AGAINST THE CLOCK

Mercedes-amg GT R

Engine V8, 3982cc, twin-turbo Power 577bhp @ 6250rpm Torque 516lb ft @ 1900-5500rpm Transmission Seven-speed dual- clutch, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential Front suspension Double wishbones, coilovers, adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar Rear suspension Double wishbones, coilovers, adaptive dampers, antiroll bar Brakes Ventilated carbon- ceramic discs (option), 402mm front, 360mm rear Wheels 10 x 19in front, 12 x 20in rear Tyres 275/30 ZR19 front, 325/30 ZR20 rear Weight 1555kg Power-to-weight 377bhp/ton 0- 62mph 3.6sec (claimed) Top speed 198mph (claimed) Basic price £143,245 evo rating

SSE L EC T ‘ R AC E’ MODE AND make sure the ESP is off. With your left foot firmly on the brake pedal, fully depress the throttle. ‘Race Start’ flashes up in the central display and the revs flutter around 5000rpm, V8 coughing and popping, the sense of pent-up energy painfully apparent. Linger and the launch control will abort; pull the paddles and you can adjust the launch revs, though you’ll wish it would respond quicker.

After the drama of the pre-flight setup, the launch itself is almost an anti-climax: side-step the brake pedal and there seems to be the faintest pause while some electronic brain registers that yes, you really do want to do this. Then you’re off, the long bonnet rising up, 60mph passing by 3.3 seconds later.

The upshift to second is automatic, the change instantaneous, the ignition crack between gears and the general V8 machinations plain rude; 150mph passes after 16.1 seconds, and only then does the acceleration become a little more comfortable.

There is no wild wheelspin, no smoke. After each run the oil temperature peaks above 100C, the gearbox up to 94, but down to 94 and 88 respectively within a minute, time after time. No sweat.