Mercedes-AMG GT R – new AMG spearhead straight out of Green Hell

AMG GT R

The car that started the whole Mercedes-AMG rather than Mercedes-Benz AMG thing – Mercedes-AMG GT – is seeing motorsport technology packed into a road-going car.

The Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S models are being joined by a Mercedes-AMG GT R, developed from motorsport know-how learnt from the world’s race tracks… and, specifically, the famous German Nurburgring track’s demanding “Green Hell” section.

AMG green hell magno

Those special factory-painted matt colours from Mercedes are named “magno”, and as the GT R was developed on the Green Hell, what more appropriate could the name be than “AMG green hell magno”.

AMG GT3 rubs off on AMG GT R spearhead

The factory-prepared AMG GT3 racing car can be bought by customers looking for an all-out race car, and this car rubs off on the new AMG GT R road car.

Mercedes-AMG continues to grow, and is expanding the top end of its product range with the introduction of the new AMG GT R as spearhead model in the AMG arsenal.

The front/mid-engine V8 biturbo engine grows in output from 375 in the GT S to 430kW in the GT R.  Unchanged in displacement, the 4.0-litre increases torque max from 650 to 700Nm.  Performance measures?  Acceleration of 0-100km/h is achieved in 3.6 seconds, and top speed goes out to 318km/h.

Wider front and rear wings allow an increased track width for optimum grip and even higher cornering speeds.

Several technical parts were optimised for track driving and for the lightweight performance strategy.

The new front fascia with active elements (louvres are opened or shut using electric motors), the large rear aerofoil (that race-car boot spoiler) and the new rear fascia with double diffuser enhance aerodynamic efficiency and help ensure optimum grip.  The exhaust outlets move from outer-positioned on the AMG GT and GT S to a grouped centre-mounted outlet, echoing a race-car.

Lightweight forged alloy wheels with cup (racing) tyres are designed for maximum driving dynamics.  Features fitted to the GT R are active rear-wheel steering, 9-way adjustable traction control system and an adjustable coil-over suspension with additional electronic control.

Yellow is the colour applied to the stylised background of the R on the tailgate badge, brake calipers and the interior, where seat stitching, high centre-console and dashboard stitching and even safety belts are in yellow.

Chrome vertical 15 fins grille, copied from 300 SL racing car

Noticed that vertical chrome-lines grille?  The new AMG Panamericana grille emphasises the unique standing of the AMG GT R.  Its characteristic form with vertical fins ahd its world première on the Mercedes AMG GT3 customer-sport racing car, and was found so attractive (with aggressive move-over look, ideal for racetrack competitiveness) that it now features, for the first time, on an AMG production vehicle.

This grille with 15 vertical fins is copied from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car that won the Panamericana road race in Mexico in 1952.

AMG CEO on GT R

"With the new AMG GT R, we have reached the next level of driving performance.  This road-going sports car with motor-racing genes and innovative technical solutions offers an ultimate driving experience that allows people to feel our motorsport origins in every fibre.  It combines the driving dynamics of our AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT.  Those with petrol in their veins will be thrilled by the radical longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the precise turn-in, and the sensational grip.  We have modified all performance-relevant components and linked them together intelligently for maximum driving dynamics”, says the CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Market launch in Europe starts in March 2017, and it remains to be seen if the GT R will land in SA.  It should, considering the strong presence in this AMG-liking land.

 

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