From racing to the road.
Dressed in an “AMG Green Hell Magno” paint, the Mercedes-AMG GT R made its global debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was arguably the perfect place to unveil the super car that was bred on the racetrack and made for the road, combining advanced technology with historic design cues and a brutal V-8 engine.
“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 fiber. It combines the driving dynamics of our AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT. Those with gasoline 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,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Right off the bat, the exclusive “AMG Green Hell Magno” paint distinguishes the Mercedes-AMG GT R from the rest of the pack and points to the place where it was born – the “North Loop” of the Nurburgring, aka the “Green Hell”. Here, engineers from the racing works teams of Mercedes-Benz developed the GT R with motorsports in mind.
Part of the collaboration between motorsports engineers and designers can be seen in the advanced aerodynamics of the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Here, designer’s aggressive dreams were made into reality with the help of high-tech, advanced aerodynamics throughout the super car with a touch of heritage.
Up front, the Mercedes-AMG GT R dominates with a shark-nose fascia featuring a classic AMG Panamericana grille. The new grille draws inspiration from the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL that won the 1952 Panamericana road race in Mexico, and was revived on the new AMG GT3 racecar. A total of 15 chrome vertical fins are worn by the grille, which celebrates its premiere on a road-going production car.
Larger air intakes and outtakes are also worn up front as are new air curtains and a wide splitter to reduce lift, improve cooling, and reduce heat buildup. Part of the improved cooling system is an active aerodynamic profile in the underbody that activates a 4.4-lb. carbon fiber component in Race mode at 50 mph. The component moves downwards by 1.6 inches and creates a Venturi effect that reduces lift by 88.2 lbs. at 155 mph.
The bolder appearance of the new Mercedes-AMG GT R also benefits from extended front and rear fenders add a total of 1.8 inches and 2.2 inches at the front and rear, respectively. Vents are also integrated into the front carbon fiber units to cool the engine bay and match the lightweight carbon fiber roof that reduces the center of gravity.
Moving to the rear, air meets a large fixed rear wing in high-gloss black along with the body-colored aerofoils. A thin air vent is positioned beneath the LED taillights to help heat from the titanium muffler escape effectively. A new double-diffuser sits beneath and works with the active aero to channel air more effectively. In total, the new aerodynamics of the Mercedes-AMG GT R produce 342 lbs. more downforce at top speed than the standard AMG GT mode.
The hardcore active aerodynamics work along with the new AMG coilover suspension system to give the new AMG GT R superb handling and traction. Forged aluminum suspension components with a high-camber and toe-in characteristics improve cornering while a larger, hollow anti-roll bar is used at the rear. The new coilover suspension can be manually pre-loaded for a specific setup and works with the AMG Ride Control to instantly adjust characteristics for optimum handling.
Active rear-wheel steering comes standard on the Mercedes-AMG GT R and uses two electro-mechanical actuators to increase agility. At speeds under 62 mph, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction, while speeds over 62 mph see the rear wheels turn the same way as the front to virtually extend the wheelbase.
For customers that want the ultimate in performance, the Mercedes-AMG GT R can be fitted with optional 10-spoke forged wheels finished in matte black with a milled groove and two high-sheen rim rings. The staggered 10.0J x 19 front and 12.0J x 20 rear lightweight wheels are fitted with sticky street-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in 275/35 ZR19 and 325/30 ZR20 racing tires that offer 50-percent more mileage on the track without affecting grip.
Behind those forged wheels sit ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch front and 14.2-inch rear brake discs with yellow painted calipers. As an option, ceramic composite brakes that shed 37 lbs. of weight and measure 15.8-inches and 14.2-inches, respectively, give the AMG GT R even better overall performance.
Under the hood sits an upgraded version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine built by hand in Affalterbach. Two new turbochargers produce 19.6 PSI of boost pressure instead of the 17.4 PSI in the AMG GT models, and send gasses through optimized exhaust ports to the AMG Performance sports exhaust that is 13 lbs. lighter than the AMG GT S thanks to a titanium rear muffler. The entire ECU mapping system is new on the Mercedes-AMG GT R yet still retains the instantaneous throttle response that was enjoyed in the AMG GT model line. A 1.5-lb. lightweight double-mass flywheel also contributes to responsiveness.
In total, the new Mercedes-AMG GT R produces 577 horsepower at 6,250 RPM and 516 lb-ft. of torque from 1,900 to 5,500 RPM, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 5.94 lbs. per horsepower. Acceleration to 62 mph from rest takes 3.5 seconds and top speed is just shy of the 200-mark at 198 mph.
That power is transferred to the rear wheels via the AMG Performance DCT seven-speed dual clutch gearbox complete with various drive modes. New dynamic transmission and engine mounts can vary their stiffness to provide more comfort or improve overall performance. An electronically-controlled limited-slip differential is integrated into the compact transmission housing and works to increase grip and cornering speeds.
Carbon fiber and other lightweight materials were used throughout the Mercedes-AMG GT R. A carbon fiber torque tube weighs a mere 30.6 lbs. total to connect the engine and transmission. Carbon fiber also makes up the tunnel cross brace and two engine braces to reduce weight over the steel counterparts. Zee Germans even used composite wheel-catch struts to shed weight even further with the super car.
Inside, the focus for the Mercedes-AMG GT R is still the driver. AMG Performance Seats come standard with Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber. As an option, yellow seat belts, dials, and other parts can be specified along with an AMG Black Piano Lacquer trim. An AM Interior Night package is also available with high-gloss black pieces throughout with the AMG Piano Lacquer package.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT R will be available in the United States in mid-2017 for purchase.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 577 at 6,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 516 lb-ft. from 1,900 to 5,500 RPM
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 5.94 lbs. per HP
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 198 mph
Mercedes-AMG GT R Gallery
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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