Mercedes‑AMG has packed motorsport technology into a production vehicle in the new AMG GT R. The front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, the twin-turbo V-8 engine rated at 430 kW/585 hp, an extensively modified suspension, new aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction lay the foundations for an especially dynamic experience on the road.
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. Wider front and rear wings allow an increased track width for optimum grip and even higher cornering speeds. The new front fascia with active elements, the large rear aerofoil and the new rear fascia with double diffuser enhance aerodynamic efficiency and help ensure optimum grip.
The lightweight forged wheels shod with cup tyres as standard are likewise designed for maximum driving dynamic experience. The same applies to other new features such as the active rear-wheel steering, the nine-way adjustable traction control system and the adjustable coil-over suspension with additional electronic control. The new AMG Panamericana grille emphasizes the unique standing of the AMG GT R. Its characteristic form with vertical fins celebrated its world première on the Mercedes‑AMG GT3 customer-sport racing car and now for the first time features on an AMG production vehicle.
The new AMG GT R has attained 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 the motorsport origins in every fiber It combines the driving dynamics of the 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.
The third member of the AMG GT family is the new spearhead of the AMG model range. Featuring pioneering technologies, the AMG GT R was designed with racetrack use firmly in mind. Its development was largely based on vast motor-racing experience in AMG GT3 customer sport and the German Touring Car Masters. Figures such as 3.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and a top speed of 318 km/h, combined with the outstanding driving dynamics, will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on the racetrack.
The new exclusive color AMG green hell magno alone establishes a visual link to the Green Hell, the nickname for the legendary North Loop of the Nurburgring, emphasizing that the car’s roots are firmly embedded in the racetrack. Sharpened racetrack performance comes courtesy of the intelligent lightweight construction incorporating aluminum and carbon, specific reinforcements in the body shell, the uprated twin-turbo V-8 engine with the specifically adapted seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the innovative aerodynamics with active components, and the new suspension with active rear-wheel steering and uniball joints.
The concept with front mid-engine and transmission in transaxle configuration on the rear axle, a tried-and-tested feature of the AMG GT and AMG GT S, makes for a beneficial rear-biased weight distribution of 47.3 to 52.7. In conjunction with the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, this translates into extremely agile handling and permits high cornering speeds. With a power-to-weight ratio of 2.66 kilograms per hp, the Mercedes-AMG GT R takes up pole position in its segment.
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 more V-shaped arrow-like appearance of the front end also enhances the dynamic looks, thus embodying the uninhibited forward thrust of the AMG GT R even before it moves. A front fascia featuring a completely new-look jet-wing design (based on the A-wing) emphasizes the feeling of width and lends the car a more road-hugging appearance. In terms of their shape, the large outer air intakes in the front fascia are reminiscent of jet engines. They ensure that the increased cooling-air requirements of the AMG GT R drive system are met. For this reason, they sport two aerodynamically shaped horizontal fins in place of meshes and as a result route the airflow to the radiators without loss.
A special engineering feat is the completely new active aerodynamics profile, which is concealed almost invisibly in the underbody in front of the engine. At a speed of 80 km/h in RACE mode, this carbon component, weighing only about two kilograms, automatically moves downward by about 40 millimeters and changes the airflow considerably. This process results in what is known as the Venturi effect, which additionally sucks the car onto the road and reduces the front-axle lift by around 40 kilograms at 250 km/h.
The driver can feel this in the steering – the AMG GT R is even more precise to steer when cornering at high speed and exhibits even better directional stability. Especially during fast cornering and under high lateral acceleration, the AMG GT R delivers far more agile response with clear steering-wheel feedback while remaining easily controllable at all times. In addition, the drag coefficient is improved. As a result, the downforce on the rear axle remains at an unchanged high level.
This innovation was developed using computer simulation at first and then optimized during many hours in the wind tunnel. The results were confirmed in extensive test drives, including on the North Circuit of the Nurburgring. The new-look aerodynamics profile is barely visible on the underbody and thus blends in harmoniously with the overall silhouette. The overall aerodynamics concept of the AMG GT R ensures an optimal balance of lift and downforce in all operating states and furthermore reduces drag compared with the AMG GT.
