2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R debuts with 577-hp

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the track-ready 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R, which is lighter and more powerful than the GT and GT S models.

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Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the track-ready 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R, which is lighter and more powerful than the GT and GT S models. Coming in at 200 pounds lighter than the GT S and with 577 horsepower under the hood, the GT R can reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed just under 200 mph.

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“Our sports-car and performance brand AMG has its roots in motorsport and, ever since its formation, has repeatedly faced up to the competition on the racetrack. These genes are particularly prevalent in the new AMG GT R. Boasting a wealth of technological innovations, the new top-of-the-range model is proof of the close collaboration between our constructors of racing cars and road-going vehicles,” states Professor Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Related: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 debuts with 362-hp

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In addition to the weight reduction and more powerful 4.0L Biturbo V8, the Mercedes-AMG GT R gets a more aggressive body kit with restyled front bumper with a splitter, while the rear gets a bigger spoiler and a diffuser. A new active aerodynamics profile, which is concealed almost invisibly in the underbody in front of the engine. At a speed of 50 mph in Race mode, this carbon component automatically moves downward by about 1.6 inches and changes the airflow considerably. This process results in what is known as the Venturi effect, which additionally “sucks” the car onto the road and reduces the front-axle lift by around 88.2 lbs. at 155 mph.

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The 2018 GT R will arrive in the U.S. by mid-2017.

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Source: Mercedes-Benz