All posts in “Mercedes AMG GT”

Mercedes-AMG One Stuns in Magno Red: F1 Car for the Road is Almost Ready

The Mercedes-AMG One R50 is months away from hitting the streets as a road legal Formula 1 car. Deliveries were initially scheduled for the last quarter of 2021 but further delays could now see that happening in the first quarter of 2022.

This is Mercedes-AMG’s first proper hypercar since the CLK GTR and the CLR, it will be limited to just 275 units which have all been sold out. To make up for the numerous delays resulting from difficulties in homologation, AMG released a limited edition AMG GT Black Series called the P One Edition. It was only sold to AMG One buyers and has the same Petronas livery found on the Mercedes W11 F1 car. That painted livery costs $50k.

The AMG One is powered by a 1.6L PU106C E-turbo V6 combined with an MGU-H turbocharger, an MGU-K E-motor and 2 front-axle E-motors. The engine alone produces 748hp will the MGU-K and MGU-H units produce 161hp and 121hp respectively. The 2 electric motors at the front produce 322hp, bringing the total system power output to 1,242hp.

The last public appearance took place at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich where Mercedes-Benz showcased it alongside the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S e Performance which is now the most powerful AMG road car in history as of 2021.

The Mercedes-AMG One costs around $2.7 million.

Photos by David Kaiser

Best V8 Engines Ever Produced

In almost all cases, manufacturers who choose to equip their cars with a V8 engine do so knowingly and deliberately. After all, such engines represent the first big step in crossing over a threshold to where performance becomes the sole focus; efficiency and economy are often not even invited as guests for a ride-along in the back seat.

With a quick glance at the back mirror, those pesky 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines begin to disappear into the horizon. Then, with the proverbial “pedal-to-the-medal”, the V8 power plant unanimously declares “all-in” with a loud roar – because this journey is all about thrill-seeking and checking things off the bucket list.

While high-performance V8 engines have normally been reserved for exotics – and muscle cars, in the more distant past – its application has been seen more in the mainstream these days. With the proliferation of automotive technologies, the V8 engine has become a gateway into the world of attainable supercar performance; each new engine is better than the one before it. But if you prefer roaring V10s, or hearty V12s, check these links out. However, if V8s are more your cup of tea, read on.

Here’s the shortlist of 10 such engines, curated for your reading pleasure:

Ferrari F106

Ferrari F106 Engine

Ferrari’s F106 V8 engine dates as far back as 1973, where it first featured in the Dino 308 GT4. Right from the get-go, it produced an impressive 250 hp from a 2.9L naturally-aspirated engine, which featured a flat-plane crank and dual-overhead cams.

Such was the longevity and capability of the F106 unit, that it continued to be used – with significant updates and revisions along the way, including electronic fuel injection and multi-valve heads – for more than 30 years. Notable models which were equipped with the engine include the F355, 360 Modena, and arguably the most famous Ferrari of them all; the Ferrari F40, which fashioned a twin-turbocharged version of the F106 producing 471 hp.

Dodge Supercharged Hemi

Dodge Supercharged Hemi Engine

Dodge’s Hellcat series of cars have really taken the world by storm, offering almost unfathomable power in a non-exotic production vehicle – or any vehicle for that matter. It’s truly a revival of the “American muscle” movement, with the supercharged Hemi able to produce as much as 807 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque via the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Super Stock. Handling, agility, and all that other kind of stuff aside, this makes the Hellcat Challenger/Charger the quintessential American sports car which can be had for well under the 6-figure mark brand new.

The automaker is now offering the 6.2L ‘Redeye’ V8 as a crate engine (aptly nicknamed ‘Hellcrate’) through Mopar. It can be purchased at a starting price of US$21,807. The ‘Redeye’ version comes with a larger supercharger than the previous Hellcrate engine and has been tuned for more boost, a slightly higher redline, and a host of other improvements. These are what has allowed it to improve from 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque to its current 807 hp state. An absolute unit.

BMW S63

BMW S63 Engine

Like other automakers on this list, BMW is no stranger to producing some of the world’s best V8 engines. The latest incarnation would be its masterpiece ‘S63‘ – a 4.4L twin-turbocharged engine that produces at least 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the current-gen BMW M5 sedan.

