The wait for the most highly anticipated Porsche 911 GT3 RS fighter is over because Mercedes has finally taken the first step and announced prices for the AMG GT R and its topless siblings. It was initially expected that Mercedes would gut punch the GT3 RS and attempt a segment takeover by tuning its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to make 77 extra horsepower over the 911's 500, but now we know the Tri-Star will also encroach on Porsche's territory by making the GT R more affordable.

A base 911 GT3 RS costs $176,950, but Mercedes will only ask buyers to cut a $157,995 check for the GT R. With 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque coming from a front-mid-engine V8 and rear wheel-drive, the GT R will rocket off the line in only 3.5 seconds before giving up its pursuit of the horizon at 198 mph. While proficient at both, top speed and acceleration are not its main concern. But the high speed corners of the Nurburgring are, and thanks to clever aerodynamics and a four-wheel steering system, the Mercedes managed to lap the Green Hell faster than any other rear-wheel drive road-going sports car with a time of 7:10.9 when tested by Sport Auto magazine.

Of course, numbers don't tell the whole story, and Mercedes is hoping that the AMG GT R is as compelling a driver's car as the 911. The fact that it won Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car award in 2015 means that it has a solid shot at that prospect. As for the rest of the lineup, Mercedes will be asking for $145,995 for the GT C Coupe Edition 50, $125,395 for the AMG GT Roadster, and the same $157,995 as the GT R for the GT C Roadster. At the lower end of things, buyers can expect to shell out $113,395 for the GT Coupe and $133,395 for the GT S Coupe. Expect all to be on dealership lots by the summer with the exception of the Edition 50 AMG GT C Coupe, which will not make it to the show floor until fall.