The new Mercedes-AMG GT R: Carbon-fiber tunnel cross for maximum torsional rigidity

From the world's most demanding racetrack directly onto the road: Never before has Mercedes-AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production vehicle than into the new AMG GT R. The front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, the V8 Biturbo engine rated at 430 kW/585 hp, the extensively modified suspension, the new aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction lay the foundations for an especially dynamic driving experience. Even from afar, the exclusive "AMG green hell magno" special paintwork leaves no doubt as to the sports car's origin, having spent most of its development time in the "Green Hell" of the Nurburgring racetrack. Wider front and rear wings allow an increased track width for optimum grip and even higher cornering speeds. The new front fascia with active elements, the large rear aerofoil and the new rear fascia with double diffuser enhance aerodynamic efficiency and help ensure optimum grip. The lightweight forged wheels shod with cup tires as standard are likewise designed for maximum driving dynamics. The same applies to other new features such as the active rear-wheel steering, the nine-way adjustable traction control system and the adjustable coil-over suspension with additional electronic control. What is more, the new AMG Panamericana grille emphasises the unique standing of the AMG GT R. Its characteristic form with vertical fins celebrated its world première on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer-sport racing car and now for the first time features on an AMG production vehicle.

"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 petrol 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," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The third member of the AMG GT family is the new spearhead of the AMG model range. Featuring pioneering technologies, the AMG GT R was designed with racetrack use firmly in mind. Its development was largely based on vast motor-racing experience in AMG GT3 customer sport and the German Touring Car Masters. Figures such as 3.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and a top speed of 318 km/h, combined with the outstanding driving dynamics, will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on the racetrack. The new exclusive color "AMG green hell magno" alone establishes a visual link to the "Green Hell", the nickname for the legendary "North Loop" of the Nurburgring, emphasizing that the car's roots are firmly embedded in the racetrack. Sharpened racetrack performance comes courtesy of the intelligent lightweight construction incorporating aluminum and carbon, specific reinforcements in the body shell, the uprated V8 Biturbo engine with the specifically adapted seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the innovative aerodynamics with active components, and the new suspension with active rear-wheel steering and uniball joints.

The concept with front mid-engine and transmission in transaxle configuration on the rear axle, a tried-and-tested feature of the AMG GT and AMG GT S, makes for a beneficial rear-biased weight distribution of 47.3 to 52.7. In conjunction with the vehicle's low center of gravity, this translates into extremely agile handling and permits high cornering speeds. With a power-to-weight ratio of 2.66 kilograms per hp, the Mercedes-AMG GT R takes up pole position in its segment.

New: carbon-fiber tunnel cross for maximum torsional rigidity

The AMG experts designed the new lightweight-construction component to reduce the weight while also increasing the torsional rigidity. The new carbon-fiber tunnel cross of the AMG GT R replaces three different aluminum components of the GT. The cross is mounted under the exhaust system and the torque tube.

It further stiffens the body considerably for withstanding the high torsional loads that occur during racing. To this end, it braces the two vehicle sides against each other even more effectively in the tunnel area for the torque tube, increasing the torsional rigidity by some 7.5 percent. This increase is especially remarkable because even the standard AMG GT already boasts a high level of torsional rigidity. After the first few meters already, the driver gets an extremely precise driving impression, which is maintained even in the event of extreme vehicle loads when driving at the dynamic limits. The fact that the body of the car is more composed allows even better control of the AMG GT R under difficult racetrack conditions such as fast, bumpy corners and means that less steering effort is required.

Over and above this, two diagonal braces in the engine bay stiffen the front end. In the AMG GT R, they are likewise made of carbon fiber and represent weight savings of about 50 percent over steel components.

The models at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG GT R

Engine 4.0-Liter V8 Biturbo with direct injection
Displacement 3,982 cc
Output 430 kW (585 hp) at 6250 rpm
Peak torque 700 Nm at 1900-5500 rpm
Driven wheels Rear-wheel drive
Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7 speed dual-clutch transmission
Fuel consumption
urban/extra-urban/combined 15.0/9.2/11.4 l/100 km
Combined CO2 emissions 259 g/km
Efficiency class G
Weight (DIN/EC) 1555/1630 kg
Power-to-weight ratio 2.66/2.79 kg/hp
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3.6 s
Top speed 318 km/h
Kerb weight according to DIN, not including driver and luggage;
Kerb weight according to EC, including driver (75 kg)

Close collaboration between design and aerodynamics experts

Aerodynamics engineers and designers worked together more intensively than ever during development of the new AMG GT R. The AMG design idiom of "Dynamic Presence" forms the basis for the far more expressive overall appearance and the very distinct look. Form follows function, and function supports form: All elements have an inherent technical benefit and contribute to the enhanced driving dynamics, while the aerodynamics experts have made the designers' wishes a reality. This networking even resulted in an innovation that now has s patent pending.

The design of the AMG GT R embodies sensuous clarity — hot & cool. Apart from the powerfully sculpted body and the motorsport components, the new AMG Panamericana grille is a real eye-catcher. This unique feature also comes from the world of motorsport and is celebrating its standard-production première in the AMG GT R: Its 15 chrome-plated vertical fins cite the look of the new AMG GT3 racing car. The basic form of the new radiator grille goes back to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car that won the legendary Panamericana road race in Mexico in 1952.

Unbridled forwards thrust even when stationary: the front end

The low-slung front section and the forwards-inclined radiator grille create a distinctive "shark nose" impression and make the car appear to sit lower on the road. At the same time, this shape lowers the vehicle's back-pressure point, enhancing the flow of cooling air and the car's aerodynamic performance.

The more V-shaped arrow-like appearance of the front end also enhances the dynamic looks, thus embodying the uninhibited forward thrust of the AMG GT R even before it moves. A front fascia featuring a completely new-look jet-wing design (based on the A-wing) emphasizes the feeling of width and lends the car a more road-hugging appearance. In terms of their shape, the large outer air intakes in the front fascia are reminiscent of jet engines. They ensure that the increased cooling-air requirements of the AMG GT R drive system are met. For this reason, they sport two aerodynamically shaped horizontal fins in place of meshes and as a result route the airflow to the radiators without loss.

The wide front splitter reduces lift at the front axle. Additional Air Curtains on the outside of the front fascia calm the airflow, improving the Cd value of the AMG GT R. Thanks to their narrow, vertical openings, the Air Curtains also guide the air specifically towards the wheel arches, optimizing the flow properties in this area. To ensure ideal airflow through the double wheel arch radiators, the AMG GT R additionally features new and unique wheel arch liners with special cooling-air slits.