2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R : An R Ascends To the Top of the Mercedes-AMG GT Pile

The titanium exhaust pipes move to the centre of the rear fascia, and the aural ex­peri­ence should be every bit as forceful as the visual one.

The torque path to the rear wheels flows through a tweaked version of the “wet” seven-speed automatic fitted to the GT S. Nine settings for the stability-control system allow the driver to tailor the amount of acceptable wheel slip precisely to his or her desire and talent (which, granted, are not always equal).

Chassis

This latest addition to the AMG GT family has a significantly wider stance than its brethren. Its flared-out fenders (carbon fibre up front) enshroud wheel tracks that are 1.8 inches wider up front and 2.2 inches more bodacious in back. Its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber measures 275/35ZR-19 in the nose and 325/30ZR-20 aft and should stick to the pavement like hot Tootsie Rolls. The carbon-ceramic braking system tucked behind those 10-spoke wheels is standard, as are the gold callipers. The GT R shares its electronically controlled limited-slip differential with the GT S, but the rear-wheel steering system is the R’s alone—so far.

Aerodynamics

AMG tweaked the GT’s aero package in a big way, with active elements adjusting the R’s aerodynamic profile according to speed. The coolest feature is the almost (but not quite) invisible carbon-fibre front splitter that reduces the narrow gap between chin and ground by 1.6 inches, creating a venturi effect that sucks the GT R to the asphalt. The front fascia’s outer vents lower the drag coefficient by generating “air curtains” around the front wheels, and—when not needed to cool the engine or brakes—the large vents partially close to reducing drag. Around the back, a sizable diffuser and a manually adjustable wing battle for the gapes of onlookers.

The so-called Pan-American grille, wider at the bottom and dominated by 15 vertical slats, was inspired by the racing 300SLs from the early ’50s and comes straight from the GT3 race car. This is AMG’s new/old transport (racing) face, a milder variation of which adorns the updated SL roadster. Get used to it, because it will migrate to other AMG models in the future.

This rawest and most provocative AMG GT goes on sale next summer. Mercedes isn’t talking pricing yet, but expect a base is approaching $200,000. Despite its hard-core mien, the GT R will not be a ­limited- production run; Mercedes will build as many as it can sell. Regardless, if you want yours anytime soon, get in line now.