FROM the world’s most demanding racetrack directly onto the road: Never before has Mercedes‑AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production vehicle than into the new AMG GT R. The front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, the twin-turbo V-8 engine rated at 430 kW/585 hp, the extensively modified suspension, the new aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction lay the foundations for an especially dynamic driving experience. Even from afar, the exclusive “AMG green hell magno” special paintwork leaves no doubt as to the sports car’s origin, having spent most of its development time in the “Green Hell” of the Nurburgring racetrack.
“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 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,” says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH.
Aerodynamics engineers and designers worked together more intensively than ever during development of the new AMG GT R. The AMG design idiom of “Dynamic Presence” forms the basis for the far more expressive overall appearance and the very distinct look. Form follows function, and function supports form: All elements have an inherent technical benefit and contribute to the enhanced driving dynamics, while the aerodynamics experts have made the designers’ wishes a reality. This networking even resulted in an innovation that now has a patent pending.
The design of the AMG GT R embodies sensuous clarity – hot & cool. Apart from the powerfully sculpted body and the motorsport components, the new AMG Panamericana grille is a real eye-catcher. This unique feature also comes from the world of motorsport and is celebrating its standard-production première in the AMG GT R: Its 15 chrome-plated vertical fins cite the look of the new AMG GT3 racing car.
The suspension of the new AMG high-performance sports model is also systematically designed for racetrack use. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminum in order to reduce the unsprung masses.
The new AMG coil-over suspension was designed specifically for the AMG GT R. Like in professional motorsport, drivers can select their personal set-up and infinitely adjust the spring pre-load manually. This makes it possible to influence the dive and roll behavior as well as the grip of the AMG GT R precisely as needed to tailor them to personal preferences or to the particular racetrack.
The new AMG GT R is even more sensitive to steering inputs thanks to standard-fit active rear-wheel steering, which is being used for the first time on a Mercedes-AMG model. The system offers an ideal combination of agility and stability ‑ handling characteristics that are normally in direct conflict.
The advantage of the AMG GT R is far more agile when steering into bends, resulting in even greater driving enjoyment and less steering effort ‑ especially on small and winding roads, narrow racetracks on which there are multiple changes in direction, or slalom courses. Further benefits include increased manoeuvrability and a smaller turning circle in everyday driving situations ‑ such as when turning or parking.The active rear-wheel steering not only improves cornering, it also assists the driver in the event of sudden evasive manoeuvres and thus enhances active safety, This makes the AMG GT R easier to control at the limit.
In ESP OFF mode, another innovation allows the driver to exert even more influence on the handling characteristics of the AMG GT R. The new AMG Traction Control system also comes directly from motorsport. It allows drivers to pre‑select the slip on the driven rear axle in nine levels. Just like in the current AMG GT3, it isolates the grip on the driven wheels and does not affect the stabilization provided by the ESP®. Corresponding characteristic maps are programmed into the vehicle electronics to this end.
Control is via a special rotary switch located in the centre console below the ventilation outlets. Depending on the setting, the system permits more or less slip on the rear wheels ‑ very helpful in varying road conditions. Level 1 is programmed for driving in the wet with high safety reserves. Level 9 allows maximum slip on the rear axle.
A luminescent band of LEDs around the rotary switch indicates the current setting ‑ this display logic likewise has its origins in motorsport. In addition, the setting is indicated on the instrument cluster’s central display.
Variable ratio: speed-sensitive sports steering
The speed-sensitive sports steering features a variable steering ratio, which enhances vehicle handling and agility at low speeds while maintaining driving safety at high speeds. The power assistance is a particular highlight: It responds not only depending on the given road speed, but also according to the current lateral acceleration and the selected AMG Dynamic Select drive mode. The result: The driver has a perfect feel for the vehicle thanks to the direct feedback from the road.
To give the driver of the new AMG GT R ideal conditions in which to drive, the interior is also strongly inspired by motorsport. Extremely light, manually adjustable AMG sports bucket seats upholstered in nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber come as standard. Alternatively, tried-and-tested AMG performance seats can be ordered as an option at no extra cost. The optional yellow seat belts, dials with yellow highlights, the AMG Interior Piano Lacquer package and special controls, including those for the new AMG Traction Control, underline the unique standing of the new AMG GT R.
More power, more torque, faster response: the engine
The heart of the new high-performance athlete is pumping stronger than ever: the AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine in the AMG GT R has an output of 430 kW
(585 hp), which is 55 kW (75 hp) more than the previous top-of-the-range engine in the GT S. The peak torque of 700 Nm is available between 1900 and 5500 rpm.
The increase in performance was achieved with the help of new turbochargers with modified compressor machining, smaller wastegate aneroid capsule and sharpened engine mapping. The eight-cylinder unit thrills with its spontaneous response, precisely measured power output and linear power delivery with powerful thrust in all engine speed ranges, all of which makes the car far easier to control when driving at the limit.
The AMG 4.0-litre V-8 engine features the tried-and-tested twin turbochargers, which are not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks but rather inside the V configuration – experts call it a ‘hot inside V’. The benefits are: a compact engine design, spontaneous response from the turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters. This basic principle of the new AMG V-8 family has been further optimized for the AMG GT R and enables further improved performance.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission configured in transaxle layout at the rear axle has likewise been extensively revised by the AMG developers, who modified the hardware and the software to make the transmission even more suitable for the racetrack. 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 to allow a more agile acceleration experience overall and very spontaneous response to fast accelerator pedal movements.
Drivers can tailor the AMG GT R to their personal preferences using the AMG Dynamic Select controller. Various modes are available: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus) and “I” (Individual). The “RACE” mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to the needs of racetrack usage – shortest shift speeds and highly emotional engine sound are included. By pressing the separate “M” button in the center console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode.
