GIIAS 2017: Mercedes-AMG GT R, the Green Hell beast

GIIAS 2017: Mercedes-AMG GT R, the Green Hell beast

The Mercedes-AMG GT R lent star power to the three-pointed star’s booth at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). Unlike every other car present, the AMG brand’s performance flagship was cordoned off, which is why we don’t have shots of the GT R’s cabin here.

Unveiled in mid 2016, the GT R (lacking the dash of the original GT-R by Nissan) is the king of the Mercedes-AMG GT range. Never before has Mercedes-AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production vehicle than into GT R, the company claims.

The 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 from the GT S puts out 585 hp (+75 hp) and 700 Nm between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm. Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it does 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 318 km/h.

The GT R’s suspension is for the track. Wishbones, knuckles and hub carriers are all made from forged aluminium to reduce unsprung mass. The high camber and toe-in stability results in high cornering speeds and also provides the driver with optimum feel when cornering at the extreme limits. The rear axle is fitted with a thicker tubular anti-roll bar that’s hollow in design.

GIIAS 2017: Mercedes-AMG GT R, the Green Hell beast

The new AMG coil-over suspension allows drivers to select their personal set-up and infinitely adjust the spring pre-load manually. The coil-overs are combined with the AMG Ride Control continuously variable adaptive damping system. The car rides on forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, 275/35 R19 at the front and 325/30 R20 at the rear.

Active rear-wheel steering makes its debut in an AMG car here, providing a combination of agility and stability – handling characteristics that are usually conflicting. The three-stage ESP includes “ESP Sport Handling Mode” and “ESP Off”.

The exhaust system, which uses titanium for the rear silencer and thin-walled stainless steel for the front section, is six kg lighter than the stock system. It features two infinitely variable exhaust flaps, so there are various sounds on offer – a low-frequency V8 sound in Comfort and Sport, and a “far more emotive” sound in Sport Plus and Race modes.

This showcar isn’t in the model’s signature “AMG green hell magno” hue, but you can tell it’s a GT R from the distinctive Panamericana grille with vertical fins, just like on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car. Wider front and rear wings allow for increased track width, a front fascia with active elements, the large rear aerofoil and the double diffuser rear end. The latter integrates one large central tailpipe and two smaller tips on the sides.


GALLERY: Mercedes-AMG GT R official images

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Jonn Dol on Aug 15, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    NISMO/Nissan has to respond with a completely revamped GT-R. There’s nothing wrong with Merc AMG using the GT R name. But in some ways, it could confuse people with the GT-R ethos and steal the limelight from Nissan in recent years. What’s worse , GT racing world nowadays outlawed 4WD system that shaped the GT-R’s history. Time for a totally new GT-R. But before anything can happen, NISMO has to face the Le Cost Killer first..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • If Ford can sue & win for F150 name, im sure Nissan can do something about this…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Jimmy on Aug 15, 2017 at 10:23 pm

    Copyright infringement, no?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Shud call it Green Teutonic Roadster

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Nautica on Aug 16, 2017 at 8:24 am

    Apple Green for a Merc AMG GTR? Seriously? A sports car for Greenpeace?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Levin on Aug 17, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    What’s wrong with using the name “GTR”? Seems like you guys forgot the famous Mercedes CLK GTR launched back in 1997. So I don’t see any infringement in using the AMG GTR branding.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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