After a series of spotting, teasers and leaked images, Mercedes finally revealed its AMG GT-R at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The performance division of the German luxury automobile manufacturer has taken the curtains off its most advanced car which will now be the flagship model for the company. Let us tell you the most important things first.
Powering the model is an upgraded version of the twin turbocharged 4.0 litre V8 motor from AMG. This engine has now been tuned to produce colossal power output of 577 hp while the peak torque is rated at a monstrous 700 Nm. This powerplant, mated to a modified seven speed dual clutch transmission pushes the AMG GT-R from naught to 100 kmph in a mere 3.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster as compared to the AMG GT-S. The claimed top speed of the model stands at a whopping 318 kmph!
On the outside, the model receives a shade of matte green, known as AMG Green Hell Magno in Mercedes speak. The name was inspired from the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, referring to the location where the model was largely developed. New features include the Panamericana grille from the GT3, a carbon fibre roof and new air intakes at the front and rear; both housed in a carbon fibre bumper. The latter, weighing only two kg, moves downward by 40 mm in RACE mode, reducing the front axle lift by 40 kg at 250 kmph.
Also seen is the carbon fibre rear wing which, when combined with the wide body of the vehicle makes for an added downforce of 155 kg at 319 kmph. The 19 inch and 20 inch wheels at the front and rear respectively are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. The rear wheels are said to turn 1.5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheel up to speeds of 100 kmph, while for speeds above 100 kmph, the wheels turn in the same direction thus increasing steering response and stability at high speeds as well as in the corners.
Braking duties are performed by perforated discs with a diameter of 390 mm up front and 360 mm at the rear. Ceramic brakes with a diameter of 402 mm and 360mm at the front and rear respectively are also available as an option. Another feature is the titanium exhaust of the AMG GT-R that is said to be 6 kg lighter than the AMG GT-S. The exhaust flaps are said to open and close depending on the drive mode selected. It can also be controlled individually with the help of a separate button located in the AMG drive unit. The AMG Dynamic Select function provides a user the option of choosing from the following damping characteristics: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Race.
The Mercedes AMG GT-R will be available for purchase starting November 2016 while the launch for the European market will begin in March 2017.
Following is the image gallery for the Mercedes AMG GT-R:
