From the crucible of the world’s most demanding racetracks emerges a vehicle that redefines performance: the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Never before has Mercedes-AMG imbued a production car with such a potent dose of motorsport DNA. This exceptional machine, the Benz Gtr, is engineered to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, blurring the lines between road car and race car.
The heart of the benz gtr is a front-mid-engine concept paired with a transaxle, housing a formidable V8 Biturbo engine unleashing 577 horsepower. This raw power is just the starting point. Extensively reworked suspension, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and intelligent lightweight construction coalesce to create a driving experience that is nothing short of breathtaking. Even the exclusive “AMG green hell magno” paint, hinting at its Nürburgring origins, speaks volumes about the car’s racing pedigree. Developed extensively in the infamous “Green Hell,” the benz gtr is visually and technically sculpted for peak performance.
Wider front and rear fenders are not merely aesthetic enhancements; they accommodate an increased track width, crucial for maximizing grip and achieving blistering cornering speeds. A newly designed front fascia incorporating active aerodynamic elements, a substantial rear aerofoil, and a fresh rear fascia with a double diffuser work in concert to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and ensure tenacious grip. Lightweight forged wheels, shod with cup tires as standard, are further testament to the benz gtr’s unwavering focus on driving dynamics. Innovative features like active rear-wheel steering, a nine-way adjustable traction control system, and adjustable coil-over suspension with electronic control elevate the driving experience to new heights. Completing the assertive front profile, the new AMG Panamericana grille proudly announces the benz gtr’s unique status. This iconic grille, with its distinctive vertical fins, made its debut on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer-sport racing car, now gracing an AMG production vehicle for the first time.
Mercedes-AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance and expansion of its product portfolio culminates in the benz gtr, positioned as the apex predator within the AMG GT family. Professor Thomas Weber, then Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, emphasized the motorsport heritage deeply embedded within AMG, stating, “Our sports-car and performance brand AMG has its roots in motorsport and, ever since its formation, has repeatedly faced up to the competition on the racetrack. These genes are particularly prevalent in the new AMG GT R. Boasting a wealth of technological innovations, the new top-of-the-range model is proof of the close collaboration between our constructors of racing cars and road-going vehicles.”
Tobias Moers, former CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the benz gtr’s ability to bridge the gap between track and road: “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 gasoline 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.”
| Data at a Glance* | Mercedes-AMG GT R |
|---|---|
| Engine | Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo with Dry-Sump Lubrication |
| Displacement | 3,982 cc |
| Output | 577 hp at 6,250 rpm |
| Peak torque | 516 lb-ft at 1,900-5,500 rpm |
| Driven wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission |
| Weight | 3,428 lbs (Euro spec; US spec may vary) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5.94 lbs/Horsepower (Euro spec; US spec may vary) |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.5 s (est.) |
| Top speed | 198 mph |
The benz gtr, the third iteration in the AMG GT lineage, stands as the undisputed flagship of the AMG model range. Engineered with racetrack dominance as a primary objective, its development heavily leveraged the extensive motorsport expertise gleaned from AMG GT3 customer racing and the fiercely competitive German Touring Car Masters Series (DTM). Performance figures speak volumes – a blistering 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed reaching 198 mph, coupled with exceptional driving dynamics, translate directly into rapid lap times on any circuit. The exclusive “AMG green hell magno” paint finish serves as a visual homage to the Nürburgring’s “Green Hell,” underscoring the benz gtr’s deep-rooted connection to the racetrack. Its sharpened track prowess is achieved through a symphony of intelligent lightweight construction employing aluminum and carbon fiber, specific body shell reinforcements, a potent Handcrafted 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine mated to a finely tuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, innovative aerodynamics featuring active components, and a state-of-the-art suspension system incorporating active rear-wheel steering and uniball joints.
Image: Close-up of the Mercedes-AMG GT R Panamericana grille, highlighting its vertical chrome fins, a design element derived from the AMG GT3 racing car.
The benz gtr adopts the proven front mid-engine and transaxle configuration, a hallmark of the AMG GT and AMG GT S, resulting in a favorable rear-biased weight distribution of 47.3 to 52.7 percent. This, combined with the vehicle’s remarkably low center of gravity, translates into incredibly agile handling and facilitates astonishingly high cornering speeds. Boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 5.94 lbs per horsepower, the Mercedes-AMG GT R commands pole position within its performance segment.
