Mercedes-AMG has launched its new GT R, featuring a front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, twin-turbo V-8 engine rated at 430 kW/585 hp, the extensively modified suspension and new aerodynamics.

The intelligent lightweight construction lays 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.

"We have defined every single component dedicated to performance. The result is an overall composition that perfectly reflects our motto: ‘Handcrafted by racers’. Developed straight from the racetrack on to the road, this unstoppable machine is a car you need to experience first-hand," said Lennart Mueller-Teut, head of Marketing & Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East.

Aerodynamics engineers and designers worked together more intensively than ever during the development of the new AMG GT R. Together, they ensured that every element of the AMG GT R has an inherent technical benefit that enhances driving dynamics. Moreover, the AMG design idiom of "Dynamic Presence" formed the basis for the vehicle’s expressive appearance and very distinct look.

The side view additionally benefits from the new, optional AMG Performance forged wheels in matte black. The especially lightweight 10-spoke wheel is exclusive to the AMG GT R and its highly elaborate design includes a drop-centre rim, a milled groove and two high-sheen rim rings of different width. Its wheel size is 10.0 J x 19 ET56 at the front and 12.0 J x 20 ET52 at the rear. The lightweight design of the wheels has three advantages: it reduces the overall weight, the rotatory mass and the unsprung mass.

The rear end also features numerous, conspicuous innovations: the new aluminium side walls widen the rear of the AMG GT R by a total of 57 millimetres, creating space for the larger 20-inch wheels and the wider track.

Individual set-up: AMG coil-over suspension

The suspension of the new AMG high-performance sports model is also designed for racetrack use. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminium in order to reduce the unsprung masses.

The new AMG coil-over suspension was designed specifically for the AMG GT R. Like in professional motorsport, drivers can select their personal set-up and infinitely adjust the spring pre-load manually. This makes it possible to influence the dive and roll behaviour as well as the grip of the AMG GT R precisely as needed to tailor them to personal preferences or particular racetracks.

Agility and stability: the active rear-wheel steering

The new AMG GT R is even more sensitive to steering inputs thanks to standard-fit active rear-wheel steering, which is being used for the first time on a Mercedes-AMG model. The system offers an ideal combination of agility and stability   handling characteristics that are normally in direct conflict.

The advantage of the AMG GT R is far more agile when steering into bends, resulting in even greater driving enjoyment and less steering effort   especially on small and winding roads, narrow racetracks on which there are multiple changes in direction, or slalom courses. Further benefits include increased manoeuvrability and a smaller turning circle in everyday driving situations   such as when turning or parking. The active rear-wheel steering not only improves cornering, it also assists the driver in the event of sudden evasive manoeuvres, thereby enhancing safety and making the AMG GT R easier to control at the limit.

The AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine in the AMG GT R has an output of 430 kW (585 hp), which is 55 kW (75 hp) more than the previous top-of-the-range engine in the GT S. The peak torque of 700 Nm is available between 1900 and 5500 rpm. With acceleration of zero to 100km/h achieved in just 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 318 km/h, the capabilities of the AMG GT R will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on the racetrack.

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission configured in transaxle layout at the rear axle has likewise been extensively revised by the AMG developers, who modified the hardware and the software to make the transmission even more suitable for the racetrack. First gear in the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission has a longer ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive have shorter ratios to allow a more agile acceleration experience that rapidly responds to fast accelerator pedal movements.

Drivers can tailor the AMG GT R to their personal preferences using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller. Various modes are available: "C" (Comfort), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus) and "I" (Individual). The "RACE" mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to the needs of racetrack usage – shortest shift speeds and highly emotional engine sound are included. By pressing the separate "M" button in the centre console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode.

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is available with a starting price of $173,050. – TradeArabia News Service