Key Points: Carbon Fibre Roof, Burmester Surround Sound System, AMG Track Pace, Paint Protective Film (PPF) Applied to Whole Car

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is a high-performance variant of the marque’s iconic grand tourer, introduced at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed and later chosen as the safety car for the 2018 Formula One season, sharing the role with the Aston Martin Vantage.

Power comes from the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged ‘M178’ V8, tuned to produce 585bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of new turbochargers, increased boost pressure and F1-style low-friction internals. The GT R accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, and has a claimed top speed of 198 mph.

While the GT R retains the key differences the GT C gains over the GT S, such as a wider body and active rear steering, it also gains manually adjustable coilover suspension which works alongside the existing AMG Ride Control system, a nine-mode AMG traction control system, an active underbody fairing and a manually adjustable rear wing. The result is a 155kg increase in downforce over the GT S.

With styling more comparable to that of the AMG GT3 race car, cosmetic changes over the standard GT include vertical slats in the grille, new front air intakes, and new front and rear diffusers. Cars equipped with the Premium Package include the Burmester audio system, keyless go and a reversing camera.