Synergy Between Design and Aerodynamic Mastery
The development of the benz gtr witnessed an unprecedented level of collaboration between aerodynamics engineers and designers. The AMG design philosophy of “Dynamic Presence” provided the foundation for a significantly more athletic and visually striking appearance. Here, form genuinely follows function, and function, in turn, enhances form. Every element of the benz gtr serves a technical purpose, contributing to its heightened driving dynamics, while aerodynamicists skillfully translated the designers’ vision into reality. This synergistic approach even spawned a patent-pending innovation.
Beyond the powerfully sculpted body and motorsport-derived components, the new AMG Panamericana grille immediately captures attention. This distinctive feature, originating from the realm of motorsport, makes its standard-production debut on the benz gtr. Its 15 chrome-plated vertical fins are directly inspired by the design of the new AMG GT3 racing car. The fundamental form of this radiator grille pays homage to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car, victor of the grueling Panamericana road race in Mexico in 1952.
Unleashed Potential: The Front End Design
The benz gtr’s low-slung front section and forward-leaning radiator grille create a pronounced “shark nose” profile, visually lowering the car and projecting an image of assertive aggression. This design also serves a functional purpose, reducing the vehicle’s back-pressure point, thereby optimizing cooling airflow and enhancing aerodynamic performance.
The more V-shaped, arrow-like front end amplifies the dynamic aesthetic, embodying the benz gtr’s relentless forward momentum even at a standstill. A front fascia showcasing a completely redesigned jet-wing motif (inspired by the A-wing design) broadens the visual stance and imparts a more grounded appearance. The large outer air intakes in the front fascia, reminiscent of jet engine inlets, are not just for show. They are crucial for meeting the elevated cooling demands of the benz gtr’s powertrain. To this end, they incorporate two aerodynamically sculpted horizontal fins that effectively channel airflow to the radiators.
The wide front splitter plays a vital role in minimizing lift at the front axle. Additional Air Curtains positioned at the outer edges of the front fascia smooth airflow, contributing to an improved drag coefficient for the benz gtr. These Air Curtains, with their narrow, vertical openings, precisely direct air towards the wheel arches, optimizing airflow characteristics in this critical area. To ensure optimal airflow through the double wheel arch radiators, the benz gtr further incorporates innovative wheel arch liners featuring specialized cooling-air slits.
Active Aerodynamics: A Hidden Advantage
A remarkable feat of engineering lies in the completely new active aerodynamics profile, discreetly integrated into the underbody ahead of the engine. Upon reaching 50 mph in RACE mode, this carbon component, weighing a mere 4.4 lbs, automatically extends downwards by approximately 1.6 inches, dramatically altering airflow. This action generates the Venturi effect, effectively “sucking” the car closer to the road and reducing front-axle lift by around 88.2 lbs at 155 mph.
The driver experiences this enhanced downforce through the steering, with the benz gtr exhibiting even greater precision during high-speed cornering and improved directional stability. Especially during rapid cornering maneuvers and under substantial lateral acceleration, the benz gtr delivers sharper responses and more communicative steering feedback, while maintaining exceptional controllability.
Furthermore, this active aerodynamic element contributes to a reduced drag coefficient while preserving downforce on the rear axle. This innovation was initially conceived using advanced computer simulations and subsequently refined through extensive wind tunnel testing. Real-world validation followed through rigorous test drives, including demanding sessions on the Nürburgring’s North Circuit. The aerodynamic profile remains largely concealed within the underbody, seamlessly integrating with the overall silhouette.
When the electrically actuated profile deploys, the radiator air outlet at the front end opens, precisely guiding airflow towards the double rear diffuser. This ensures optimal airflow to the diffuser, enhancing rear-axle handling stability and simultaneously reducing temperature hotspots at the rear. Moreover, the aerodynamics package optimizes braking performance by channeling more cool air directly to the wheel discs. To safeguard against damage, the component is spring-mounted, allowing it to flex upwards if necessary.
Active Air Management: Louvers in Control
Another technological highlight enhancing the benz gtr’s aerodynamic prowess is the active air management system. This system employs vertical louvers strategically positioned in the lower area directly behind the front fascia. Electronically controlled, these louvers can open and close within approximately one second via an electric motor, precisely managing airflow and optimizing aerodynamic performance in real-time.
Image: Side view of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, showcasing its extended carbon fiber fenders, optional AMG performance forged wheels, and aerodynamic side sill panels.
