From the crucible of the world’s most demanding racetracks emerges a vehicle that redefines the boundaries of performance and driving exhilaration: the Mercedes-AMG GT R. This isn’t just another sports car; it’s a testament to Mercedes-AMG’s unwavering commitment to motorsport excellence, directly translated into a production vehicle. Never before has a Mercedes-AMG production car been so infused with racing technology.
The Mercedes Benz Gtr Amg is engineered around a front-mid-engine concept with a transaxle, housing a formidable 577 hp V8 Biturbo engine. This powerhouse is complemented by a comprehensively reworked suspension system, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and intelligent lightweight construction. These elements coalesce to deliver a driving experience that is nothing short of breathtakingly dynamic.
Even at a glance, the exclusive “AMG green hell magno” paintwork serves as an immediate declaration of this sports car’s lineage. This signature color proudly proclaims its deep connection to the infamous “Green Hell” of the Nurburgring, where the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG spent a significant portion of its rigorous development phase.
Wider front and rear fenders are not merely aesthetic enhancements; they are functional necessities, accommodating an increased track width. This wider stance provides optimum grip and enables even higher cornering velocities, pushing the limits of what’s possible on both road and track. A newly sculpted front fascia with active aerodynamic elements, a substantial rear aerofoil, and a redesigned rear fascia featuring a double diffuser all work in concert to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and ensure unwavering grip.
Lightweight forged wheels, shod with cup tires as standard, are further evidence of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s dedication to peak driving dynamics. This commitment extends to other groundbreaking features, including active rear-wheel steering, a nine-stage adjustable traction control system, and an adjustable coil-over suspension with supplementary electronic control. Adding to its distinctive presence, the new AMG Panamericana grille firmly establishes the unique identity of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG. Its iconic vertical fin design, first showcased on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer-sport racing car, now graces an AMG production vehicle for the first time.
Mercedes-AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance and expansion of its top-tier product line culminates in the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG. Professor Thomas Weber, then Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, emphasized this, 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.” This statement underscores the intrinsic link between AMG’s racing heritage and the road-going prowess of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG.
Tobias Moers, former CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, further elaborated on the driving philosophy behind the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG: “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.”
Mercedes Benz GTR AMG: Performance Data at a Glance
| Feature | 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 |
As the third iteration in the AMG GT lineage, the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG stands as the pinnacle of the AMG model range. Engineered with pioneering technologies and a clear focus on track performance, its development drew heavily upon extensive motorsport experience gleaned from AMG GT3 customer racing and the fiercely competitive German Touring Car Masters Series (DTM). Performance figures, including a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph, coupled with its exceptional driving dynamics, unequivocally translate into blistering lap times on the racetrack.
The exclusive “AMG green hell magno” color not only distinguishes the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG visually but also forges a tangible connection to the “Green Hell,” the legendary moniker of the Nurburgring’s North Loop. This visual cue underscores the car’s deep-seated roots in the demanding world of competitive racing. The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s sharpened track capabilities are a result of intelligent lightweight construction, utilizing aluminum and carbon fiber, reinforced body shell elements, an enhanced Handcrafted 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine paired with a specifically tuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, innovative aerodynamics incorporating active components, and a novel suspension system featuring active rear-wheel steering and uniball joints.
The foundational concept of a front mid-engine layout coupled with a transaxle configuration, a proven architecture in the AMG GT and AMG GT S, yields a favorable rear-biased weight distribution of 47.3 to 52.7 percent. This, combined with the vehicle’s low center of gravity, results in remarkably agile handling and facilitates exceptionally high cornering speeds.
With a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.94 lbs per horsepower, the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG firmly establishes its pole position within its performance segment, outclassing competitors and setting a new benchmark for track-focused road cars.
Synergy of Design and Aerodynamic Expertise
The development of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG witnessed an unprecedented level of collaboration between aerodynamics engineers and designers. The AMG design philosophy of “Dynamic Presence” forms the bedrock of its more aggressive and athletic aesthetic. Here, form and function are inextricably linked. Every design element serves a technical purpose, contributing to enhanced driving dynamics, while aerodynamic specialists translated the designers’ vision into tangible reality. This symbiotic relationship even spawned a groundbreaking innovation currently under patent review.
