Mercedes-AMG GT R is the Green Hell on four wheels [+Video]



Here it is, Mercedes-Benz’s track focused supercar that is crafted not only to obliviate track records but also gunning down the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Meet the new Mercedes-AMG GT R, a mean sports car in AMG Green Hell Magno shades which has Nürburgring in its blood.

The AMG GT R is the road legal version of its GT3 race machine that took top glory in this year’s Nürburgring 24-hour race. To start, the aesthetics is enhanced with the inclusion of Panamericana grille taken from its GT3 race car. Active aerodynamics is available underneath the body where at speeds above 80 km/h while in race mode, the front axle lift can be significantly reduced for better traction. It also receives a huge carbon fibre rear wing at the back.2016-AMG-GTR-2-2

The powertrain choice of a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 mated with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic remains the same with the standard car. However, the engine receives a pair of new turbochargers and a revised engine mapping program. The result is power has been bumped from 503 hp to 585 hp, together with the torque has risen from 650 Nm to 700 Nm. The gearbox has been reworked with a longer first gear ratio and a shorter top gear, allowing rapid response to boost acceleration.

These improvements allow the AMG GT R to hit 100 km/h from nought in 3.6 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the GT S. The car also reach a top speed of 318 km/h, around 10 km/h faster than the GT S. Obviously with the added performance, the AMG GT S gets upgraded brakes with carbon-ceramic set is available as an added cost.2016-AMG-GTR-14

Four-wheel steering is the car’s party trick and the first for Mercedes. Two electro-mechanical actuators replace the conventional control arms on the rear axle, together with “by-wire” system that adjusts the tow angle of the rear wheels at most 1.5 degrees.

The result is when at speeds below 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn the opposite of the front, shortening the wheelbase in the process. The wheelbase will be virtually lengthened when speeds above 100 km/h. This complements the heavily modified suspension system, allowing the AMG GT R to attack corners and straights on the track at ease.

The AMG GT R rides on a set of new lightweight ten-spoke forged rims, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres – 275/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 20 at the rear.

The “Green Hell” on wheels is developed extensively in the Nürburgring Nordschleife track, and will go on sale by November. Price tag has yet to be unveiled at this point in time.

Meanwhile, here’s the launch video featuring Lewis Hamilton!


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