From the crucible of the world’s most challenging racetracks comes a force unlike any other – the Mercedes-AMG GT R. This isn’t just another production vehicle; it’s a symphony of motorsport technology meticulously engineered and seamlessly integrated for the road. The Gtr Mercedes Amg stands as a testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance, packing a front-mid-engine configuration with a transaxle, a formidable 577 hp V8 Biturbo engine, and a suite of radical enhancements in suspension, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction. The result? A driving experience that transcends the ordinary, blurring the lines between road car and race machine. Even at a standstill, the exclusive “AMG green hell magno” paintwork, a nod to the infamous Nürburgring “Green Hell” where the GT R honed its prowess, declares its motorsport pedigree. Wider front and rear fenders aren’t just for show; they accommodate an increased track width, ensuring tenacious grip and breathtaking cornering speeds. A newly sculpted front fascia with active aerodynamic elements, a commanding rear aerofoil, and a redesigned rear fascia featuring a double diffuser work in concert to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and deliver unwavering grip. Lightweight forged wheels, wrapped in standard-fit cup tires, are further evidence of the GT R’s singular focus: maximum driving dynamics. Innovative features like active rear-wheel steering, a nine-way adjustable traction control system, and an adjustable coil-over suspension with electronic control elevate the driving experience to unprecedented levels. And let’s not forget the assertive AMG Panamericana grille, a visual hallmark that made its debut on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer-sport racing car and now graces an AMG production vehicle for the first time, solidifying the gtr mercedes amg’s unique and dominant stance.
Mercedes-AMG’s relentless expansion at the pinnacle of performance motoring reaches new heights with the introduction of the gtr mercedes amg. Professor Thomas Weber, then Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, aptly stated, “Our sports-car and performance brand AMG has its roots in motorsport and, ever since its formation, has repeatedly faced up to the competition on the racetrack. These genes are particularly prevalent in the new AMG GT R. Boasting a wealth of technological innovations, the new top-of-the-range model is proof of the close collaboration between our constructors of racing cars and road-going vehicles.” This collaboration is palpable in every facet of the gtr mercedes amg, a car born from the track and refined for the road.
Tobias Moers, former CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the exhilarating nature of this machine: “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,”. The gtr mercedes amg isn’t just about raw power; it’s about the holistic integration of cutting-edge technologies to deliver a driving experience that is both visceral and precise.
Performance Data: Mercedes-AMG GT R at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo with Dry-Sump Lubrication |
| Displacement | 3,982 cc |
| Output | 577 hp at 6,250 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 516 lb-ft at 1,900-5,500 rpm |
| Driven Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission |
| Weight | 3,428 lbs (Euro spec; US spec may vary) |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 5.94 lbs/Horsepower (Euro spec; US spec may vary) |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.5 s (est.) |
| Top Speed | 198 mph |
As the third iteration in the AMG GT lineage, the gtr mercedes amg spearheads the AMG model range, embodying pioneering technologies born from the racetrack. Its development drew heavily from AMG’s extensive motorsport involvement in AMG GT3 customer racing and the fiercely competitive German Touring Car Masters Series (DTM). The staggering performance figures – 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph – are not just numbers; they translate to blistering lap times and an unparalleled driving experience. The exclusive “AMG green hell magno” paint serves as a constant visual reminder of the car’s Nürburgring origins, solidifying its racetrack DNA. This sharpened track focus is achieved through intelligent lightweight construction employing aluminum and carbon fiber, strategically reinforced body shell, a potent Handcrafted 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine paired with a meticulously tuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, innovative aerodynamics with active components, and a cutting-edge suspension system featuring active rear-wheel steering and uniball joints. The gtr mercedes amg is a comprehensive performance package, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of speed and agility.
Optimized Weight Distribution and Low Center of Gravity
The foundation of the gtr mercedes amg‘s exceptional handling lies in its front mid-engine and transaxle configuration, a proven design carried over from the AMG GT and AMG GT S. This layout yields a favorable rear-biased weight distribution of 47.3 to 52.7 percent. Coupled with the vehicle’s inherently low center of gravity, this weight balance translates to razor-sharp agility and allows for astonishingly high cornering speeds. The gtr mercedes amg feels planted and responsive, inspiring confidence at every turn.