Beyond the powerfully sculpted body and motorsport-derived components, the new AMG Panamericana grille commands immediate attention. This distinctive feature, also originating from the realm of motorsport, makes its production debut in the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG. Its fifteen chrome-plated vertical fins are directly inspired by the design of the new AMG GT3 racing car. The fundamental form of this grille traces its heritage back to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car, victor of the legendary 1952 Panamericana road race in Mexico.
AMG Panamericana grille: A hallmark of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG, inspired by the legendary 300 SL racing car.
Aggressive Front-End Design for Unfettered Performance
The low-slung front section and forward-leaning radiator grille create a distinctive “shark nose” profile, visually lowering the car’s stance and projecting an image of unyielding forward momentum. This shape also strategically reduces back pressure, optimizing cooling airflow and enhancing overall aerodynamic performance.
The more pronounced V-shape, arrow-like design of the front end amplifies the dynamic aesthetic, embodying the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s inherent drive even at a standstill. A front fascia featuring a completely redesigned jet-wing motif, derived from the A-wing concept, broadens the visual width and lends the car a more grounded, road-hugging appearance. The large outer air intakes in the front fascia, shaped to evoke jet engines, are crucial for meeting the heightened cooling demands of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG powertrain. They incorporate two aerodynamically sculpted horizontal fins that effectively channel airflow to the radiators.
A wide front splitter significantly reduces lift at the front axle, contributing to enhanced stability. Additional Air Curtains, positioned at the outer edges of the front fascia, manage airflow, improving the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s drag coefficient. These narrow, vertical openings precisely guide air towards the wheel arches, optimizing airflow characteristics in this critical area. To ensure optimal airflow through the double wheel arch radiators, the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG incorporates innovative wheel arch liners with specialized cooling-air slits.
Active Aerodynamics: A Masterpiece of Underbody Engineering
A standout engineering achievement is the completely novel active aerodynamics profile, discreetly integrated into the underbody ahead of the engine. At speeds exceeding 50 mph in RACE mode, this carbon fiber component, weighing a mere 4.4 lbs, automatically extends downwards by approximately 1.6 inches, dramatically altering airflow dynamics. This deployment 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.
Drivers experience this innovation through enhanced steering precision, particularly during high-speed cornering. The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG exhibits even greater directional stability and responsiveness. Especially during aggressive cornering and under high lateral acceleration, the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG delivers remarkably agile responses with clear steering feedback, maintaining effortless control at all times.
Furthermore, this active element improves the drag coefficient while preserving downforce on the rear axle, achieving aerodynamic optimization without compromise. This innovation, initially conceived through computer simulations, underwent rigorous refinement during extensive wind tunnel testing. Real-world validation followed through exhaustive test drives, including demanding sessions on the Nurburgring’s North Circuit. The near-invisible integration of this aerodynamics profile within the underbody ensures it harmonizes seamlessly with the overall silhouette of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG.
When the electrically actuated profile extends, the radiator air outlet at the front end opens, precisely directing airflow towards the double rear diffuser, optimizing its efficiency. This enhances rear axle handling stability and mitigates temperature buildup in critical rear-end components. Simultaneously, the aerodynamics package bolsters stopping power by channeling increased cold air directly to the wheel discs. To prevent damage, the profile is spring-mounted, allowing it to flex upwards upon encountering obstacles.
Active Air Management: Louvered Precision for Optimized Airflow
Another technological highlight enhancing the aerodynamics of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG is the active air management system. This system employs vertical louvers positioned in the lower section, directly behind the front fascia. These electronically controlled louvers can open and close within approximately one second via an electric motor, precisely modulating airflow and optimizing aerodynamic performance in real-time.
Under normal driving conditions, including at top speed, during braking, and during high-speed cornering, the louvers remain closed. This configuration minimizes drag and directs air towards the underbody, further reducing front lift. Only when predefined component temperatures reach critical thresholds, and the demand for cooling air becomes paramount, do the louvers open fully, maximizing cooling airflow to the heat exchangers.
The comprehensive aerodynamics strategy of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG ensures an ideal equilibrium between lift and downforce across all operational modes, achieving a lower drag coefficient compared to the AMG GT and GT S, despite its enhanced performance and wider stance.
