2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Just recently, Mercedes-AMG CEO, Tobias Moers, revealed that a model slated to sit above the Mercedes-AMG GT will be introduced this summer. Most are calling this new model the Mercedes-AMG GT R, but that name would conflict with the Nissan GT-R and has yet to be confirmed by Merc or AMG. .

So, we know this model will sit above the GT in the lineup, but it won’t be the range-topping model for too long. We expect a full-fledged Black Series model to come about sometime in the future as well. Until then, however, we have these new spy shots to look at and a summer reveal to get excited about. As you can see, the GT R isn’t all that huge of a departure from the standard AMG GT, but it will have changes that make it unique.

With that said, let’s take a deeper look at these new spy shots and talk a little about this future model from Mercedes-AMG.

Updated 03/29/2016: The upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT R was caught out for some testing session on the Nurburgring. Hit "play" to watch it in action.Exterior

Looking at the spy shots, we can see that as we portrayed in our rendering, the AMG GT S will retain similar styling all the way around. Compared to our rendering and the AMG GT S, the GT R looks to have a more open front grille and larger corner intakes up front. In our rendering, we depicted a larger front spoiler, but so far that hasn’t made it onto the prototype yet.

To the side, we expect the GT R to have similar fender vents, but those have either been left off the prototype or are concealed well by the camo. If the vents to make it onto the finished product that will debut this summer, we expect them to extend further to the rear of the car to help distinguish it from its lesser GT brethren. The side skirts on the prototype look to be somewhat more aggressive than what we see on the AMG GT, but nowhere near as aggressive as what we depicted in our rendering. We expect the side skirts on the finished product to feature large, oval vents toward the rear to provide airflow to the rear tires and brakes.

As we move on to the rear of the prototype, we can spot some significant changes compared to the AMG GT. The taillights look to be the same, but this prototype has a permanently mounted spoiler on the rear decklid – clearly there to provide more downforce and help this baby keep the rear tires stuck to the road. The rear fascia itself has the same overall look, but there are two vents positioned just to the inside of the taillights. Down below the prototype is equipped with a rather aggressive rear diffuser, and center-mounted, dual exhaust outlets.

Altogether, the prototype is coming together nicely. I do think, however, that we haven’t seen the best of the future GT R yet. I have a feeling that once we see it shed its camo, there are going to be plenty of little features not seen here. Stay tuned for the next update about this beauty. Summer isn’t all that far away.

Interior

 Mercedes-AMG GT
Note: Mercedes-AMG GT pictured here.

So far, we haven’t gotten a good look at the interior of the GT R at all, but I don’t expect it to be very different from the GT or GT S. If you’ve seen the interior of the standard GT, that isn’t a bad thing at all. Expect to see that large, high-mounted center console, and that beautiful infotainment screen above the four, center-mounted HVAC vents. I do suspect that infotainment screen may grow by an inch, and the instrument cluster will probably be updated to a digital display as opposed the double needle cluster with a small digital display in the middle. The steering wheel may be changed a little, but should still have a flat bottom. Outside of little changes like I’ve mentioned here, I don’t expect to see much of a departure, but we’ll just have to see. You never know – Mercedes might just surprise us all and make that cabin even better than it already is. It will be a hard task to accomplish, but Merc has surprised us before.

Drivetrain

 Mercedes-AMG GT
Note: Mercedes-AMG GT pictured here.

Expect to see the same engine in the GT R, but it will probably put out somewhere in the area of 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

So, we’ve seen that the GT R will share some similarities with the GT3 racing model, but about the drivetrain? The basic GT pumps out 456 horsepower and 443 pound-feet from its 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The GT S pumps out 503 horses and 479 pound-feet from its V-8 powertrain. Expect to see the same engine in the GT R, but it will probably put out somewhere in the area of 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. With the GT hitting the 60 mph benchmark in 3.9 seconds, and the GT S hitting it in 3.7 seconds, the GT R will probably hit it in 3.4 or 3.5 seconds. Top speed will probably sit around 198 mph – about five mph faster than the GT S. As soon as official information becomes available, we’ll update you accordingly.

Prices

It’s a little too early to start talking about pricing, but we do know that the Mercedes-AMG GT S starts out at $129,900. Pricing for the Mercedes AMG GT is expected to be around $120,000. With those price points, I expect the GT R to command somewhere in the $140,000 to $150,000 range.

Competition

PORSCHE 911 TURBO

 Porsche 911 Turbo
The 911 Turbo comes in two flavors – the standard trim and the Turbo S. In S form, the 911 pumps out 580 horsepower from its 3.8-liter, flat-six. In standard form that number drops to 540 horsepower, so it’s safe to say that both will be fair competitors. With the GT R expected to pump out in the area of 550 horsepower, it should give the new 911 a good run for its money. The thing is, however, that the standard 911 Turbo can hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds while the Turbo S hits the benchmark in 2.8 seconds. That will put it a few tenths of a second faster than what I’m projecting the GT R accomplish. In the end, it will be fun to see the two battle it out on the track, so here’s hoping someone lines the two up when the opportunity arises.