Boasting a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.94 lbs. per horsepower, the gtr mercedes amg firmly establishes itself as a leader in its class. This impressive figure underscores the effectiveness of AMG’s lightweight engineering and the sheer potency of its V8 engine, creating a driving experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably efficient.
Synergy Between Design and Aerodynamic Expertise
The development of the gtr mercedes amg witnessed an unprecedented level of collaboration between aerodynamics engineers and designers. AMG’s design philosophy of “Dynamic Presence” provided the visual blueprint, resulting in a significantly more athletic and distinctive appearance. In this endeavor, form and function became intrinsically linked; every design element serves a technical purpose, contributing to enhanced driving dynamics, while aerodynamicists worked to realize the designers’ vision. This symbiotic relationship even spawned a patent-pending innovation, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of the gtr mercedes amg project.
Beyond the aggressively sculpted body and motorsport-derived components, the new AMG Panamericana grille immediately captures attention. This unique feature, also hailing from the realm of motorsport, makes its standard-production debut on the gtr mercedes amg. Its 15 chrome-plated vertical fins are directly inspired by the look of the new AMG GT3 racing car. The fundamental design of this grille pays homage to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car, a victor of the legendary Panamericana road race in Mexico in 1952. This grille isn’t just a visual statement; it’s a symbol of AMG’s racing heritage and its commitment to pushing performance boundaries.
Aggressive Front-End Design for Unbridled Performance
The gtr mercedes amg‘s front end is a study in aggressive functionality. The low-slung profile and forward-leaning radiator grille create a distinctive “shark nose” aesthetic, giving the car a crouched, ready-to-attack stance. This shape also serves an aerodynamic purpose, lowering the vehicle’s back-pressure point, thereby optimizing cooling airflow and overall aerodynamic efficiency.
The more pronounced V-shape and arrow-like contours of the front end amplify the dynamic visual appeal, effectively communicating the gtr mercedes amg‘s unbridled forward momentum even when stationary. A front fascia featuring a completely redesigned jet-wing design (inspired by the A-wing) broadens the car’s visual presence and enhances its road-hugging stance. The large outer air intakes, reminiscent of jet engines, are not merely stylistic flourishes; they are essential for meeting the increased cooling demands of the gtr mercedes amg‘s high-performance powertrain. These intakes incorporate two aerodynamically optimized horizontal fins that effectively channel airflow to the radiators.
A wide front splitter further reduces lift at the front axle, contributing to enhanced stability at high speeds. Additional Air Curtains, positioned on the outer edges of the front fascia, smooth airflow, improving the gtr mercedes amg‘s drag coefficient (Cd). These narrow, vertical openings precisely guide air towards the wheel arches, optimizing airflow in this critical area. To ensure optimal airflow through the double wheel arch radiators, the gtr mercedes amg incorporates innovative wheel arch liners with specialized cooling-air slits. Every detail of the front end is meticulously crafted to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and cooling performance.
Groundbreaking Active Aerodynamics Profile
A truly remarkable engineering achievement in the gtr mercedes amg is the all-new active aerodynamics profile. This carbon fiber component, weighing a mere 4.4 lbs., is ingeniously concealed within the underbody, just ahead of the engine. At speeds exceeding 50 mph in RACE mode, this profile automatically extends downwards by approximately 1.6 inches, dramatically altering airflow characteristics. This deployment generates the Venturi effect, effectively “sucking” the car closer to the road and reducing front-axle lift by around 88.2 lbs. at 155 mph.
The driver experiences the benefits of this system through enhanced steering feel. The gtr mercedes amg exhibits even greater steering precision during high-speed cornering and demonstrates improved directional stability. Particularly during aggressive cornering and under high lateral acceleration, the gtr mercedes amg delivers heightened agility with clear steering feedback while maintaining exceptional control.
Furthermore, this active profile contributes to a reduction in drag coefficient while preserving downforce on the rear axle, showcasing its multifaceted aerodynamic benefits.
This groundbreaking innovation was initially conceived through computer simulations and subsequently refined through extensive wind tunnel testing. Real-world validation was conducted during rigorous test drives, including laps on the demanding Nordschleife circuit of the Nürburgring. The virtually invisible underbody integration of this aerodynamic profile ensures seamless harmony with the car’s overall silhouette.