Broad Shoulders, Aerodynamic Finesse: The Side Profile
Front fenders crafted from ultralight carbon fiber contribute to a 1.8-inch increase in the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s front width. This wider stance accommodates the increased track width and larger wheel/tire combinations, while the powerfully sculpted fenders further accentuate the car’s inherent longitudinal dynamics. A distinctive fender vent, featuring a stylized fin and a large air outlet for dissipating heat from the engine bay, further distinguishes the side profile. This vent is perforated and incorporates the iconic AMG diamond logo with five slats.
The side view is further enhanced by optional new AMG Performance forged wheels in matte black. These exceptionally lightweight 10-spoke wheels are exclusive to the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG, featuring a complex design with a drop-center rim, a milled groove, and two high-sheen rim rings of varying widths. Front wheels measure 10.0 J x 19, while rear wheels are sized 12.0 J x 20. The lightweight construction of these wheels yields multiple benefits: reduced overall weight, lower rotational mass, and decreased unsprung mass. These reductions enhance efficiency and performance, while also improving suspension and steering responsiveness, 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 Mercedes Benz GTR AMG. New side sill panels visually lower the car’s profile, while high-gloss black inserts add a touch of individualization. High-gloss black caps on the door mirror housings further contribute to the cohesive aesthetic.
The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG comes standard with a high-grade carbon fiber roof, underscoring the high-contrast visual theme and lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity for improved handling.
Rear-End Dominance: Width and Aerodynamic Optimization
The rear end of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG showcases a multitude of striking innovations. New aluminum side walls broaden the rear by a total of 2.2 inches, creating space for the larger 20-inch wheels and wider track. These enhancements improve traction and enable higher cornering speeds.
The wider 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 exhaust system is improved as the double diffuser vents warm air during driving. A small air outlet integrated between the tail lamps further aids in dissipating heat generated by the rear silencer. A defining feature of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG is the large exhaust tip with a central spar, centrally positioned in the rear fascia. It is flanked by two additional black exhaust tips integrated into the diffuser on the left and right sides.
The substantial, fixed rear wing, mounted on the hatch, significantly increases downforce on the rear axle. The aerofoil mounts are painted in body color, while the blade is finished in high-gloss black. Depending on driving conditions and track demands, the precise angle of the blade can be manually adjusted – a technique directly borrowed from motorsport.
The cumulative effect of all aerodynamic measures results in a 342 lbs increase in surface contact at top speed compared to the standard AMG GT. The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG offers maximum grip, exceptional drivability, and a powerfully proportioned design that seamlessly integrates aerodynamic functions. Remarkably, despite its higher engine output, increased width, wider tires, larger rear aerofoil, greater cooling demands, and enhanced downforce, the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG achieves a lower drag coefficient (Cd) than the AMG GT.
AMG Coil-Over Suspension: Precision Tuned for Individual Performance
The suspension system of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG is meticulously engineered for racetrack dominance. 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 configuration ensures precise wheel location with minimal elastic movement. High camber and toe-in stability contribute to exceptional cornering speeds and provide the driver with optimal road feedback at the limits of adhesion.
Uniball spherical bearings on the lower wishbones of the rear axle are directly inspired by motorsport technology. Significantly more wear-resistant than conventional wishbone bushings, their zero-play design ensures consistent toe-in and camber, even under extreme loads. This precision translates to even sharper handling in the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG.
Furthermore, the rear axle is equipped with a thicker tubular anti-roll bar, specifically adapted to the heightened driving dynamics of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG and designed with a hollow core to save weight.
The new AMG coil-over suspension is purpose-built for the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG. Mirroring professional motorsport practices, drivers can fine-tune their personal suspension setup and infinitely adjust spring pre-load manually. This allows for precise control over dive and roll behavior, as well as the grip characteristics of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG, tailoring the vehicle to individual preferences or specific racetrack conditions.
The coil-over suspension is paired with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This electronically controlled system automatically adjusts damping force at each wheel based on real-time driving conditions, speed, and road surface. Damping characteristics are modulated rapidly and precisely by separate valves for rebound and compression forces within the dampers. Increased damping rates during cornering and braking effectively minimize body roll. Continuous damping adjustment based on speed ensures optimal road contact, even at high velocities, enhancing safety.
Drivers can adjust adaptive damping characteristics via the AMG DRIVE UNIT or through the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three modes are available: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” “Comfort” is optimized for everyday road use, “Sport” is ideal for demanding tracks like the Nordschleife, providing 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.
