The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R comes with both design and technical improvements that make it even more alluring and exciting to drive.
Mercedes says that the 2019 GT R features updates on the exterior plus more agile performance and handling, courtesy of integrated AMG DYNAMICS handling control, a new AMG Performance steering wheel, center console with innovative display buttons and a fully-digital instrument display.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine develops 585hp and maximum torque of 700Nm (available from 2,100rpm to 5,500rpm). According to Mercedes, different exhaust gas turbochargers with modified compressor processing and a smaller boost pressure control valve cell as well as sharper engine management application are used, compared with those in the other AMG GT models.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 3.6 seconds, and the top speed is claimed at 318km/h.
The turbo boost pressure has increased from 1.2 to 1.35 bar. In addition, the exhaust ports have been optimized and the compression ratio modified.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has also gone through improvements – first gear has a longer ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive have shorter ratios to allow a more agile acceleration experience overall and spontaneous response to fast accelerator pedal movements.
The front and rear track is also wider, and there are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (275/35 ZR 19 up front and 325/30 ZR 20 at the rear). These are racing tires approved for road use, and allow for faster laps and up to 50 percent more mileage on the racetrack.
An interesting addition is the active rear axle steering. Up to a speed of 100 km/h, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels, so the vehicle can turn into corners with higher agility while requiring less steering input. Once the speed exceeds 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels to improve handling stability.
A fun feature in the GT R is the AMG Traction Control system that comes directly from motorsport and allows drivers to pre-select the slip on the driven rear axle in nine levels.
Control is via the round rotary switch with an integral display on the right-hand AMG steering-wheel button. Depending on the setting, the system permits more or less slip on the rear wheels – very helpful in varying road conditions. Level 1 is programmed for driving in the wet with high safety reserves. Level 9 allows maximum slip on the rear axle, and is probably the choice for drifting.
Meanwhile, the new AMG Interior Night package comes as standard. Upgrades include AMG Performance steering wheel topped with black DINAMICA Microfiber, two AMG Performance steering wheel buttons, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a high-gloss black gear lever.
Roland Folger, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd, said, “Mercedes-AMG is the world’s leading sports car brand known for its development approach in favor of ‘Driving Performance’. We have gained up to 300 percent of sales increase since Thailand inception back in 2017 and Mercedes-AMG has been registered itself among Thai customers as a preferred high-performance carmaker.”
Mercedes-AMG GT R Facelift specifications
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 with direct injection and twin turbochargers
Displacement: 3,982 cc
Output: 585hp at 6,250rpm
Peak torque: 700Nm from 2,100-5,500rpm
Average fuel consumption: 12.4 l/100 km
Average CO2 emission: 284 g/km
Weight: 1,635kgs
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.6 s
Top speed: 318 km/h
Suspension: AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with Adaptive Damping System and coil-over element
Wheels: 10.0 J x 19 (front)/ 12.0 J x 20 (rear)
Tyres: 275/35 R 19 (front)/ 325/30 R 20 (rear)
Brake discs: 390mm (front)/ 360mm (rear)
Drive modes: Six – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, RACE