Upon extension of the electrically operated profile, the radiator air outlet at the front end opens, precisely directing airflow towards the double rear diffuser, optimizing its performance. This enhances rear-axle handling stability and simultaneously reduces temperature hotspots at the rear. Moreover, the aerodynamics package contributes to improved braking performance by channeling more cooling air to the brake discs. To safeguard against damage, the profile is spring-mounted, allowing it to flex upwards if necessary.
Active Air Management System with Louvers
Another technological highlight enhancing the gtr mercedes amg‘s aerodynamics is the active air management system. This system incorporates vertical louvers positioned in the lower front fascia, directly behind the grille. Electronically controlled, these louvers can open and close in approximately one second via an electric motor, precisely modulating airflow and optimizing aerodynamic performance.
Under normal driving conditions, including at top speed, during braking, and during high-speed cornering, the louvers remain closed. This configuration minimizes drag and directs airflow towards the underbody, further reducing front lift. Only when predefined component temperatures reach critical thresholds and cooling air demand becomes paramount, the louvers open fully, maximizing cooling airflow to the heat exchangers.
The comprehensive aerodynamics concept of the gtr mercedes amg achieves an ideal equilibrium between lift and downforce across all operating conditions, while also reducing drag compared to the AMG GT and GT S models. This intelligent system ensures optimal aerodynamic performance in every scenario.
Powerful Side Profile with Carbon Fiber Accents
The gtr mercedes amg‘s side profile is both powerful and aerodynamically sculpted. The front fenders, crafted from ultralight carbon fiber, broaden the car’s front track by a total of 1.8 inches, accommodating the wider track and larger wheel/tire combinations. These aggressively sculpted fenders further accentuate the car’s longitudinal dynamism. A distinctive fender vent, featuring a stylized fin and a large air outlet for dissipating engine bay heat, adds another layer of visual and functional detail. This fin is perforated and incorporates the iconic AMG diamond logo with five slats.
The optional AMG Performance forged wheels in matte black further enhance the side view. These exceptionally lightweight 10-spoke wheels are exclusive to the gtr mercedes amg and feature a sophisticated design that includes a drop-center rim, a milled groove, and two high-sheen rim rings of varying widths. The front wheels measure 10.0 J x 19, while the rears are a substantial 12.0 J x 20. The lightweight construction of these wheels offers a trifecta of benefits: reduced overall weight, rotational mass, and unsprung mass. This translates to improved efficiency, enhanced performance, and more precise suspension and steering response, positively impacting chassis and suspension control systems.
The wheels provide an unobstructed view of the brake calipers, finished in a distinctive yellow hue exclusive to the gtr mercedes amg. New side sill panels visually lower the car’s stance, while high-gloss black inserts add a touch of individualization. High-gloss black caps on the door mirror housings further contribute to the cohesive design.
As standard, the gtr mercedes amg features a roof constructed from high-grade carbon fiber, reinforcing the car’s high-contrast aesthetic and lowering its center of gravity for improved handling.
Aerodynamically Optimized Rear End with Striking Details
The rear end of the gtr mercedes amg is characterized by numerous striking innovations. The new aluminum side walls widen the rear by a total of 2.2 inches, creating space for larger 20-inch wheels and a wider track. These measures enhance traction and enable higher cornering speeds, crucial for track performance.
The wider rear fascia design, with large outer vent openings and vertical swaging, optimizes airflow at the rear, as does the double diffuser. The double diffuser also enhances overall heat dissipation from the exhaust system by venting warm air during driving.
A small air outlet integrated between the tail lamps further aids in dissipating heat generated by the rear silencer. A defining feature of the gtr mercedes amg is the large, centrally positioned exhaust tip with a center spar, integrated into the rear fascia. This central tip is flanked by two additional black exhaust tips on the left and right within the diffuser.
The large, fixed rear wing, mounted on the hatch, significantly increases downforce on the rear axle. The aerofoil mounts are painted in the vehicle color, while the blade itself is finished in high-gloss black. The blade angle is manually adjustable, a motorsport-derived technique allowing for fine-tuning based on track conditions and driving style.