Complementary suspension enhancements include wider front and rear track widths 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 Technology
The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG boasts enhanced steering responsiveness 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 are typically in direct opposition.
Two steering actuators replace conventional control arms on the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s rear axle. At the core of the system are two electro-mechanical actuators (electric motors with jackscrew) that are electronically controlled and not mechanically linked to the steering wheel – a “by-wire” system. This system adjusts the rear wheels within a predefined operating map, with a maximum toe angle change of 1.5 degrees on the rear wheels.
At speeds up to 62 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, effectively shortening the wheelbase. This enhances agility when turning into bends, resulting in greater driving enjoyment and reduced steering effort, especially on winding roads, tight racetracks with frequent directional changes, or during slalom maneuvers. Additional benefits include increased maneuverability and a tighter turning circle for everyday driving, particularly beneficial when parking.
Above 62 mph, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, effectively lengthening the wheelbase and improving handling stability. Lateral force buildup on the rear wheels becomes significantly faster during directional changes, quickening steering response. Drivers experience enhanced rear axle grip and stability during rapid directional changes, without the typical twitching sensation at the rear end.
Active rear-wheel steering not only elevates cornering performance but also assists the driver during sudden evasive maneuvers, enhancing active safety, and making the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG more controllable at its performance limits.
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, optimally tuned to the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s exceptional driving dynamics. The ESP OFF mode programming is derived directly from the AMG GT3 racecar.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Nine Levels of Grip Mastery
In ESP OFF mode, another innovation empowers drivers with even greater control over the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s handling characteristics: the new AMG TRACTION CONTROL system, also directly descended from motorsport technology. This system allows drivers to pre-select the desired slip level on the driven rear axle across nine distinct stages. Similar to the AMG GT3 racecar, it isolates grip control on the driven wheels, operating independently of the ESP® system’s stabilization functions. Specific characteristic maps are programmed into the vehicle’s electronics.
Control is managed via a dedicated rotary switch located on the center console, beneath the ventilation outlets. Depending on the selected setting, the system permits varying degrees of slip on the rear wheels, providing valuable adjustability for diverse road conditions. Level 1 is calibrated for wet conditions with high safety margins, while Level 9 allows for maximum rear axle slip. A luminous LED band surrounding the rotary switch visually indicates the current setting, a display logic inspired by motorsport instrumentation. The selected level is also displayed on the instrument cluster’s central screen.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Motorsport-derived technology for precise slip control in the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG.
AMG’s advanced system surpasses conventional traction control by anticipating driving situations using a virtual µ(mu) simulator and other data processed by a control unit in fractions of a second. The maximum permissible slip on the driven rear wheels is calculated based on the chosen AMG TRACTION CONTROL level. When wheel slip reaches this threshold during acceleration, the traction control system modulates engine output to maintain the specified slip level, ensuring continuous acceleration with controlled wheelspin. The influence of the electronic limited-slip differential is also factored into the adjustment range. This instantaneous control enhances both driving enjoyment and performance.
This system provides invaluable assistance in one of the most challenging aspects of performance driving: optimizing engine torque and torque application when accelerating out of corners. Precise power delivery when exiting turns is paramount for achieving fast lap times.
Electronically Controlled Rear-Axle Limited-Slip Differential
The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG comes standard with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle, integrated into the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and rapid control elevates handling limits to unprecedented levels. It not only further enhances rear wheel grip but also increases cornering speeds at the limit. The system employs variable locking action during acceleration and deceleration, perfectly adapting to diverse handling conditions and road friction coefficients.
Speed-Sensitive Sports Steering: Variable Ratio Precision
The speed-sensitive sports steering system features a variable steering ratio, enhancing vehicle handling and agility at lower speeds while maintaining driving stability at higher velocities. The power assist is meticulously calibrated, responding not only to road speed but also to lateral acceleration and the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode. The result is exceptional driver feedback and a direct connection to the road.
Race-Ready Interior: Sport-Focused Design
The interior of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG is meticulously designed to provide the driver with an ideal environment for performance driving, drawing heavy inspiration from motorsport. Standard AMG Performance Seats, also featured in the AMG GT S, are upholstered in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber, providing essential lateral support during extreme 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, further underscore the unique character of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG.
