GT4 Mercedes-AMG unveiled

Mercedes-Benz Australia is targeting a new group of customers with its latest Mercedes-AMG model, the GT4. Strictly track-only, the purpose-built left-hand-drive-only racer is aimed at well-heeled enthusiasts who want to take the next step in terms of on-track performance.

The new AMG was developed to comply with global regulations. GT4 sits below the top-line GT3 category and already has established competitions in both Europe and the USA. Mercedes insiders say the car is also aimed at drivers who want the ultimate in track-day performance.

The AMG GT4 is available for purchase direct from AMG Customer Sports operation in Germany from €199,000. Local GST and LCT taxes are payable, as is freight, etc. By way of comparison, the latest AMG GT3 racer is currently priced at €373,000 (plus taxes, etc).

Competition running costs for the GT3 are around €20/km. In contrast, the GT4 is expected to be significantly less.

Along with reduced aerodynamic downforce and simplified traction and stability control systems, the GT4 differs from the GT3 in terms of engine choice.

The six Mercedes-AMG GT3 race cars that will spearhead the Mercedes-AMG presence at the 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour in ten days or so are all powered by a version of AMG’s venerable naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8. The GT4’s engine is a massaged version of the road-going AMG GT’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

Subject to ‘balance of performance’ regulations (which ensure cars of different configurations within the GT4 class produce similar lap times), the AMG GT is rated at “up to 375kW/ up to 600Nm”. It weighs under 1390kg.

Mercedes-Benz Australia unveiled the new GT4 this morning in Melbourne. It also confirmed its continued role as Safety Car supplier for the Bathurst 12 Hour, and the cars and crew which will waves its flag at Mt Panorama this year.

The Mercedes-AMG roll call will be led by the Mercedes-AMG Team Vodafone Triple Eight Race Engineering GT3, crewed by seven-time V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup alongside Shane van Gisbergen and 2018 Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes.

Factory drivers will include Maro Engel, Thomas Jäger and 2018 DTM champion, Gary Paffett.

But the carsales/motoring favourites will be our own gun for hire and 2017 Bathurst 1000 winner Luke Youlden and Erebus partner David Reynolds who will combine with talented gentleman driver and The Bends circuit developer and owner, Yasser Shahin.

It is the fifth consecutive year Mercedes-AMG has supplied the Safety and course cars for the 12 Hour. This year the Safety Car duties will be handled by an E 63 S 4MATIC+ which will also feature the logo of Australia’s official crash-testing organisation, ANCAP.

“This is in tribute to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which received the highest recommendation from the organisation of any vehicle which went on sale in 2018 to be awarded the coveted five-star crash safety rating,” Mercedes-Benz Australia (MBAu) stated.

MBAu boss Horst von Sanden said: “This year marks the highest number of Mercedes-AMG vehicle entries, accompanied by a strong line-up of local, international and factory drivers. The iconic Mount Panorama racetrack is an ideal location for Mercedes-AMG to emphasise the importance it places on safety in motorsport.”

While not racing at Bathurst this year, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 will be on display at the event.