Though it’s true that this grants the quintessential luxury-performance saloon some serious supercar credentials, a look back to days gone by reminds us that engines such as the ‘S62’ and ‘S65′ deserve just as much recognition for their contribution to the Bavarians’ V8 platform. Respectively, each engine displaced 4.9L and 4.0L and were both naturally aspirated.

Lexus 2UR-GSE

Lexus 2UR-GSE Engine

The 2UR-GSE is the latest iteration of Lexus‘ increasingly iconic naturally-aspirated V8 power plant. Currently reserved for the marque’s high-performance models – such as the IS F, RC F, GS F, LC 500, and brand-new IS 500 – the 5.0L engine blends typical Lexus reliability with a high-revving Japanese character. In its most powerful configuration, the 2UR-GSE produces 475 hp in the Lexus LC 500. Amidst an ever-changing landscape shifting towards hybridization and electrification, we hope that Lexus’ legendary naturally-aspirated V8 lives on for as long as possible

Much like our other selections, the 2UR-GSE owes much of its distinctions to predecessors such as the 1UZ-FE which debuted in 1989. This 4.0L V8 engine has proven to be bulletproof over the test of time, in addition to the universal recognition it has received for being smooth, refined, and sufficiently powerful for its intended application. It has served as the platform upon which the formidable GSE would eventually be conceived.

Ferrari F136

Ferrari F136 Engine

The F136 succeeded the legendary F106, first appearing as a 4.3L naturally-aspirated engine in the 2004 Ferrari F430, producing 483 hp. Like the F106, the F136 would see widespread application throughout the Ferrari lineup; however, it was also featured on a number of Maserati models in concert with the relationship between the two marques.

Most notably, a 454 hp, 4.7L version of the F136 featured on the Maserati GranTurismo and is widely regarded as having one of the best engine/exhaust notes to come out of the V8. The F136 would reach its zenith in the Ferrari 458 Italia Speciale, where it cranked out a massive 597 hp from its 4.5L naturally-aspirated power plant.

Perhaps the most significant (and regretful) fact about the F136, is that it is the last naturally-aspirated V8 engine Ferrari would ever produce. It was replaced by the twin-turbocharged F154 V8 engine in 2015, where it debuted on the Ferrari 488 GTB.

McLaren M830T / M840T

McLaren M830T / M840T Engine

Despite only producing V8-powered automobiles since as recently as 2011 (via the MP4-12C), you could argue that McLaren‘s engineers are truly the world’s V8 engine artisans, and few would dispute that. After all, it’s virtually all they know these days, with every single McLaren model – bar the V6-hybrid McLaren Artura – fitted with some adaptation of their M838T or M840T twin-turbocharged V8 motors.

The 3.8L M838T is found in its Sports Series range of cars, which includes the entry-level McLaren 540C and goes all the way up to the indomitable 666 hp McLaren 675 LT. The 4.0L M840T features on all of the Super Series cars, which covers the ‘700 range’ of models, plus the addition of the McLaren GT. In its Ultimate form, the 4.0L unit – dubbed the M840TR – produces 814 hp in the McLaren Senna GTR. The McLaren Speedtail hybrid ‘hyper GT produces some 1,035 hp through the combination of an M840T and electric motor.

GM Small Block LT1/LT2

GM Small Block LT1/LT2 Engine

Introduced in 2014 for the C7 Corvette, the 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 LT1 engine is part of GM’s 5th-generation small block engine family. It continues to be used on the present-day Camaro, with a new version of the engine – known as the LT2 – carrying on the bloodline via the brand new mid-engine C8 Corvette. The LT2 retains the 6.2L capacity but is more powerful than the LT1, producing at least 495 hp and 470 lb-ft in its latest configuration.

This was achieved by designing more efficient air-intakes sand exhaust manifolds, while also featuring a better lubrication system and more resilient camshaft. While it’s not a monster-out-of-the-box like say, Dodge’s Hellcat engine, the lightweight naturally-aspirated powerplant remains perfectly suited for what the Corvette is the best at delivering – brilliant all-around performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable options. The still-relevant LT1 is now being offered as a crate engine via GM’s performance division, with its 460 hp on tap for under US$10,000. Project car, anyone?

