Mercedes AMG GT R Revealed

After countless spy photos and lengthy speculation, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R has finally been unveiled- and it is spectacular.

The front mid-engine GT R features Mercedes-Benz brutal twin-turbo V8 that has been tweaked to churn out a staggering 430kW/700Nm. By way of comparison, the current Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS, on which the GT-R is based, produces an already impressive 375kW/650Nm and accelerates to 100km/h in 3.8sec.

Larger turbochargers and increased boost, 1.2bar in the GTS to 1.35bar in the GT R, can be credited with the GT R’s huge increase in power. Strengthened internals have been used to ensure the GT R retains reliability on the road and on the track.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels with a heavily modified version of Mercedes Benz seven speed dual clutch transmission being tasked with transferring power onto the road.

Suspension and braking upgrades, including a new aero package that makes the car ride lower at speed, as well as 402mm front and 390mm rear brakes means the GT R is ready to tackle the track.

The GT R features more carbon fibre and weight saving measures than the GTS, however, a slew of electronic tech upgrades designed to help the GT R perform better at high speeds means the GT R is only 15kg lighter than the GTS- perhaps the only disappointment is that more weight wasn’t shed.

Mercedes Europe will open order books for the GT R in November with first deliveries expected for March 2017. The Australian launch is set to follow mid-2017 with deliveries expected to start at the end of next year.