Mercedes claims the AMG GT R has set the fastest-ever lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track.
The AMG GT R was tested by Sports Auto and it went through the Green Hell in just 7:10.9 minutes – the Mercedes-AMG GT R was faster than any other road-going sports car ever tested. Hence, the 430 kW (585 hp) “Beast of the Green Hell” more than lived up to its name. A circuit of the legendary Nordschleife, which ranks as the world’s toughest race track, is the ultimate test of a sports car.
And this exceptional race track, the Green Hell of the Nürburgring, is precisely where the Mercedes-AMG GT R has spent a large proportion of its development time. Numerous innovations and modifications bear witness that the road-going sports car has racing DNA in its blood. The foundations for such exceptional driving dynamics come courtesy of the front mid-engine layout with transaxle, a 430 kW (585 hp) V8 biturbo engine, extensively modified suspension, sophisticated aerodynamics, active rear-axle steering, bespoke tyres and intelligent lightweight design.
What’s interesting though with the Mercedes claims is that a quick reference on Wikipedia shows 3 production cars with laptimes quicker than the one set by the GT R. These are:
- Porsche 918 Spyder at 6 minutes 57 seconds;
- Lamborghini Aventador SV at 6 minutes 59.73 seconds;
- Nissan GT-R Nismo at 7 minutes 8.68 seconds.