Audi 4.2L FSI

Audi 4.2L FSI Engine

When Audi’s 4.2L FSI V8 engine was introduced, it was a bit of a departure from what Audi enthusiasts had grown accustomed to over the years. As one of the marques which helped to proliferate the use of turbochargers on production cars, the aforementioned engine first appeared in the 2006 Audi RS4 as a high-revving naturally-aspirated power plant.

Over time, it proved to be a fan-favorite in spite of its lack of forced induction and featured on such models as the RS5 and mid-engined R8. As a naturally aspirated unit, the FSI V8 was able to rev up to 8,250 rpm and had a distinctively exotic exhaust note, regardless of the model it was mounted in.

The engine remained naturally-aspirated up until its use in the 444 hp Audi RS5; since then, recent iterations of the engine are now turbocharged and produce up to 600 hp.

Mercedes-AMG M178

Mercedes-AMG M178 Engine

The modern-day Mercedes-AMG line-up is blessed with their omnipotent ‘M178’ 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, which itself deserves all the plaudits and is a shoo-in for selection. While it’s the most advanced iteration of the automaker’s V8, our personal favorite would have to be the ‘M156’ 6.2L V8 first powered the 467 hp naturally-aspirated C63 AMG. Like its successor, the M156 would feature in almost every Mercedes-AMG model of that era, including the SL63.

The ultimate version of this V8 motor would be the ‘M159’, which was equipped in the automaker’s flagship SLS supercar, producing 622 hp. The SLS has since been succeeded by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which produces 720 hp from its twin-turbocharged ‘M178’, and recently set the new production car lap record at the Nürburgring.

Ford ‘Voodoo’ Flat-Plane

Ford 'Voodoo' Flat-Plane Engine

The ‘Voodoo’ engine produced by Ford is a 5.2L naturally-aspirated V8 which was made especially for cars such as the 526 hp Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R. Suffice to say, the Voodoo was a match made in heaven for the line-up’s most balanced and track-focused Mustang models. By utilizing a flat-plane crankshaft, the engine weighs less and revs faster and higher (to 8,250 rpm) than the otherwise standard engines in other models. Its configuration also gives it an almost-exotic exhaust note, border-lining on ‘un-American’ – but owners won’t mind, as their domestic car hangs just fine with the exotics and other high-end sports cars on the race-track.

Following the template of past flat-plane V8 engines, the Voodoo applies similar principles as engines that once powered hot-rods and muscle cars back in the 20th century – with impressive bang-for-buck, the engines produced big horsepower at a fraction of the cost of what was used in European sports cars and even domestic rivals. This provided owners with a rightfully potent automobile, and extra money left in the bank. It’s hard to argue with that!

Freshly Delivered Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Has 1,111hp after Tuning

Opus Automotive received their Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series for just a week ago and has already managed to improve the power levels upto 1,111hp.

The lap times of the AMG GT Black Series modified by Opus has not been confirmed yet but they expect it to be the fastest car in the standard and street legal category. Opus Binary editions will feature 1,111hp and 1001 hp and will be available for sale from June 2021 after intensive testing on the dynamometer and several racetracks.

This AMG GT Black Series features an additional 57hp compared to the upcoming AMG One hypercar which has an output of 1054hp. Due to high power and the fact that it remains RWD, Opus has limited the torque to bare minimum at all power levels to improve the drive and traction. The company also guarantees suction-like characteristics like increasing performance parallel to all speed with straightforward performance for all levels. ‘Subtle’ performance levels with 825hp and 920hp will be available from mid-April.

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series rear

The 825hp expansion stage will take place in the engine and transmission control unit via a software intervention. All the performance kits will contain extensive changes to the hardware including modified turbochargers and transmission reinforcements to alter the engine. The kit will consist of special forged pistons, reinforced connecting rods, modified fuel systems and machined cylinder heads.

The performance packages will also be available with super-light wheels and aerodynamics add-ons. In standard form the AMG GT Black Series is powered by an all new 4.0L flat-plane crankshaft V8 Biturbo producing 720hp and 800nm of torque.

Newly developed downpipes with sport carts which will eliminate the need for standard particle filters will be available for use on racetracks or non-European countries from April 2021. An Electronic Flap Control system called EFC that allows the standard exhaust to be controlled via remote control is readily available.

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Pricing Revealed

Pricing has been revealed for the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. The flagship model of the GT range costs a staggering 335,240 euros before you add options.

