Mercedes reveals price of 577bhp AMG GT R
Hardcore 911 GT3 RS rival blasts in with 577bhp, big aerodynamic tweaks and four-wheel steering
Mercedes has revealed prices for its range topping AMG GT R – its hardcore AMG GT variant with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS firmly in its sights. The flagship GT will be available from £143,245, making it almost £12,000 more than its Porsche rival. It does come with two extra cylinders and considerably more power though.
Power from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 rises from 503bhp in the standard model to 577bhp, while torque is boosted by 50Nm to 700Nm. The dual-clutch gearbox software has been tweaked for faster shifts, too, helping the AMG GT R crack 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and reach 198mph flat out – that’s two tenths of a second and 4mph faster than the model its based on. To scrub off all of that speed the brakes have been uprated, while an optional carbon ceramic set is also available.
But it’s not all about the extra straight line performance, as Mercedes–AMG engineers have been rigorously testing the GT R at the Nurburgring to make it much more track focused. The striking green magno matt paint is unashamedly referencing the ‘Green Hell’.
The GT R’s stance is more aggressive, too; the arches have been stretched by 46mm at the front and 57mm at the rear to accommodate a wider track. The body design is inspired in part by the AMG GT3 racer, with a new 'Panamerica' vertical slatted grille inspired by the GT3 racer, chunky air intakes, a huge black rear wing and double rear diffuser. New lightweight 10-spoke forged wheels also come wrapped in wider, track-biased Michelin Cup 2 tyres.
There’s been a wealth of weight shedding for the GT R, too. A lighter (and much noisier) active exhaust system has been added, aluminium components in the suspension reduce unsprung weight, while carbon-fibre engine mounts and chassis components have been bolted on. The changes shed 15kg from the kerbweight.
Aerodynamics have also played a big part in the GT R’s development; alongside the rear wing (which generates 155kg of downforce) and diffuser, a new active front splitter has been fitted. An active underbody panel helps reduce lift by directing airflow to the rear diffuser, while louvres in the front grille can open and close to help manage engine temperature. Merc claims the changes improve high-speed stability, reduce drag and boost downforce.
There’s a new three-mode adaptive suspension setup, too, designed specifically for track use. The coil-over system receives stiffer bushings and a thicker anti roll bar at the rear. Active rear-wheel steering – a first for Mercedes – is brought in, turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts up to 62mph, and then in the same direction as the fronts above that speed to boost agility. There’s even a new nine (yes, nine) setting traction control system allowing minor adjustments to the level of slip, controlled by a dial in the centre of the dash.
Mercedes hasn’t overhauled the cabin much, though. The standard electric seats are ditched for manually adjustable, lighter bucket seats trimmed in leather and microfibre – although you can spec the plusher seats as a no cost option. New interior details include yellow seatbelts and stitching, gloss black trim and the AMG ‘Night’ package.
For an extra £4,195 buyers will be able to spec the Premium package, introducing keyless-go, brushed stainless steel door panels with AMG lettering, Merc’s Parktronic system with a reversing camera, an upgraded sound system by Burmester, plus heated seats.
Other optional packs include the AMG Track Package, bringing four point seatbelt harnesses, a fire extinguisher and a roll cage as well as two carbon fibre detailing packs - £3,895 adds carbon fibre detailing and finishes to exterior parts, while an extra £2,995 sees the cabin finished using the material.
For £5,995 carbon ceramic brakes can be added, while the green magno paint Mercedes has used to promote the AMG GT R is a £7,500 option.
The AMG GT R is on sale now, but it won’t reach customers in Europe until March 2017. Numbers won't be limited, however, according to bosses.
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