The combined effect of all aerodynamic enhancements is a substantial increase in surface contact at top speed, generating 342 lbs. more downforce compared to the AMG GT. The gtr mercedes amg achieves maximum grip, exceptional drivability, and a powerfully proportioned design that seamlessly integrates aerodynamic functionalities. Remarkably, despite its increased engine output, wider body, larger tires, rear aerofoil, heightened cooling demands, and increased downforce, the gtr mercedes amg boasts a lower drag coefficient (Cd) than the AMG GT.
AMG Coil-Over Suspension for Track-Focused Dynamics
The suspension of the gtr mercedes amg is meticulously engineered for racetrack dominance. Wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers on both front and rear axles are crafted entirely from forged aluminum to minimize unsprung mass. The double-wishbone suspension design ensures precise wheel location with minimal elastic movement. High camber and toe-in stability contribute to exceptional cornering speeds and provide the driver with optimal road feel when pushing the limits.
Uniball spherical bearings on the lower wishbones of the rear axle are directly inspired by motorsport. These bearings are significantly more wear-resistant than conventional wishbone bushings and eliminate play, ensuring consistent toe-in and camber even under extreme loads. This translates to even greater driving precision in the gtr mercedes amg.
Furthermore, the rear axle is equipped with a thicker tubular anti-roll bar, specifically tuned to the heightened driving dynamics of the gtr mercedes amg and designed with a hollow core to save weight.
The new AMG coil-over suspension is purpose-built for the gtr mercedes amg. Mirroring professional motorsport setups, drivers can customize their suspension settings and infinitely adjust spring pre-load manually. This allows for precise manipulation of dive and roll behavior, as well as fine-tuning grip levels to suit personal preferences or specific racetrack characteristics.
This coil-over suspension is paired with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This electronically controlled system automatically adjusts damping at each wheel based on driving situation, speed, and road conditions. Damping characteristics are modulated rapidly and precisely by two separate valves for rebound and compression forces within the dampers. Increased damping rates during cornering and braking effectively minimize body roll. Continuous damping adjustment based on speed ensures optimal road contact, even at high velocities, enhancing safety.
Drivers can adjust the adaptive damping characteristics via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT or through the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three modes are available: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” “Comfort” is tailored for public roads, “Sport” is optimized for demanding tracks like the Nordschleife, balancing dynamic driving with ground contact on undulating surfaces, and “Sport Plus” is ideal for flatter, modern Grand Prix circuits, providing maximum structural rigidity.
Conventional suspension enhancements include a wider front and rear track and standard-fit Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, sized 275/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 20 at the rear. These street-legal racing tires enable faster lap times and offer up to 50 percent greater mileage on the racetrack.
Active Rear-Wheel Steering: Agility and Stability Redefined
The gtr mercedes amg achieves even sharper steering response thanks to standard-fit active rear-wheel steering, a first for a Mercedes-AMG model. This system strikes an ideal balance between agility and stability, handling traits that are typically at odds with each other.
Two steering actuators replace conventional control arms on the rear axle. The system’s core comprises two electro-mechanical actuators (electric motors with jackscrew) that operate “by-wire,” electronically adjusting rear wheel angles within a predefined map, independent of the steering wheel input. The maximum rear wheel toe angle change in the gtr mercedes amg is 1.5 degrees.
At speeds up to 62 mph, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, effectively shortening the wheelbase. This significantly enhances agility during corner entry, increasing driving enjoyment and reducing steering effort, particularly on tight, winding roads, narrow racetracks with frequent directional changes, or slalom courses. Additional benefits include improved maneuverability and a tighter turning circle for everyday driving, especially during parking.
Above 62 mph, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, virtually lengthening the wheelbase and enhancing handling stability. Lateral force build-up at the rear wheels becomes considerably faster during directional changes, resulting in quicker steering response. Drivers will notice enhanced rear-axle grip and robust stability during rapid directional changes, eliminating the twitching sensation often associated with rear-end instability.
Active rear-wheel steering not only improves cornering prowess but also assists during sudden evasive maneuvers, enhancing active safety, and makes the gtr mercedes amg more controllable at the limit.