The price includes German sales tax of 16 % VAT. In the UK it would translate to a little over £310,000 including 20% VAT. In the US, just short of $400,000.

The price tag is a steep increase over the Mercedes-AMG GT R which retails in Germany at 165,474 euros.

For the money though, customer will get a highly-sorted front-engined supercar, the fastest Mercedes-AMG has ever produced.

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series debuted with the most powerful AMG V8 of all time. The 4.0 litre V8 produces 730 hp and 800 Nm of torque. In contrast, the GT R ‘makes do’ with just 585 hp.

The Black Series hits 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h in under 9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 325 km/h.The Power is put to the rear wheels through an AMG 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

Pricing on options has yet to be revealed, however, you can bet that the attractive AMG magma beam paint finish will add a fair amount to the entry price.

Leaked Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series Photos Spoil Surprise

Leaked Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series Photos

The Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series has leaked online. New photos show the hotly anticipated Black Series model sitting in a workshop completely uncovered.

Positioned above the Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro, the Black Series will be the most extreme version of the AMG GT to date.

Leaked Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series photos show its Aerodynamics

The leaked Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series photos show extensive modifications to the wide-body of the supercar. Starting from the rear, the Black Series gets a new rear diffuser with rear wheel vents sitting either side of massive quad exhaust tailpipes.

The twin rear spoiler looks adjustable in the photos with an interesting mount which sits towards the central of the rear end. The rear boot lid is also replaced with a more distinct lip than any other GT model.

The sides include a new skirt and a new front wheel vent. Towards the front, the bonnet is all-new, incorporating carbon fibre accent panels and a set of fender vents to cement the extreme new look.

The front bumper has a comprehensive redesign too with a new grille, deeper front splitter, carbon fibre flicks and a set of canards.

Its not clear if the dual tone finish is the release colour, or whether the parts are exposed to show where Mercedes-AMG has made modifications. Regardless, it seems clear that we weren’t supposed to see the finished product just yet.

What else do we know about the Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series?

Leaked Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series

What these leaked Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series don’t confirm is what hides underneath. It’s almost certain that the 4.0 litre V8 will receive some work. Reports in other publications have confirmed that the tune will likely push power up to 720 hp and 850 Nm of torque.

We also expect Mercedes-AMG to make the Black Series limited edition.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO Review

The AMG GT family is a well established gaggle of sports cars that arrived on the scene and quickly proved that they were worthy of competing with the mighty Porsche 911 with their caricature like proportions and preposterously charming V8s. Every model from the base GT, to the Beyoncé hipped GT C and batshit GT R brute – there is a GT model for everyone.

The latest addition has clearly been targeted at the fiend that eats blue steak for breakfast, small children for lunch and lion flesh for dinner – a little unhinged. Meet the Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO. This is the new poster boy for Mercedes-AMG until the Black Series arrives and scares us all half to death. It is no more powerful than the GT R, but that isn’t the point of the PRO. The PRO is for the track…pro that is set on shaving milliseconds off their Nordschleife PB lap time.

Ahh yes, the Green Hell. The GT R was broke built to, and broke, the production car lap record and was branded ‘The Beast of The Green Hell’. It has since been beaten by the GT2 RS and Huracán Performante – the PRO is six and a bit seconds quicker than the boggo GT R, an impressive feat given that the powertrain is identical. This highlights just how significant the changes to the rest of the car are.

So there is still 577bhp and 516lb, how is it so much quicker and how much does this PRO cost? Well, it costs £188,345, some £40,000 more than the GT R. You must consider that the Track Pack (4 point harnesses, roll cage and fire extinguisher), Carbon Ceramic Brakes and Carbon Aero Kit are all included in the base price of the PRO where they are options on the GT R. What else does the price hike include? Well, there is some serious race tech borrowed from the GT4 car that is based on the AMG GT. There are adjustable dampers, a plethora of weight reduced parts including carbon fibre antiroll bar at the front, carbon fibre shear panel on the rear underfloor to stiffen the structure and the fixed lightweight carbon buckets. However, it does not make the GT R PRO a straw weight fighter like the Porsche GT3 RS as it has only burnt off 25 kilograms (1,575kg dry).

