2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R: the Good Mix

The exoticar of the Mercedes-Benz family, the AMG GT picks up where the spectacular SLS AMG left off. You might say that these two cars are completely different, and you would be right. It’s a sportier vehicle and targets a choice rival, the Porsche 911. We’re back in the region of Faro, Portugal, for the opportunity to drive the R version of this German beast.

The AMG GT R is a track-oriented evolution of the well-known GT. Engineers used their racing experience to create this exclusive edition. This GT will slot in between the base version and the competition-ready GT3. It benefits from the twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 that develops 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, it can blast from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds—according to the manufacturer—and it can reach a top speed of 318 km/h.

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All this performance is managed by a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, a launch control mode for competition, an AMG Traction Control system with nine different settings as well as active engine and gearbox mounts. Those are but a few of the vehicle’s characteristics we’ll be putting to the test at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal.

Add to that an adjustable suspension, a high-performance braking system developed by AMG and a substantial weight reduction through the use of carbon fibre for certain aerodynamic elements, the roof and the drivetrain tunnel, as well as aluminum for the suspension components.

It’s easily recognisable by its bigger front grille, its painted brake callipers and its massive rear wing. We still don’t know how much the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R will cost, but stay tuned for our complete and exclusive first drive review. It’s our Christmas gift!