Still hungover from the launch of the Porsche 911 GT3, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) shot us with the Beast of the Green Hell, the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Coincidentally (or intentionally), the GT R carries an estimated price tag of RM 1.7 million just like the Porsche.
Essentially a road legal version of the AMG GT3 race car, the AMG GT R draws exterior and aerodynamic inspirations from the race-winning car. Compared to the standard GT S, the GT R wears more aggressive bumpers, a Panamericana grille, a carbon fibre fixed rear wing and multi-spoke alloy wheels (19-inch front; 20-inch rear).
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Mercedes-AMG GT R |
| Engine | 3,982cc; bi-turbo V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT |
| Max Power | 585 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 700 Nm @ 1,900 – 5,500 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 3.6 seconds; 318 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | Est. RM1.7 million |
The new front splitter with additional air curtains help reduce front axle lift, improve air flow to the radiators and reduce drag coefficient. Other aerodynamic items that aren’t obvious to the naked eye are the electronically-controlled louvres on the front bumper that opens and closes to achieve an optimum balance between drag and cooling together with an active underbody that lowers the car by 40 mm at 80 km/h in Race mode for better downforce.
Besides the aerodynamic components, the GT R gets a beefed-up chassis too. It’s upgraded with an AMG coilover suspension with AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, active rear-wheel steering, speed-sensitive sports steering, an AMG performance sports exhaust system and an AMG high-performance composite brake system (carbon ceramics available as an option).
All that improved performance is paired to an uprated 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission deploying 585 hp and 700 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds and top speed is capped at 318 km/h.
The key highlight of the GT R is a nine-stage Traction Control system – not to be confused with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). In ESP Off, drivers can pre-select nine-stages of slip on the rear axle – Level 1 for maximum safety reserve and Level 9 for maximum slip on the rear wheels. Mercedes-AMG GT3 driver, Peter Hackett explained that although it shares the same system with the GT3 race car, the road car is much better refined for maximum driving pleasure on road and track.
As standard, our local spec AMG GT R comes equipped with AMG Performance seats while a lighter, manually-operated AMG Bucket Seat available as option. Other standard issue items include the AMG Night Package and Piano Black trims. Of course, customers can opt for the interior to be draped in Matte Black carbon fibre for a small fee.
A spokesperson from MBM expressed that while the Mercedes-AMG GT R is highly sought after worldwide, Malaysian customers can expect a three to six month waiting period from the day they place their order.
IMAGE GALLERY