The aero is where you start to see your moneys worth – there is a chunk more aero action over the front half of the car bringing the PRO closer to the 50/50 aero balance that race cars aim to achieve. There is an additional 99kg of downforce at 250km/h, a lot of which is working on the front half of the car – AMG did not divulge exactly how much but it can be felt through the steering and overall balance in the high speed sections.

Sounds like you had a go at testing the high speed stability? Well, yes. I was only allowed to drive the car on track – Hockenheim, an ideal venue with its scary fast bends that require you to push hard to make the most of. It is on the circuit when pushing hard that the quality of the dampers over kerbs and under hard braking that the changes are felt. Cup 2 tires are flattering out of the slower corners with immense traction firing you onto the next straight.

The long sweeping left hand bend sees speeds of 250km/h on the speedo and the car feels supremely stable – still sounds fabulous too. It inspires confidence and trust and that is perhaps what lacked in the standard GT R. The aero and suspension have cut the floating feeling that the GT R often unnerved me with on track last year.

Sounds like the dream package? Better than an GT3 RS? Well, the GT R PRO is still based on the AMG GT. This means that it is BIG and there is a lot of car ahead of you. I wish it was a little smaller and a tad more nimble. In some of the slower corners there is a smudge of front end push that the magicians at Porsche have eliminated – perhaps it is a weight issue that the Black Series will manage to address. The Porsche is still a sizeable 10 or so seconds quicker around the benchmark ‘Ring time that we all pine about – AMG are quick to say that the PRO lap time was not set in optimal conditions.

What I could deduce from my quick stint at Hockenheim is that the GT R PRO is just as much of a laugh as the rest of the AMG GT family – it is up for having a bit of a fun. Set the ESP to Sport or OFF and pick a level of traction control using the stubby yellow knob and the GT R PRO will still have you laughing out loud. A GT3 RS might be more pointy and focused, but the GTR PRO is still a worthy of being held in equally high regard as a track day weapon. The GT R stops and goes hard, the PRO takes the on track abilities to another level.

LA Auto Show 2018: Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO

GTspirit are live at the LA Motor Show 2018 and the wraps have just been pulled off the Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO. When you buy a Porsche RS car you have the option of ticking a box for something called the Weissach Package. This adds an extra track focus you the already crazy fast GT3/2RS that you are buying. Now AMG have cooked up something similar for the bonkers AMG GT R – meet the GTR PRO.

The new PRO shares its powertrain with the AMG GT R. It differs in what it offers for the suspension, aerodynamics and weight reduction packages. The PRO gets a new coilover suspension system which can be mechanically adjusted by the driver depending on the circuit they are driving. The front axle gets an adjustable carbon fiber torsion bar, the rear steel unit is also adjustable. Dynamic engine and transmission mounts have been re-tuned specifically for the PRO.

Cars delivered outside of the Chinese, US and Canadian markets will get the option of a track pack. This adds roll over protection, a four point safety harness and a 2 kg fire extinguisher. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard in the PRO as well as AMG bucket seats. Aerodynamics are taken care of with a variety of unique carbon fiber pieces. These include two front flicks, a larger front splitter, a larger rear diffuser and rear air vents.

This culminates, along with the new facelift lights and dashboard, to make the AMG GT R even more angry and menacing. This really is a racecar for the streets that holds the title of being the fastest front engined production car ever to lap the fearsome Nurburgring.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO Officially Revealed

The new Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO has been officially announced at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2018. The two seater will serve as the GT for the race track, taking lessons learned by Mercedes-AMG through its customer racing programs in GT3 and GT4 and applying them to a barely road-legal track day tool.

The official release of the GT R PRO model coincides with the release of facelift AMG GT’s. With four years in the market, it was about time for a fresh look. The AMG GT gets light clusters that closely resemble the four door coupe launched earlier this year. The cars also get new rear diffusers with tailpipes to resemble the four door, the GT and GT S get new sill covers and new alloy wheel options are also available.

The AMG GT retains the 4.0 litre AMG V8 throughout the range. In the standard GT it now produces 476 hp, in the GT S it is boosted to 522 hp, the GT C gets 557 hours and the GT R a healthy 585 hp. On all models, the AMG Dynamics program is increased to add more adjustability to the ESP programs. In conjunction with the normal drive programs, AMG now offers four new settings, ‘basic’, ‘advanced’, ‘pro’ and ‘master’.

