing car with the practicality of the standard GT.”
The M177 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine makes 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s 74 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the GT S. In order to achieve a higher power-to-weight ratio, the GT R uses lighweight materials in its construction- carbon fiber roof, titanium exhaust, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels and a stripped out interior have resulted in a power-to-weight ratio of 371 hp per tonne. As a result, 0-60 mph is over in just 3.6 sec and can hit a top speed of 198 mph.
The exterior of the car features a multitude of aerodynamic surfaces from massive air intakes and an overall aggressive front end to a reworked rear end and active diffuser that springs into action in Race mode. Despite all this, the AMG GT R has lower coefficient of drag compared to the GT S. The new Panamericana grille is expected to feature on future AMG models as well.
Revised chassis and suspension
The new Mercedes-AMG GT R also features rear-axle steering much like its rival- the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction when traveling at speeds below 62 mph. This improves low speed agility. Furthermore, at speeds exceeding 62 mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels improving steering response.
Speaking of changes to the chassis, the GT R uses new carbon fiber cross member and torque tube which increases torsional rigidity by 7.5 percent over the GT S. Tweaks to the suspension including forged aluminium hub carriers, steering knuckles and wishbones help reduce unsprung mass. A new speed-sensitive variable-ratio steering rack has been added to the GT R.
Carbon ceramic brakes will be available as an optional extra. The new AMG GT R will be available in a new shade called ‘Green Hell Magno’ seen here.
Beast of the Green Hell Trailer
June 16, 2016
The much awaited Mercedes-AMG GT R will be revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month. Today, the car maker has released a set of teaser images of the 570 hp sports car.
We have been following the development of the Mercedes-AMG GT R since it was first spotted testing in the Arctic and later at the Nurburgring.
You can checkout the complete set of spy shots here.
So, how is the new Mercedes-AMG GT R different from the standard GT S?
Well, to start with, the AMG GT R gets a boost in performance from the front-mounted 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine. The chassis and other underpinnings come straight from the GT3 race car. It recently won the Nurburgring 24 Hours race and wrapping up all podium places.
The exterior has been reworked as well. The front end features a more prominent splitter that comes part of the upgraded aero package. It also includes a carbon fiber rear spoiler and an aggressive diffuser.
According to reports, Mercedes plans to build a limited number of these and should a cost a premium over the GT S models.