The standard 3-stage ESP® system, offering “ESP ON,” “ESP SPORT Handling Mode,” and “ESP OFF” settings, works seamlessly with the limited-slip differential and is precisely calibrated to the gtr mercedes amg‘s exceptional driving dynamics. The ESP OFF mode programming is directly derived from the AMG GT3 race car.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Nine Levels of Grip Mastery
In ESP OFF mode, the gtr mercedes amg introduces another innovation, AMG TRACTION CONTROL, directly descended from motorsport. This system empowers drivers with nine levels of adjustable slip control on the driven rear axle. Similar to the AMG GT3 race car, it isolates grip control on the driven wheels from ESP® stabilization. Predefined characteristic maps within the vehicle electronics govern the system’s behavior.
A dedicated rotary switch, located on the center console below the ventilation outlets, controls the system. Each setting allows for progressively more rear wheel slip, adapting to varying road conditions. Level 1 prioritizes safety in wet conditions, while Level 9 permits maximum rear axle slip for ultimate performance. A luminous LED band surrounding the rotary switch visually indicates the current setting, a display logic borrowed from motorsport. The setting is also displayed in the instrument cluster’s central display.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL leverages a virtual µ(mu) simulator and other data processed by a control unit to anticipate driving situations in milliseconds, offering a significant advantage over conventional systems. Based on the selected level, the system calculates the maximum permissible rear wheel slip. When this slip threshold is reached during acceleration, the traction control modulates engine output to maintain the specified slip level and ensure continuous acceleration. The electronic limited-slip differential’s effect is also integrated into the adjustment scope. This instantaneous control enhances both driving enjoyment and performance.
This system provides invaluable assistance in managing engine torque and torque application during corner exits, a critical element for achieving fast lap times. Precise power delivery when accelerating out of a turn is paramount for track performance.
Electronically Controlled Rear-Axle Limited-Slip Differential
The gtr mercedes amg comes standard with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle, integrated into the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and rapid control elevates handling limits to new heights. It enhances driven wheel grip and increases cornering speeds at the limit. The system operates with variable locking effect during acceleration and deceleration, finely tuned to diverse handling conditions and road friction coefficients.
Speed-Sensitive Sports Steering with Variable Ratio
The speed-sensitive sports steering features a variable steering ratio, enhancing vehicle handling and agility at lower speeds while maintaining driving safety at higher speeds. Power assist is dynamically adjusted based on road speed, lateral acceleration, and the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode. This results in exceptional road feedback and a direct connection between driver and vehicle.
Race-Inspired Interior Design
The interior of the gtr mercedes amg is meticulously designed to provide the driver with an ideal, race-focused environment. Standard AMG Performance Seats, also featured in the AMG GT S, are upholstered in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber, providing essential lateral support during extreme driving maneuvers. Optional yellow seat belts, dials with yellow accents, AMG Black Piano Lacquer interior trim, and specialized controls, including those for the new AMG TRACTION CONTROL, underscore the gtr mercedes amg‘s unique character.
The wide dashboard, reminiscent of a powerful wing, continues the aviation-inspired design theme. Four central spotlight-style vents and individual vents at the dashboard’s edges further enhance this impression. Combined with high beltlines, concave door paneling, and a dynamic center console, the gtr mercedes amg creates an exceptionally sporty cockpit that integrates the driver seamlessly thanks to the low seating position.
The center console’s shape, echoing a NACA air intake duct, and authentic, high-quality materials evoke a direct connection to motor racing. The centrally positioned, free-standing central display is another striking element. Attention to detail extends to the AMG DRIVE UNIT controls, arranged in a V layout resembling eight cylinders, emphasizing the center console’s powerful and high-tech aesthetic.
The new AMG Interior Night package, available as an option, finishes shift paddles, steering wheel bezel, door sills, and trunk cross member in high-gloss black, complementing the standard AMG Interior Piano Lacquer package to amplify sportiness. Matte black carbon fiber trim is also available as an option.
AMG Lightweight Performance: More Equipment, Less Weight
Weight is a critical factor in sports car performance, and the gtr mercedes amg employs an intelligent material mix for its structure. Various aluminum alloys are used for the chassis and body, steel for the trunk lid, and magnesium for the front deck. This exceptionally light front element reduces inertia ahead of the front axle, improving agility.
