Mercedes-amg GT R
FIRST DRIVE Racer for road is superb to drive, and the best GT yet
Why new racer for the road is best version of the GT yet
MERCEDES-AMG’S new GT R is a track focused, Nürburgring-baiting monster, but the extensive changes for greater speed and engagement create an even better road car.
Racing improves the breed, so they say, so it must rile the people at AMG that its success in GT3 racing hasn’t translated into huge sales of its roadgoing AMG GT S sports car. The GT R is a riposte to that, bringing some of the brand’s hard-fought track expertise to the road, and taking the fight to rivals like Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS.
Based on the GT S, the GT R follows the tried-and-tested formula of go-faster, drive harder. As a result, it’s lost some weight, added some power, increased its grip and sharpened up its reactions. The weight has been lost through an all-embracing diet, with new forged wheels, carbon fibre structural parts, less sound deadening, a lithium-ion battery, and lightweight seats. In total, it’s lost around 15kg.
Troubling the rear tyres is a 577bhp version of AMG’S now familiar 4.0-litre biturbo engine held in position by dynamic engine mounts. A pair of revised turbos nestle at the top of the 4.0-litre V8, while the entire induction system is upgraded to improve both output and response.
The result of all those changes is a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds and a 198mph top speed. This makes the GT R the hardest-charging AMG GT yet, and it feels it. The engine fires with the sort of evocative grumble and roar of the best V8s, driving the rear wheels via AMG’S quick-shifting sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
On the move, it’s also clear Mercedes has created the finest riding GT yet – even in its most focused driving modes – thanks to adjustable coil-over variable damper suspension. There’s a greater sense of connection allied to a more compliant ride.
You’ll notice more feel at the front axle, too; the steering wheel isn’t loaded with information, but it’s better weighted than other AMG models. The turn-in response is markedly improved, thanks to the greater contact and wider track, and, of course, the effect of that rear-wheel-steering system and aerodynamics, which also increase high-speed stability. The go-faster equipment includes active aerodynamics to help suck the car to the road at high speed and those lighter, bigger wheels are shod with wider tyres, while the rear-wheel steering improves high-speed stability.
The changes are very obvious on the track, where the GT R can be pushed hard with confidence. Such aggressive changes often come at the detriment of its usefulness on the road, but the GT R doesn’t lose out to its GT siblings here, either. Indeed, this car is the best GT yet.