Under normal driving conditions, including at top speed, during braking, and during high-speed cornering, the louvers remain closed. This closed position minimizes drag and directs airflow towards the underbody, further reducing front lift. Only when predefined component temperatures reach critical thresholds and cooling air demand becomes particularly high do the louvers open, allowing maximum cooling airflow to reach the heat exchangers.
The comprehensive aerodynamics concept of the benz gtr ensures an ideal balance between lift and downforce across all operating conditions, while achieving a lower drag coefficient compared to the AMG GT and GT S models.
Muscular Stance: The Side View
The front fenders, crafted from super-light carbon fiber, contribute an additional 1.8 inches to the benz gtr’s front width, accommodating the wider track and larger wheel/tire combinations. These powerfully sculpted fenders further accentuate the car’s longitudinal dynamism. A distinctive fender vent, featuring a stylized fin and a generous air outlet for dissipating heat from the engine bay, further sets the benz gtr apart. This fin is perforated and incorporates the iconic AMG diamond logo with five slats.
The side profile is further enhanced by the new, optional AMG Performance forged wheels finished in matte black. These exceptionally lightweight 10-spoke wheels are exclusive to the benz gtr and feature a sophisticated design including a drop-center rim, a milled groove, and two high-sheen rim rings of varying widths. The front wheels measure 10.0 J x 19 inches, while the rears are a substantial 12.0 J x 20 inches. The lightweight construction of these wheels yields three key benefits: reduced overall weight, lower rotational mass, and minimized unsprung mass. These reductions enhance efficiency and performance, while also enabling more precise suspension and steering response, positively impacting chassis and suspension control systems.
The wheels provide an unobstructed view of the brake calipers, finished in a distinctive yellow hue exclusive to the benz gtr. New side sill panels visually lower the vehicle’s stance, while high-gloss black inserts add a touch of individualization. The high-gloss black caps on the door mirror housings further contribute to the refined aesthetic. The benz gtr comes standard with a carbon fiber roof, reinforcing the high-contrast design theme and lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Aerodynamic Rear End: Width and Optimization
The rear end of the benz gtr showcases numerous striking innovations. New aluminum side walls widen the rear by a total of 2.2 inches, creating space for the larger 20-inch wheels and the wider track. These modifications enhance traction and enable higher cornering speeds.
The widened rear fascia design, featuring large outer vent openings and vertical swaging, optimizes airflow at the rear, as does the double diffuser. The overall heat dissipation from the silencers is improved as warm air is efficiently vented by the double diffuser while driving. A small air outlet integrated between the tail lamps further aids in dissipating heat generated by the rear silencer. Another distinguishing feature of the benz gtr is the large exhaust tip with a central spar, centrally positioned within the rear fascia. It is flanked by two additional black exhaust tips on the left and right within the diffuser.
The substantial, rigid rear wing, mounted on the hatch, significantly increases downforce on the rear axle. The aerofoil mounts are painted in the vehicle’s body color, while the blade is finished in high-gloss black. Reflecting motorsport practices, the precise angle of the blade can be manually adjusted to suit different track conditions or driving styles.
The cumulative effect of all aerodynamic measures is a 342 lbs increase in surface contact at top speed compared to the standard AMG GT. The benz gtr, therefore, offers exceptional grip, predictable handling, and a powerfully proportioned design that seamlessly integrates aerodynamic functionalities. Remarkably, despite its increased engine output, wider body, larger tires, more substantial rear aerofoil, heightened cooling demands, and increased downforce, the benz gtr achieves a lower drag coefficient (Cd) than the AMG GT.
AMG Coil-Over Suspension: Tailored Dynamics
The suspension system of the benz gtr is meticulously engineered for racetrack applications. Wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers on both front and rear axles are crafted entirely from forged aluminum to minimize unsprung mass. The double-wishbone design ensures precise wheel location with minimal elastic movement. The high camber and toe-in stability contribute to exceptional cornering speeds and provide the driver with optimal road feel even at the limits of adhesion.
Uniball spherical bearings on the lower wishbones of the rear axle are directly inspired by motorsport technology. These bearings exhibit significantly greater wear resistance than conventional wishbone bushings and, due to their design, eliminate play, ensuring consistent toe-in and camber even under extreme loads. As a result, the benz gtr delivers even greater driving precision.