The weight-optimized spaceframe is constructed from die-cast and extruded aluminum sections. The high bending and torsional strength of this design enables the absorption and transfer of extreme linear and transverse forces from the drivetrain and suspension. Reduced unwanted flexibility results in precise and direct vehicle response. The driver experiences a sports car with maximum dynamics and exceptional precision.
Numerous additional measures contribute to weight reduction as part of AMG’s lightweight-performance strategy. Carbon fiber, a lightweight and high-strength motorsport material, is used for components like the front fenders, roof, and torque tube connecting the engine and transmission.
The carbon-fiber torque tube, weighing only 30.6 lbs., is approximately 40 percent lighter than its already weight-optimized aluminum counterpart in the AMG GT. As a structural component of the transaxle drivetrain, it provides an extremely flexurally and torsionally stiff connection between the engine and transmission. This direct drivetrain connection enhances driving dynamics and contributes to balanced weight distribution. Further weight savings come from standard-fit forged wheels, a titanium rear silencer, and minimized soundproofing materials.
Carbon-Fiber Tunnel Cross Brace: Maximum Torsional Rigidity
The gtr mercedes amg features a new carbon-fiber tunnel cross brace, replacing three aluminum components from the GT. Located beneath the exhaust system and torque tube, this lightweight component, designed by AMG experts, reduces weight while increasing torsional rigidity.
This carbon tunnel brace significantly stiffens the body, withstanding the high torsional loads encountered during racing. It more effectively braces the two vehicle sides in the torque tube tunnel area, increasing torsional rigidity by approximately 7.5 percent. This improvement is particularly notable given the already high torsional rigidity of the standard AMG GT. Drivers immediately perceive the gtr mercedes amg‘s exceptionally precise driving feel, maintained even under extreme loads at the dynamic limits. The enhanced body composure allows for improved control, especially in challenging racetrack conditions like fast, bumpy corners.
Diagonal carbon fiber braces in the engine bay further stiffen the front end, representing a weight reduction of about 50 percent compared to traditional steel components.
Composite Wheel-Catch Struts: Intelligent Material Mix
AMG’s lightweight construction expertise extends to the wheel-catch struts, crafted from a composite material. In the event of an accident, these components guide and capture the front wheels onto the side members as part of the intended crash kinematics. Composite struts are approximately 50 percent lighter than equivalent steel components. Compared to carbon fiber, the composite material offers the advantage of greater deformability while maintaining good material strength.
High-Performance Brakes: Fade-Resistance and Consistent Performance
The high-performance composite brake system ensures exceptional deceleration and fade-resistance, featuring internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch diameter brake discs at the front axle and 14.2-inch brakes at the rear axle. The brake calipers are finished in yellow.
An optional ceramic high-performance composite brake system further reduces weight by over 37 lbs., extends service life, and provides even greater fade resistance thanks to ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 15.8 inches at the front and 14.2 inches at the rear.
Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo Engine: More Power, Faster Response
The heart of the gtr mercedes amg beats stronger than ever – the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine delivers 577 hp, a 74 hp increase over the previous top-of-the-range engine in the GT S. Peak torque of 516 lb-ft is available from 1,900 to 5,500 rpm.
This performance gain is achieved through new turbochargers with modified compressor machining, smaller wastegate aneroid capsule, and optimized engine mapping. Boost pressure has been increased from 17.4 psi in the AMG GT to 19.6 psi. Exhaust ports have been optimized, compression ratio modified, and the entire combustion process retuned.
Accelerator characteristics, charge-pressure build-up, and transmission parameters are modified to ensure even more spontaneous engine response and faster gear changes. A two-mass flywheel, 1.5 lbs. lighter than the AMG GT S counterpart, further contributes to agility.
The engine delivers thrilling spontaneous response, precisely metered power output, and linear power delivery with strong thrust across the rev range, enhancing control at the limit. Sophisticated engine control electronics consider driving status and adjust accelerator characteristics based on lateral g-forces.
The Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine features twin-scroll turbochargers positioned inside the V configuration (‘hot inside V’), resulting in a compact engine design, instantaneous turbocharger response, and low emissions thanks to optimized airflow for close-coupled catalytic converters. This principle is further optimized in the gtr mercedes amg, enabling improved performance. Maximum charge pressure reaches 19.6 psi, and turbochargers reach a maximum speed of 186,000 rpm.