The wide dashboard, reminiscent of a powerful wing, continues the aviation-inspired design theme. Four central spotlight-style vents and individual vents at the dashboard’s extremities reinforce this aesthetic. Combined with high beltlines, concave door paneling, and a dynamic center console, the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG projects an exceptionally sporty ambiance, seamlessly integrating the driver into the cockpit with its low seating position.
The dominant center console, shaped like a NACA air intake duct, and authentic, high-quality materials evoke a direct connection to motor racing. The centrally positioned, free-standing central display is another eye-catching feature. Attention to detail extends to the AMG DRIVE UNIT controls, arranged to resemble eight cylinders in a V configuration, further emphasizing the powerful and high-tech character of the center console.
The optional new AMG Interior Night package adds high-gloss black finishes to the shift paddles, steering wheel bezel, door sills, and trunk cross member, complementing the standard AMG Interior Piano Lacquer package to further enhance sportiness. Customers can also opt for matte black carbon fiber trim.
AMG Lightweight Performance: More Equipment, Less Weight
Weight is a critical factor influencing sports car performance. Mercedes-AMG employs an intelligent material mix for the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s structure: various aluminum alloys for the chassis and body, steel for the trunk lid, and magnesium for the front deck. The ultralight magnesium front deck reduces inertia ahead of the front axle, significantly improving vehicle agility.
The weight-optimized spaceframe is constructed from die-cast and extruded aluminum sections. The high bending and torsional strength of this 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 responses. Drivers experience a sports car with maximum dynamics and outstanding 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, is strategically used for components including 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 optimized aluminum counterpart in the AMG GT. As a structural component of the transaxle drivetrain, it provides an exceptionally stiff connection between the engine and transmission, crucial for driving dynamics and contributing to balanced weight distribution. Further weight savings are achieved through standard-fit forged wheels, a titanium rear silencer, and reduced soundproofing materials.
Carbon-Fiber Tunnel Cross Brace: Maximum Torsional Rigidity
The new carbon fiber tunnel cross brace in the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG replaces three separate aluminum components found in the GT. Mounted beneath the exhaust system and torque tube, this lightweight component, designed by AMG experts, reduces weight while simultaneously increasing torsional rigidity.
The carbon tunnel brace significantly stiffens the body, enhancing its ability to withstand the high torsional loads encountered during racing. It effectively braces the two vehicle sides together in the torque tube tunnel area, increasing torsional rigidity by approximately 7.5 percent. This improvement is particularly noteworthy given the already high torsional rigidity of the standard AMG GT. Drivers immediately perceive the enhanced driving precision of the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG, maintained even under extreme loads at the dynamic limits. The increased body composure provides even greater control, especially in challenging racetrack conditions like fast, bumpy corners.
Diagonal braces in the engine bay further stiffen the front end. In the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG, these braces are also made of carbon fiber, resulting in a weight reduction of approximately 50 percent compared to traditional steel components.
Composite Wheel-Catch Struts: Intelligent Material Mix
AMG’s lightweight construction experts utilize an intelligent material mix for the wheel-catch struts, employing a composite material. In the event of an accident, these components help guide and restrain the front wheels against the side members as part of the designed crash kinematics. These 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 robust material strength.
High-Performance Braking: Fade-Resistance and Consistent Performance
The high-performance composite brake system ensures exceptional deceleration and high fade resistance. It features internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch diameter brake discs on the front axle and 14.2-inch discs on the rear axle. The brake calipers are finished in 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 Mercedes Benz GTR AMG beats with even greater intensity: the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine now delivers 577 hp, a 74 hp increase over the previous top-of-the-range engine in the GT S. Peak torque remains at a formidable 516 lb-ft, available across a wide rev range from 1,900 to 5,500 rpm.
This performance gain is achieved through new turbochargers with modified compressor machining, smaller wastegate aneroid capsules, and refined engine mapping. Boost pressure from the turbochargers is increased from 17.4 psi in the AMG GT S to 19.6 psi. Exhaust ports have been optimized, and the compression ratio has been modified. The entire combustion process has been recalibrated for optimal efficiency and power delivery.
Correspondingly modified accelerator characteristics, charge-pressure build-up, and transmission parameters ensure even more spontaneous engine response to load changes and faster gear shifts. A 1.5 lbs lighter two-mass flywheel compared to the AMG GT S further contributes to the heightened agility.
