Mercedes has now officially unveiled its most powerful, more hardcore and most track-ready version of its AMG GT coupe yet, along with an exclusive Nurburgring-inspired paintjob.
The third car in the AMG GT family, the R version was tested extensively at the infamous Nordschleife track, with its AMG Green Hell Mango finish named in honour of the deadly circuit.
Merc’s most powerful production car since the SLS AMG Black Series, the GT R gets the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as the AMG GTS but the black magic below the bonnet is a lot more comprehensive.
577bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
For a start, the turbochargers are all new, with more boost pressure and quicker responses than those in the GTS, which gives the AMG GT R a full 577bhp - 74bhp over the GTS version.
Re-optimised triple exhaust ports with carbon fibre sheaths keep the waste gases flowing quickly from the engine, while infinitely variable exhaust flaps can restrict and amplify the V8’s howl at will.
The extensive use of carbon fibre extends to much of the bodywork as well, meaning that the AMG GT R weighs in at only 1,555kg and as a result has a power to weight ratio of 371bhp per tonne.
0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds
All 577 horses are sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission specifically revised for track use with a longer first gear and a shorter seventh, before power meets pavement via the rear wheels.
As a result, the Hulk-coloured Mercedes AMG GT R can smash its way to 62mph from a standing start in just 3.6 seconds and with enough track will hit a top speed of an insane 197mph.
Other things of note include active rear-wheel steering for the first time on an AMG road car, along with active aerodynamic flaps and louvres which open and close to optimise airflow around the car.
On sale from November
At speeds of above 50mph, the louvres open and suck the car down onto the road, reducing front end lift by 40kg at 155mph, while the rear wing can generate up to 155kg of downforce.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT R will go on sale here in the UK from November onwards. Prices have yet to be announced, but expected a limited edition run priced well ahead of the £110,500 GTS.