Furthermore, the rear axle is equipped with a thicker tubular anti-roll bar, specifically tuned to the heightened driving dynamics demands of the benz gtr and designed with a hollow core to save weight. The new AMG coil-over suspension is purpose-built for the benz gtr. Mirroring professional motorsport setups, drivers can fine-tune their personal suspension preferences and infinitely adjust spring pre-load manually. This allows for precise manipulation of dive and roll behavior, as well as grip levels, to perfectly match personal driving styles or specific racetrack characteristics.
The coil-over suspension is paired with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This electronically controlled system automatically adjusts damping at each wheel based on the current driving situation, speed, and road conditions. Damping characteristics are modulated rapidly and precisely by two separate valves for rebound and compression forces within the dampers. A firmer damping rate, for instance during cornering and braking, effectively minimizes body roll. Continuous damping adjustment according to speed ensures optimal road contact even at high velocities, enhancing safety.
The driver can adjust the adaptive damping characteristics at the touch of a button via the AMG DRIVE UNIT or by selecting different AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three modes are available: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” Each mode caters to specific driving scenarios: “Comfort” is ideal for everyday road use; “Sport” is optimized for demanding tracks like the Nordschleife, providing highly dynamic handling on undulating surfaces with maximum ground contact; and “Sport Plus” is best suited for smoother, modern Grand Prix circuits like Hockenheim, delivering maximum structural rigidity.
Conventional suspension enhancements include wider front and rear tracks and standard-fit Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, sized 275/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 20 at the rear. These street-legal racing tires enable faster lap times and offer up to 50 percent greater mileage on the racetrack.
Agility and Stability: Active Rear-Wheel Steering
The benz gtr exhibits even sharper steering response thanks to standard-fit active rear-wheel steering, a technology making its debut on a Mercedes-AMG model. This system delivers an ideal blend of agility and stability – handling characteristics that typically represent a trade-off.
Two steering actuators replace conventional control arms on the benz gtr’s rear axle. At the heart of the system are two electro-mechanical actuators (electric motors with jackscrew) that are not mechanically linked to the steering wheel. This “by-wire” system electronically adjusts the rear wheels within a predefined operating map. The maximum toe angle change on the rear wheels of the benz gtr is 1.5 degrees.
Up to 62 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, effectively shortening the wheelbase virtually. This endows the benz gtr with enhanced agility when initiating turns, leading to greater driving enjoyment and reduced steering effort, particularly on tight, winding roads, narrow racetracks with frequent directional changes, or slalom courses. Further benefits include improved maneuverability and a tighter turning circle in everyday driving situations, particularly advantageous for parking.
Above 62 mph, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, virtually lengthening the wheelbase and enhancing handling stability. Simultaneously, lateral force buildup on the rear wheels becomes significantly faster during directional changes, resulting in quicker steering response. Drivers will also notice the benz gtr’s tenacious rear-axle grip and robust stability during rapid directional transitions, eliminating the twitchiness often perceived at the rear end.
Active rear-wheel steering not only sharpens cornering performance but also assists the driver during sudden evasive maneuvers, enhancing active safety and making the benz gtr more controllable at the limit. The standard 3-stage ESP® system, offering “ESP ON,” “ESP SPORT Handling Mode,” and “ESP OFF” settings, works in perfect harmony with the limited-slip differential and is optimally calibrated to the benz gtr’s exceptional driving dynamics. The programming for the ESP OFF mode is derived directly from the AMG GT3 race car.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Grip Amplified
In ESP OFF mode, a groundbreaking innovation empowers the driver to exert even finer control over the benz gtr’s handling characteristics. The new AMG TRACTION CONTROL system is another technology directly descended from motorsport. It allows drivers to pre-select the degree of slip on the driven rear axle across nine levels. Similar to the current AMG GT3, it isolates grip control on the driven wheels, leaving the ESP® system’s stabilization functions unaffected. Specific characteristic maps are programmed into the vehicle’s electronics.
Control is managed via a dedicated rotary switch located in the center console beneath the ventilation outlets. Depending on the selected setting, the system permits varying degrees of slip on the rear wheels, proving invaluable in adapting to changing road conditions. Level 1 is calibrated for wet conditions, prioritizing maximum safety reserves. Level 9 allows for maximum rear-axle slip. A luminous band of LEDs encircling the rotary switch visually indicates the current setting, a display logic also borrowed from motorsport. The selected setting is also displayed in the instrument cluster’s central display.