Indirect air-to-water intercooling ensures optimal power output in high ambient temperatures. Intercoolers, with optimized air and water flow, utilize a separate, two-stage low-temperature water circuit with parallel coolers in the wheel arches and a large front radiator. This system is even more effective than in the AMG GT S, ensuring consistently low charge air temperatures even under full load. Short charge-air ducting optimizes responsiveness.
Twin turbochargers and direct injection with spray-guided combustion enhance thermodynamic efficiency and output. Fast, precise piezo injectors deliver fuel at high pressure into eight combustion chambers with multiple injections on demand, ensuring homogeneous fuel/air mixture. Fuel delivery is electronically controlled and fully variable between 1,450 and 2,900 psi.
The aluminum crankcase, produced using sand casting technology and featuring a closed-deck design, ensures extreme strength while minimizing weight and allowing high injection pressures up to 2,030 psi.
NANOSLIDE® cylinder liner coating, also used in MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One engines, is harder and more wear-resistant than conventional cast-iron liners. Reduced friction, combined with aluminum forged pistons, improves efficiency.
Four overhead camshafts control 32 valves. Camshaft adjustment on intake and exhaust sides optimizes throttle response and gas cycle across operating points.
Dry sump lubrication ensures constant oil supply under high lateral forces, allowing lower engine mounting for a lower center of gravity and high lateral acceleration capability.
The gtr mercedes amg‘s engine is hand-assembled in AMG’s Affalterbach plant based on the “One Man – One Engine” philosophy, with each engine built by a highly qualified engine builder adhering to strict quality standards, as evidenced by the signature on the AMG engine badge.
AMG Performance DCT: Enhanced for Racetrack Prowess
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, in a transaxle layout at the rear axle, has been extensively revised by AMG engineers, with hardware and software modifications to optimize it for racetrack use. First gear in the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission has a longer ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive have shorter ratios for more agile acceleration and spontaneous response to accelerator pedal inputs.
Shift performance and response time limits have been significantly extended. The RACE START function is enhanced with increased starting revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and racetrack-ready sports tires. Transmission cooling is adapted to the rigorous demands of racing.
Drivers can customize the gtr mercedes amg using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller, offering “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), and “I” (Individual) modes. “RACE” mode optimizes the dual-clutch transmission’s shift strategy for racetrack use, prioritizing shortest shift speeds and an emotionally charged engine sound. The separate “M” button on the center console activates manual transmission mode in any drive mode.
Dynamic Engine and Transmission Mounts: Comfort and Agility Harmonized
Dynamic engine and transmission mounts are standard in the gtr mercedes amg. These mounts play a crucial role in transaxle designs, balancing comfort (softer mounts for noise and vibration decoupling) and handling/agility (stiffer mounts).
Mercedes-AMG resolves this conflict with dynamic mounts that continuously and almost instantaneously adjust stiffness based on driving conditions. A dedicated control unit identifies handling situations using CAN data, connected to the electronic limited-slip rear differential, ensuring optimally balanced driving dynamics. AMG further innovates by independently actuating engine and transmission mounts, providing additional improvements in driving precision and lateral dynamics.
AMG Performance Sports Exhaust System: Pure Sound
The specially developed exhaust system delivers authentic racing car sound and saves approximately 13 lbs. compared to the AMG GT S exhaust, utilizing titanium for the rear silencer and thin-walled stainless steel for the front section.
The large, hexagonal central tailpipe tip in the rear fascia emphasizes the car’s motorsport character. Two additional tailpipes are located on the left and right within the diffuser, with carbon fiber sheathing to protect the diffuser from high exhaust temperatures. The exhaust system features two infinitely variable exhaust flaps, directly influencing the gtr mercedes amg‘s sound.
Exhaust flaps open and close based on the selected AMG DRIVE SELECT mode and can be individually controlled via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. “Comfort” and “Sport” modes prioritize a comfortable, low-frequency V-8 sound. “Sport Plus” and “RACE” modes deliver a more emotional and aggressive sound profile.
Market Introduction
The Mercedes-AMG GT R premiered on June 24, 2016, at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, a historic British racing circuit. It was expected to arrive in US dealerships by mid-2017.
*European specifications adapted for the USA; US figures may vary.
