GOODWOOD FoS: Mercedes-AMG slams down GT R

Mercedes-AMG has taken its two-door V8-powered GT coupe to new extremes with the debut of its race-bred GT R in England overnight.

Due to arrive in Australia in July 2017, the GT R is likely to command a hefty premium over the AMG GT S ($294,610 plus on-road costs) at more than $350,000, in line with its most direct track-focussed rival, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

With the biturbo V8 cranked out to 430kW, the rear-drive GT R will hit 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and, with the standard car’s speed-limiter ripped out and throw away, it will streak out to 318km/h.

Cut down to 1555kg, the GT R will so far come only in one colour, dubbed Green Hell Magno, in a nod to the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife circuit where the car was largely developed.

Stuffed full of GT racing lessons, it has a wider front track and bigger rear wings for added cornering grip, and has been born to not just take on the GT3 RS, but to beat it.

Its front-mounted engine sits so far behind the axle line as to make the car mid-engined, while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is mounted inside the same casing that houses the differential, together as a transaxle.

While the front-end uses the same vertically slatted grille as the GT 3 AMG racers, the rear-end is dominated by an enormous rear wing, while a double diffuser sits beneath the tail to generate greater cornering speeds.

Sitting on forged alloy wheels and running on cup-style tyres also helps the mid-corner grip levels, while the handling improvements are dominated by a nine-way adjustable traction control set-up.

There is now active rear-wheel steering and the coil-over suspension system is adjustable, and 52.7 per cent of its 1555kg mass sits over the rear axle.

"With the new AMG GT R, we have reached the next level of driving performance,” AMG boss Tobias Moers said.

“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 fibre.

“It combines the driving dynamics of our AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT. Those with petrol 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,” he said.

Its aerodynamics have been heavily revised, with active aero joining the standard wing. In its Race mode at 80km/h, a new under-bonnet aero wing drops down 40mm to improve its downforce by creating a venturi, delivering 40kg of downforce at 250km/h.

"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,” said Mercedes-Benz’s board member in charge of research and development, Dr Thomas Weber.

“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,” he insisted.

The front wings are 46mm wider than the stock car, while the rear end stretches out 57mm to accommodate the 20-inch rubber.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Public Relations and Product Communications Manager, Jerry Stamoulis, said he expected strong demand from local AMG fans but couldn't say how many examples will be available here.

"Now that the official images are out and considering the performance credentials of the AMG GT R, we are expecting strong interest from our AMG customers.

"Considering the interest we have already experienced with the AMG GT S, launching the AMG GT R next year is important to our growing local AMG community and gives clues to our future performance direction.

"The initial supply will be tight and we’re expecting the first allocation to go fast. We’ll have a better idea once pricing is announced closer to the launch."