AMG’s innovative system possesses a significant advantage over conventional traction control systems by anticipating situations using a virtual µ(mu) simulator and other data processed by a control unit within milliseconds. The maximum permissible slip on the driven rear wheels is calculated based on the chosen AMG TRACTION CONTROL level. When the wheels reach this slip threshold during acceleration, the traction control system modulates engine output to maintain the specified slip level and ensure continuous acceleration. The effect of the electronic limited-slip differential is also integrated into the adjustment range. This seamless control enhances both driving enjoyment and performance.
This system provides invaluable assistance in one of the most challenging aspects of performance driving: precisely managing engine torque and torque application when accelerating out of corners. Precise power delivery when exiting a turn is a critical element for achieving fast lap times.
Electronically Controlled Rear-Axle Limited-Slip Differential
The benz gtr comes standard with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle, integrated within the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and rapid control elevates handling limits to new heights. It not only further enhances the grip of the driven wheels but also increases cornering speeds at the limit. The system operates with variable locking effect during acceleration and deceleration, and is meticulously tuned to accommodate diverse handling conditions and road friction coefficients.
Variable Ratio Speed-Sensitive Sports Steering
The speed-sensitive sports steering features a variable steering ratio, enhancing vehicle handling and agility at lower speeds while maintaining directional stability at higher speeds. The power assistance is particularly responsive, adjusting not only to vehicle speed but also to lateral acceleration and the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode. This results in exceptional driver feedback and a direct connection to the road.
Race-Inspired Interior: Ready for Action
The benz gtr’s interior is designed to provide the driver with an ideal environment for performance driving, drawing significant inspiration from motorsport. AMG Performance Seats (also featured in the AMG GT S), upholstered in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber, are standard equipment. They provide essential lateral support even during extreme driving maneuvers. Optional yellow seat belts, dials with yellow accents, AMG Black Piano Lacquer interior trim, and specialized controls, including those for the new AMG TRACTION CONTROL, underscore the benz gtr’s unique positioning.
The wide dashboard, reminiscent of a powerful wing, continues the aviation-inspired design theme. Four central spotlight-style vents and individual vents at the outer edges of the dashboard reinforce this impression. Combined with high beltlines, concave door paneling, and a dynamic center console, the benz gtr cockpit feels exceptionally sporty and intimately connects the driver to the car thanks to the low seating position.
The dominant center console, shaped like a NACA air intake duct, and authentic, high-quality materials convey a sense of motorsport pedigree. The centrally positioned, free-standing central display is another striking visual element. Attention to detail extends to the AMG DRIVE UNIT controls, arranged in a V layout resembling eight cylinders. These controls emphasize the powerful and high-tech character of the center console.
The new AMG Interior Night package is also available, featuring shift paddles, steering wheel bezel, door sills, and trunk cross member finished in high-gloss black. This package, combined with the standard AMG Interior Piano Lacquer package, further accentuates the sporty ambiance. Customers can also opt for trim in matte black carbon fiber.
Lightweight Performance: More Equipment, Less Weight
Weight is a critical factor influencing sports car performance. Mercedes-AMG employs an intelligent material mix in the benz gtr’s structure: various aluminum alloys for the chassis and body, steel for the trunk lid, and magnesium for the front deck. This exceptionally light front-end element reduces inertia ahead of the front axle, enhancing vehicle agility.
The weight-optimized spaceframe is constructed from die-cast and extruded aluminum sections. The high bending and torsional strength of the overall design enables the absorption and transfer of extreme linear and transverse forces from the drivetrain and suspension. Unwanted flex is minimized, resulting in precise and direct vehicle response. The driver experiences a sports car with maximum dynamics and exceptional precision.
Numerous additional measures contribute to weight reduction as part of AMG’s lightweight-performance strategy. Carbon fiber, a lightweight and high-strength material from motorsport, plays a key role. Carbon fiber is used for components such as the front fenders, roof, and torque tube connecting the engine and transmission.
The carbon-fiber torque tube, weighing just 30.6 lbs, is approximately 40 percent lighter than its already weight-optimized aluminum counterpart in the AMG GT. As a structural component of the transaxle drivetrain, it creates a connection between the engine and transmission with exceptional flexural and torsional stiffness. This facilitates a very direct drivetrain connection, beneficial for driving dynamics, and contributes to the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution. Further weight savings are achieved through standard-fit forged wheels, the titanium rear silencer, and reduced soundproofing materials.
