Mercedes launches updated AMG GT R in India for Rs 2.48 crore
The Mercedes-AMG GT R is one of the maddest cars the company has ever made, aside from the even more manic AMG GT R Pro. The AMG GT R was previously on sale in India, but the Beast of the Green Hell gets some updates for 2020 — redesigned headlights and taillights, more sophisticated electronics and a lot more screens. But let’s talk about what’s under the hood first.
Powertrain and Electronics
Powering the Mercedes-AMG GT R is a 4-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577bhp and 700Nm of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed DCT. With a 0 to 100kmph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 318kmph, the GT R goes as fast as it looks. To aid high speed maneuverability and cornering agility, the GT R is equipped with rear wheel steering. The AMG Dynamics stability control provides multiple driving programmes — Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master — which use the electronic stability programme, steering response and power distribution to keep the GT R on a leash, if needed. The AMG Track Pace system allows the driver to record and analyse data when driving on a closed track including lap times, sector times and delta.
What’s new?
On the inside, there are a host of updates. Gone are the analogue dials from the original GT R, replaced by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It is complimented by an updated 10.25-inch central infotainment display. In the center console, conventional buttons have been replaced by display buttons. We first saw these on the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, there are small TFT displays which show icons corresponding to the function. Why? Well, they look cool! The steering wheel has been updated too featuring touch sensitive pads on either side to control the displays, and two dials at the bottom — one controls the drive modes and the other one is split up into two buttons which can be programmed by the user to control various settings.
Not much has changed on the outside of the GT R, when compared to the interior. The headlights and taillights are now LED units and match the look of the AMG GT R Pro. With an already very aggressive aero package including active aerodynamics nestled in the underbody, active air regulation system in the front apron and the large aerofoil on the hatch, the company hasn’t had to make any aerodynamic updates to keep the GT R performing well on track.
The updates to the AMG GT R are minor, but they add up to make the GT R just as fast as before but more technologically equipped for 2020. The GT R sits in a very niche space, it is more expensive than the 911 Carrera but more affordable than the Turbo models. However, it is more track focused than either of the two cars. At Rs 2.48 crore, few cars can keep up with the Beast of the Green Hell on track and even fewer sound as good.