Is the AMG GT-R the Best Hardcore Sports Car on Sale Today?
The AMG GT-R is aimed squarely at the hardcore Porsche GT3. The new GT-R is lighter, faster, and built for the track, but how is it to drive on the road?
In 2015, Mercedes-Benz launched the AMG GT-S as its top level sports car and its closest competition is the Porsche 911. The two coupes share a similar goal in providing a luxury sports car experience, although in two different fashions. The AMG’s twin-turbo V8 offers monstrous 503 horsepower in S trim and the chassis’s driving dynamics provide an incredible balance to the power. In 2015, Motor Trend named the AMG GT-S their Driver’s Car of the Year. One of the reviews said, “I challenge anyone to drive the AMG GT-S and not get out with a smile on your face.” and in their testing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, it was faster then a Porsche 911 Turbo S. Having such high praise and acclaim on the platform’s first time out is amazing, so how does the new hardcore GT-R stack up to its older brother?
The AMG GT-R takes a similar path to the Porsche 911 GT3. It stripes out weight by using fixed-back bucket seats and using carbon fiber for the front fenders and roof. The chassis is 2.7 inches wider and it is noticeably stiffer then the GT/GT-S. The horsepower is up in the GT-R to 577, due to a lower compression motor and added turbo boost. So, it is wider, has more boost, and weights less, but are there any trick race car bits?
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The engineers at AMG also have given us a fun little toy on the center console, the AMG 9-mode traction control knob. This is similar to most modern race cars, which offer driver adjustable traction control. This yellow knob allows you to dial up or down the 9 modes of traction, from wet road to drift slip. We love this added race car inspired technology. Although the placement of the knob in the center of a beautifully designed center console, feels like an afterthought. So, it is lighter, wider, and faster than the GT-S, but how are its road manners?
In this video, AutoCar is driving the track focused AMG GT-R out on the twisty, bumpy, wet, Welsh roads. Will the GT-R be the perfect road going sports car, like the Porsche GT3, or will the track focus be too much for the street. Watch the video to find out what they have to say about this AMG beast. Let us know what you think in the comments.