The side view additionally benefits from the new, optional AMG Performance forged wheels in matt black. The especially lightweight 10-spoke wheel is exclusive to the AMG GT R and its highly elaborate design includes a drop-center rim, a milled groove and two high-sheen rim rings of different width. There are size 10.0 J x 19 ET56 wheels at the front and 12.0 J x 20 ET52 at the rear. The lightweight design of the wheels has three advantages: it reduces the overall weight, the rotatory mass and the un-sprung masses. Efficiency and performance are enhanced, while the wheel suspension and steering deliver even more precise response, all of which also has a positive effect on the chassis and suspension control systems.
The wheels afford a clear view of the brake calipers, which are painted in yellow exclusively for the AMG GT R. New side sill panels make the vehicle look even lower stance on the road, while inserts in high-gloss black set an individual tone. The same applies to the high-gloss black caps on the housings of the door mirrors. The AMG GT R comes as standard with a roof made of high-grade carbon to underscore the high-contrast look of the vehicle.
Up to a speed of 100 km/h, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels, corresponding to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase. 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.
Once the speed of the AMG GT R exceeds 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, corresponding to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase and improving handling stability. At the same time, the lateral force on the rear wheels builds up considerably faster when changing direction, which makes the response to steering inputs quicker. Drivers also notice that the AMG GT R delivers massive grip on the rear axle and strong stability during fast changes in direction without the otherwise perceivable twitching effect at the rear end.
The active rear-wheel steering not only improves cornering, it also assists the driver in the event of sudden evasive maneuvers and thus enhances active safety, This makes the AMG GT R easier to control at the limit.
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. They offer the necessary lateral support even in extreme driving maneuvers. 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.
The wide-looking dashboard is reminiscent of a powerful wing and continues the aviation design theme. Four central spotlight-style vents and the individual vents at the right and left ends of the dashboard reinforce this impression. In conjunction with the high beltlines, the concave-shaped door paneling and the dynamic center console, the AMG GT R comes across as the ultimate driving machine and consummately integrates the driver into the cockpit thanks to the low seat position.
The new AMG Interior Night package likewise comes as standard. In this package, the shift paddles, steering wheel bezel, door sills and boot cross member are finished in high-gloss black, which combines with the standard-specification AMG Interior Piano Lacquer package to further underscore sportiness. As an option, customers can order the trim in matt black carbon fiber.
One key factor that influences the performance of a sports car is weight. Mercedes-AMG uses an intelligent material mix for the structure of the AMG GT R – various aluminum alloys for the chassis and body, steel for the boot lid and magnesium for the front deck. This extremely light element at the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, thus improving the vehicle’s agility.
The weight-optimized space-frame is made of die-cast and extruded aluminum sections. The high bending and torsional strength of the entire design enables extreme linear and transverse forces from the drivetrain and suspension to be absorbed and transferred. Unwanted flexibility is thus reduced, with the vehicle responding precisely and directly. The result: The driver experiences a sports car with maximum dynamics that responds with outstanding precision.
A host of further measures contribute to weight reduction as part of the AMG lightweight-performance strategy. A variety of components all play a role in this respect. The use of carbon fiber, the lightweight and high-strength material from motorsport, helps to achieve the ambitious goals. Carbon fiber is the material of choice for, among other things, the front wings, the roof and the torque tube between engine and transmission.
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 boost pressure supplied by the turbochargers has been increased from 1.2 bar in the AMG GT to 1.35 bar. In addition, the exhaust ports have been optimised and the compression ratio modified. The entire combustion process has been retuned.
For optimum power output even when outside temperatures are high, Mercedes‑AMG uses indirect air-to-water intercooling. With optimum flow of air and water, the intercoolers have a separate, two-stage low-temperature water circuit. The first cooler stage involves two parallel coolers in the left and right wheel arch. Together with the large radiator at the front of the vehicle as a second radiator stage, the system is even more effective than in the AMG GT S.
The specially developed exhaust system not only delivers genuine racing car sound, it also saves around six kilograms of weight compared with the AMG GT S thanks to the use of titanium for the rear silencer and thin-walled stainless steel for the front section of the exhaust system.
With its special, hexagonal form, the large tailpipe tip centered in the rear fascia highlights the car’s motor-racing character. Two more tailpipes are located on the left and right in the diffuser. Their tips are sheathed in carbon fiber like in motorsport to protect the diffuser against high exhaust temperatures. The exhaust system features two infinitely variable exhaust flaps as standard, which have a direct influence on the sound of the AMG GT R. The Mercedes-AMG GT R will go on sale on 21 November 2016, and the market launch begins in March 2017.
