Set to make its debut in metal at the 2017 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps, Mercedes-AMG GT4 is the newest race car from the Affalterbach stable. Dubbed as a “production-based concept”, the AMG GT4 marks the debut of the three-pointed star in the GT4 category of Customer Racing Programme.
Based on the hardcore AMG GT R variant, the AMG GT4 uses the same front-mid mounted 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine. Depending on the ‘balance of performance’ by the racing team, the power output is up to 510 horsepower while the maximum torque can be rated at over 600Nm. Similar to the AMG GT3, the AMG GT4 also has the six-speed sequential gearbox which is linked to the rear transaxle and is pneumatically operated. For the specific competition requirement, the differential can be adjusted from the outside, says the German carmaker.
Being a race car, lightweight is the order of the day. The GT4 achieves that with a mix of aluminium and carbon-fibre for the chassis and the bodywork. A roll-cage screwed onto the aluminium space frame, sports seats with integrated headrest and an extrication hatch mounted on the roof, all meet the FIA homologations. Interestingly, the AMG GT4 comes with air-conditioning as an optional fitment.
As a part of GT4 regulations, the electronics are altered to meet the customer racing teams’ requirements. The AMG traction control can now be adjusted to slip on the rear axle in eleven levels in order to suit the varying grip conditions. The brakes get multi-adjustable ABS. The wheels are 18-inch forged lightweight alloys. The aerodynamics have undergone all the required adjustments to boost the performance, according to AMG.
Ahead of its first deliveries by late 2017, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 will undergo further intense testing including a total of over 30,000 kilometres of track testing. When it goes on a hunt, the AMG GT4 will be found on the grounds of racing series such as IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge and the Pirelli World Challenge in the US, the Blancpain GT Series Asia in Asia and the Australian GT Trophy in Australia; and the VLN endurance racing championship and the Nurburgring 24-hours in Germany. In Europe, the AMG GT4 can be seen racing in the GT4 European Series Northern Cup and the GT4 European Series Southern Cup apart from the 24H Endurance Series.
Prices for the AMG GT4 starts at 198,850 Euros. Recently, BMW also introduced the M4 GT4 spec, which is a lot more affordable than the AMG GT4. Expect to see the AMG GT4 burn some rubber against the likes of Aston Martin Vantage GT4 and Porsche Cayman GT4 along with the BMW M4 GT4 in the coming years.