The eight-cylinder engine delivers thrilling responsiveness, precisely measured power output, and linear power delivery with robust thrust across the entire engine speed range, enhancing control at the performance limits. Sophisticated engine control electronics consider the current driving status and adjust accelerator characteristics based on lateral g-forces.
The Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine incorporates proven twin-scroll turbochargers positioned within the V configuration – the “hot inside V” design. This configuration results in a compact engine design, instantaneous turbocharger response with minimal lag, and reduced exhaust gas emissions due to optimized airflow to the close-coupled catalytic converters. This core principle of the new AMG V8 family is further optimized for the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG, enabling improved performance. Maximum charge pressure reaches 19.6 psi, and the turbochargers can spin at up to 186,000 revolutions per minute.
For optimal power output even in high ambient temperatures, Mercedes-AMG employs indirect air-to-water intercooling. With optimized air and water flow, the intercoolers utilize a separate, two-stage low-temperature water circuit. The first cooler stage consists of 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 is even more effective than in the AMG GT S. Downstream water-cooled intercoolers ensure that charge air, compressed and heated by the turbochargers, is effectively cooled before entering the combustion chambers, maintaining a consistently low temperature even under full load. A large front radiator ensures controlled cooling of the water circulating in 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 maximizes thermodynamic efficiency and output. Fast and precise piezo injectors spray fuel at high pressure into the eight combustion chambers. Multiple injection events occur on demand, ensuring a homogeneous 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, providing exceptional strength while minimizing weight and allowing for 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, combined with aluminum forged pistons, further enhances 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, moving the center of gravity closer to the road and facilitating high lateral acceleration.
The engine for the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG is meticulously hand-assembled at AMG’s Affalterbach production facility based on the “One Man – One Engine” philosophy. Each engine is built by a highly skilled engine builder adhering to stringent quality standards. This single engineer is responsible for the entire assembly process, from installing the crankshaft to wiring the engine and filling it with oil, as evidenced by their signature on the AMG engine badge.
AMG Performance DCT: Enhanced for Racetrack Domination
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, configured in a transaxle layout at the rear axle, has been extensively revised by AMG engineers, with hardware and software modifications optimizing it for racetrack performance. 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 reactions to accelerator pedal inputs.
Shift performance and response time limits have been significantly expanded. The RACE START function is now even more impressive, with increased starting revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and racetrack-optimized sports tires. Transmission cooling has also been adapted to meet the demanding requirements of racing.
Drivers can tailor the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG to their preferences using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller, offering “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), and “I” (Individual) modes. The “RACE” mode optimally configures the dual-clutch transmission’s shift strategy for racetrack use, prioritizing the shortest shift times and a highly emotive engine sound. The separate “M” button on 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 Mercedes Benz GTR AMG. These mounts play a crucial role in transaxle designs. Softer mounts improve comfort by better isolating 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 demands. A dedicated control unit, analyzing CAN data and connected to the electronic limited-slip rear differential, identifies driving situations and ensures optimally balanced driving dynamics. AMG has further refined this technology, actuating engine and transmission mounts independently of each other. This innovative solution provides a significant improvement in driving precision and lateral dynamics.
Pure AMG Sound: Performance Sports Exhaust System
The specially developed exhaust system not only delivers authentic racing car sound but also saves approximately 13 lbs of weight compared to the AMG GT S exhaust, through the use of titanium for the rear silencer and thin-walled stainless steel for the front section.
The large, hexagonally shaped tailpipe tip, centrally positioned in the rear fascia, emphasizes the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘s motorsport character. Two additional tailpipes are located on the left and right sides within the diffuser, with carbon fiber sheathing, similar to motorsport applications, protecting the diffuser from high exhaust temperatures. The exhaust system features two infinitely variable exhaust flaps as standard, directly influencing the Mercedes Benz GTR AMG‘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 on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. In “Comfort” and “Sport” modes, the low-frequency V8 sound is tuned for comfort. In “Sport Plus” and “RACE” modes, the sound becomes significantly more emotive and aggressive, befitting its track-focused nature.
The Mercedes Benz GTR AMG is a definitive statement of performance and a testament to the seamless integration of motorsport technology into a road-legal sports car. It represents the pinnacle of the AMG GT family, delivering an unparalleled driving experience that blurs the lines between track and road.
