Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Coupe

Segment
Coupe

Production of the road-legal Mercedes-AMG GT has come to an end, but you can still avail yourself of racing versions like the new Mercedes-AMG GT2, which is the company's most powerful homologated race car in the 12-year history of its customer sport program. This will join existing AMG racers that compete like the similarly imaginatively named AMG GT4 and its naturally aspirated GT3 big brother. The new GT2 aims to bridge the gap between the GT3 and GT4 racers.

Basically, GT3 racing is being overrun by professional racers, and GT4 racing is typically an entry point to the world of GT racing. Thus, the GT2 has now been added with the aim of attracting "gentlemen drivers."

With 697 horsepower and up to 590 lb-ft of torque on tap, the GT2 ranks above GT3 level in terms of horsepower and top speed. Like the road-legal and now-dead AMG GT Black Series, power comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. A sequential six-speed racing transmission with modified gear ratios sits on the rear axle in transaxle configuration. A carbon torque tube that is torsion- and torque-rigid connects the engine and gearbox, while the suspension includes "comprehensively configurable motorsport shock absorbers and anti-roll bars."

But not all of the attractions are beneath the skin. A large front intake is complemented by a carbon hood with a big air outlet, and the front fenders are louvered for greater aero efficiency. At the rear, a newly developed adjustable swan neck wing features, while the forged 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels are mounted with a center lock.

Inside, the latest Digital Display Unit is fully programmable while the multi-function steering wheel has been developed in collaboration with the sim racing boffins at Cube Controls, offering "a new level of ergonomics, functionality, and control." Other highlights include multi-adjustable traction control, a racing anti-lock braking system, and a steel roll cage bolted into the aluminum spaceframe. A carbon driver safety cell further bolsters safety with a six-point safety belt, while customizable seat foaming makes it possible for multiple drivers to enjoy the same vehicle. Safety nets, a carbon safety fuel tank, a fire extinguishing system, and an extrication hatch in the roof round out the safety measures.

Pricing has not been made public, but this looks like a great way to get into serious motorsport. Still, we'd rather have a massive unassisted V8 in our race car.