Carbon-Fiber Tunnel Cross Brace: Maximum Torsional Rigidity
The benz gtr features a new carbon-fiber tunnel cross brace, replacing three separate aluminum components from the standard GT. This brace is mounted beneath the exhaust system and torque tube. AMG engineers designed this lightweight component to reduce weight while simultaneously increasing torsional rigidity.
The carbon tunnel brace significantly stiffens the body, enabling it to withstand the high torsional loads encountered during racing. It more effectively braces the two vehicle sides together in the torque tube tunnel area, increasing torsional rigidity by approximately 7.5 percent. This increase is particularly notable considering the standard AMG GT already boasts high torsional rigidity. Drivers immediately perceive an exceptionally precise driving feel, maintained even under extreme loads at the dynamic limits. The enhanced body composure allows for even better control of the benz gtr in challenging racetrack conditions, such as fast, bumpy corners.
Two diagonal braces within the engine bay further stiffen the front end. In the benz gtr, these braces are also made of carbon fiber, resulting in weight savings of approximately 50 percent compared to traditional steel components.
Composite Wheel-Catch Struts: Intelligent Material Mix
AMG’s lightweight construction experts employ an intelligent material mix for the wheel-catch struts, constructed from a composite material. In the event of an accident, these components help guide and capture the front wheels onto the side members as part of the intended crash kinematics. The composite struts are approximately 50 percent lighter than equivalent steel components. Compared to carbon fiber, the composite material offers the advantage of being significantly more deformable while maintaining good material strength.
High-Performance Brakes: Fade Resistance and Consistent Performance
The high-performance composite brake system ensures exceptional deceleration and high fade resistance, featuring internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch diameter brake discs at the front axle and 14.2-inch discs at the rear. The brake calipers are painted yellow.
An optional ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available, offering a weight saving of over 37 lbs, extended service life, and even greater fade resistance thanks to ceramic brake discs measuring 15.8 inches in diameter at the front and 14.2 inches at the rear.
Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo Engine: Power, Torque, and Responsiveness
The heart of the benz gtr beats stronger than ever: the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine delivers 577 hp, a 74 hp increase over the previous top-of-the-range engine in the GT S. Peak torque of 516 lb-ft is available between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm.
This performance increase was achieved through new turbochargers with modified compressor machining, smaller wastegate aneroid capsules, and refined engine mapping. Boost pressure from the turbochargers has been increased from 17.4 psi in the AMG GT to 19.6 psi. Exhaust ports have been optimized, and the compression ratio modified, resulting in a completely retuned combustion process.
Correspondingly modified accelerator characteristics, charge-pressure build-up, and transmission parameters ensure even more spontaneous engine response to load changes and faster gear shifts. The two-mass flywheel, 1.5 lbs lighter than its counterpart in the AMG GT S, further contributes to the car’s agile character.
The eight-cylinder engine delivers thrillingly spontaneous response, precisely metered power output, and linear power delivery with potent thrust across the entire engine speed range, enhancing controllability at the limit. Sophisticated engine control electronics account for the current driving status, adjusting accelerator characteristics based on prevailing lateral g-forces.
The Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine incorporates proven twin-scroll turbochargers positioned not externally to the cylinder banks but within the V configuration – a “hot inside V” design. Benefits include a compact engine design, instantaneous turbocharger response without lag, and reduced exhaust gas emissions due to optimized airflow to close-coupled catalytic converters. This core principle of the new AMG V8 family is further optimized for the benz gtr, enabling enhanced performance. Maximum charge pressure reaches 19.6 psi, and turbochargers achieve a maximum speed of 186,000 revolutions per minute.
For optimal power output even in high ambient temperatures, Mercedes-AMG employs indirect air-to-water intercooling. With optimized airflow and water circulation, the intercoolers utilize a separate, two-stage low-temperature water circuit. The first cooler stage comprises two parallel coolers located in the left and right wheel arches. Combined with a large radiator at the vehicle’s front as a second radiator stage, the system surpasses the effectiveness of that in the AMG GT S. Downstream water-cooled intercoolers ensure that charge air, compressed and heated by the turbochargers, is effectively cooled before entering combustion chambers, maintaining consistently low temperatures even under full load. A large radiator at the front ensures controlled cooling of water circulating within the low-temperature circuit. Extremely short charge-air ducting contributes to optimal responsiveness.