Inside, The AMG GT gets a new AMG Performance steering wheel and the centre console and display buttons from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. The dashboard is now fully digital with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch multimedia display on the centre console.

The new PRO shares its powertrain with the AMG GT R. It differs in what it offers for the suspension, aerodynamics and weight reduction packages. The PRO gets a new coilover suspension system which can be mechanically adjusted by the driver depending on the circuit they are driving. The front axel gets an adjustable carbon fibre torsion bar, the rear steel unit is also adjustable. Dynamic engine and transmission mounts have been retuned specifically for the PRO.

Cars delivered outside of the Chinese, US and Canadian markets will get the option of a track pack. This adds roll over protection, a four point safety harness and a 2 kg fire extinguisher. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard in the PRO as well as AMG bucket seats. Aerodynamics are taken care of with a variety of unique carbon fibre pieces. These include two front flicks, a larger front splitter, a larger rear diffuser and rear air vents.

While there are no Nurburgring records to report, Mercedes-AMG have confirmed that Maro Engel completed a circuit of the North Loop in exactly 7.04.632 minutes. An impressive time for the front engined GT R PRO!

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 and GT 53 Models Revealed

We are currently out in Texas driving the new Mercedes-AMG GT five-door models. Back in Germany though, AMG have taken the covers off of two new models which join the ’63’. Whilst we will have to wait a bit longer to share our impressions of the new GT, we can at least confirm the specifications of the models that join the range.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 gets a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line engine. It produces 367 hp and delivers maximum torque of 500 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 4.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 270 km/h. Mercedes-AMG continues to roll out its EQ Boost starter-alternator which adds an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm for short periods of time.

EQ Boost is Mercedes-AMG’s performance hybrid system. Based on a 48 volt system, an integrated starter motor is teamed with an electric compressor to provide plenty of low down power. Essentially, EQ Boost fills the gaps a conventional turbocharger leaves when spooling. The power required to run the 48 volt system is recuperated kinetically making it extremely efficient and less costly than a plug-in hybrid.

The second model, the Mercedes-AMG GT 53, gets the same 3.0 litre 6-cylinder power unit but benefits from increased performance, churning out 435 hp and 520 Nm of torque. The EQ Boost system is almost exactly the same and allows for a 4.5 second 100 km/h sprint in the AMG and a 285 km/h sprint. Both cars get an AMG 9-speed transmission and Airpanel active aerodynamics.

Both cars are identical when it comes to interior design. With a large amount of customisation options. The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 will cost 95,259.50 euros in Germany including 19% VAT, the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 will retail at 109,182.50 euros.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster spied at the Nurburgring

So far, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster has been the hottest drop-top version of Mercedes‘ range-topping sports car, which with 550 horsepower, wasn’t far off the top dog GT R Coupe. Yet, there’s far more to the R than just its higher power figure, with a multitude of weight-saving and aerodynamics-enhancing elements improving its all-around performance. And now, it seems that Mercedes-AMG will be applying them to a GT with a folding roof.

The proof is in the spy photos above. Around the side, it has the GT R’s fender vent with a single bar across it and strakes that extend into the doors. The wheels and brakes are identical to the GT R, too. And guess what? The rear is also straight off the GT R with the big rear diffuser, center-exit exhaust, and unmissable manually adjusted rear wing.

Up front, this roadster has the wider, more aggressive GT R front bumper. However, after zooming in on the lower grille and fiddling with shadows in Photoshop, it’s hard to tell with the active aero shutters have been replaced with fixed slats or if they’re just open.

We expect that this car will simply be a GT R with a soft top, meaning it will have the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 making 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It will also have the GT R’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, rear-wheel steering, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, adjustable traction control, adjustable coilover suspension and carbon fiber parts. We’re not sure if the same aerodynamic trickery used through the coupe will work the same when the roof has been removed, so perhaps some of those elements may be different (such as those slats).

Being a convertible, though, it will probably be heavier because of chassis reinforcements and soft top equipment. As a result, it will likely be a tad slower, but you’ll also be able to hear its wicked exhaust better. The car will also probably appear soon, possibly by the end of the year, or early next year. This is based on how little camouflage is on the car, as well as the fact that much of the powertrain and chassis has already been developed for the coupe.

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