The combination of twin turbochargers and direct injection with spray-guided combustion enhances thermodynamic efficiency and power output. High-speed, precision piezo injectors spray fuel at high pressure into the eight combustion chambers. Multiple injections occur on demand, ensuring a homogenous fuel/air mixture. Fuel delivery is electronically controlled and fully variable, with fuel pressure ranging from 1,450 to 2,900 psi.
The aluminum crankcase, produced using sand casting technology, features a closed-deck design, ensuring extreme strength while minimizing weight and enabling high injection pressures up to 2,030 psi. NANOSLIDE® cylinder liner coating, also used in MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One engines, is significantly harder and more wear-resistant than conventional cast-iron liners. Reduced friction, in conjunction with aluminum forged pistons, further increases efficiency.
Four overhead camshafts control a total of 32 valves. Camshaft adjustment on both intake and exhaust sides enables excellent throttle response and optimizes the gas cycle for each operating point. Dry sump lubrication ensures consistent oil supply even under high lateral forces and allows for a lower engine installation, lowering the center of gravity and forming the basis for high lateral acceleration.
The benz gtr engine is hand-assembled in AMG’s Affalterbach production facility based on the “One Man – One Engine” philosophy. Each engine is assembled by a highly skilled engine builder adhering to stringent quality standards. This engineer is responsible for every stage, from crankshaft installation to wiring and oil filling, as evidenced by their signature on the AMG engine badge.
AMG Performance DCT: Racetrack Optimized
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, configured in a transaxle layout at the rear axle, has been extensively revised by AMG engineers, modifying both hardware and software to enhance racetrack suitability. First gear in the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission features a longer ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive have shorter ratios, resulting in more agile acceleration and highly responsive behavior to rapid accelerator pedal inputs.
Previous limitations concerning shift performance and response times have been significantly surpassed. The RACE START function is now even more impressive, featuring increased starting revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and racetrack-ready sports tires. Transmission cooling has also been adapted to meet the more demanding requirements of racing.
Drivers can tailor the benz gtr to their preferences using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller, offering “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), and “I” (Individual) modes. “RACE” mode optimally configures the dual-clutch transmission’s shift strategy for racetrack use, prioritizing shortest shift times and highly emotional engine sound. The separate “M” button in the center console allows drivers to engage manual transmission mode in any drive setting.
Dynamic Engine and Transmission Mounts: Comfort and Agility
Dynamic engine and transmission mounts are standard equipment in the benz gtr. Engine and transmission mounts play a crucial role in transaxle designs. Softer mounts improve comfort by effectively decoupling noise and vibration, while stiffer mounts enhance handling and agility.
Mercedes-AMG resolves this conflict using dynamic mounts that continuously and almost instantaneously adjust stiffness based on driving conditions and handling. A dedicated control unit, analyzing handling situations via CAN data and linked to the electronic limited-slip rear differential, ensures optimally balanced driving dynamics. AMG further refines this technology by independently actuating engine and transmission mounts, providing a substantial improvement in driving precision and lateral dynamics.
AMG Performance Sports Exhaust System: Pure Sound
The specially developed exhaust system not only delivers authentic racing car sound but also saves approximately 13 lbs in weight compared to the AMG GT S, thanks to the use of titanium for the rear silencer and thin-walled stainless steel for the front exhaust section.
The large, hexagonal tailpipe tip, centrally positioned in the rear fascia, emphasizes the benz gtr’s motorsport character. Two additional tailpipes are located on the left and right within the diffuser, their tips sheathed in carbon fiber, mirroring motorsport designs to protect the diffuser from high exhaust temperatures. The exhaust system features two infinitely variable exhaust flaps as standard, directly influencing the benz gtr’s sound profile.
Exhaust flaps open and close based on the selected AMG DRIVE SELECT mode, and can also be individually controlled via a dedicated button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. In “Comfort” and “Sport” modes, the low-frequency V-8 sound is designed for comfort. In “Sport Plus” and “RACE” modes, the sound becomes significantly more visceral and emotional.
Market Introduction
The Mercedes-AMG GT R made its world premiere on June 24, 2016, at Mercedes-Benz World, located at the historic Brooklands racing circuit in England. The benz gtr was expected to arrive in US dealerships by mid-2017.
*European specification adapted for the USA; US figures may vary.
