At the occasion of the 2017 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps, Mercedes‑AMG is presenting its latest competition car: the Mercedes-AMG GT4. The new model is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT R and has been made to meet the requirements of international GT4 race series. Its production-based concept combines fully matured racing technology with the highest level of safety and efficiency.
Fully matured and competitive
Like with the introduction of the SLS AMG GT3 and the Mercedes-AMG GT3, aspirations for the new race car are high: the Mercedes-AMG GT4 is entering the scene as a fully matured and proven competition car. It arrives to set new benchmarks in its class relating to safety, ergonomics, driveability, performance as well as service- and user-friendliness.
A comprehensive test and development programme
As Test and Development Drivers, Bernd Schneider, Thomas Jäger and Jan Seyffarth are largely contributing to the maturity of the Mercedes-AMG GT4. Like with the SLS AMG GT3 and the Mercedes-AMG GT3, the co-operation between the experienced drivers and the engineers from Affalterbach is an important element in the complex vehicle development process. The close interaction between the experts results into excellent driveability, a characteristic that is typical for the Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing cars.
Further development of a proven power unit
The Mercedes-AMG GT4 is powered by the 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine with direct fuel injection, known from the road cars from Affalterbach. The proven production technology of the front-mid engine allows for particularly long service intervals and also provides sufficient performance reserves for the future. Depending on the balance of performance, this results into an output of up to 375 kW (510 hp) and a maximum torque of over 600 Nm.
Optimised gearshift for competition use
Like in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, the sequential six-speed competition gearbox in the Mercedes-AMG GT4 is linked to the rear axle in transaxle formation and is pneumatically operated. This arrangement results into a favourable weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity. A differential that is adjustable from the outside optimises the driving characteristics for the specific requirements of competition use. In the construction and the integration of the gearbox, the focus of the development was not only on performance, but also on the high service and rebuild friendliness.
Award-winning light-weight construction
To achieve maximum performance at the race track, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 has been weight-optimised in every area. An intelligent mix of aluminium and carbon has been used for the chassis and the bodywork. The structure of the GT4 consists of a very light and extremely rigid aluminium spaceframe that can also be found in the Mercedes-AMG GT R and that has been honoured with the ‘Leichtbau Award 2017’, an innovation award from the German engineers’ association VDI. As a part of the AMG Lightweight Performance Strategy, further measures and optimisations of details contribute to the weight reduction. Thus, racing-specific bodywork parts such as the bonnet, the front apron or the front splitter have been made of a particularly lightweight composite material. In the production version of the GT R, carbon is already used as a material, for instance for the front wings and the torque tube between the engine and the gearbox.
Optimal ergonomics in the cockpit
Ergonomics and functionality can be found in the interior of the Mercedes‑AMG GT4: all the elements, systems and displays have been designed in such a way that less experienced drivers can also handle them quickly. In the large cockpit, even tall drivers find sufficient space, especially as the steering wheel has a wide adjustment range and the pedals can be adjusted as well. For easy handling and good visibility in the dark, the controls on the steering wheel are illuminated. So are the large switches on the centre console that is orientated towards the driver. The effective circulation of fresh air in the interior is particularly pleasant for the driver. To allow the drivers to keep cool in all racing conditions, air conditioning is available for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 as an option.
User-friendly racing electronics
The electronics of the Mercedes-AMG GT R were revised to meet the requirements of the GT4 race car. A durably high user and service friendliness complements the reliable operation under extreme pressure. Customer Racing Teams that are familiar with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 will particularly benefit as they will find proven menu structures and solutions. The racing engine control unit is the digital heart that guarantees an exact performance. A new torque control allows for excellent measurement and driveability. Further highlights include an optimised version of the AMG TRACTION CONTROL that enables the driver to adjust the slip on the rear axle in eleven levels to suit varying grip conditions.
Exact driving performance
The highly precise driving characteristics rank among the outstanding features of the Mercedes-AMG GT4. The suspension with double wishbones and dampers with adjustable rebound and compression gives a direct and clear feedback to the driver in every situation. Drivers of every level quickly find confidence in the car as a result. Moreover, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 convinces with exact steering response, outstanding agility and excellent traction. A powerful competition brake system with multi-adjustable ABS ensures maximum stopping power. The Mercedes-AMG GT4 is equipped with 18 inch forged AMG light-alloy wheels.
Aerodynamically optimise design
The new Mercedes-AMG GT4 is bringing the characteristic design of its production counterpart to the race track. The unmistakable features include the flat front section with the radiator grille that is tilted to the front. This lay-out lowers the stagnation pressure point on the car to improve both the aerodynamic performance and the flow of the cooling air through the bonnet. All other design elements of the Mercedes-AMG GT4 are focused on the technical benefit and add to the overall performance. The aerodynamics are playing a leading role: building on the innovative aerodynamic concept of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, the race car was further optimised in a comprehensive wind tunnel test to achieve a handling that is as neutral as possible. Like this, it is easier for the teams to find an individual track set-up. To this end, the rear wing of the GT4 car has a very wide adjustment range to select the required combination of low drag and high downforce levels. At the aerodynamically optimised front, a wide splitter reduces the lift on the front axle, to which the flics mounted to the side of the front apron contribute as well.
The main areas of competition for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 The boom of the GT4 class was initiated in Europe and is reflected in a rapidly increasing number of opportunities for competition, be it with exclusive GT4 formats or as separate vehicle categories within various series or events.
Mercedes AMG GT4 Specifications
Engine: AMG 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine
Displacement: 3982cc
Transmission: 9G-Tronic
Max power: 510bhp
Max torque: 600Nm
Top Speed: 250km/h restricted
0-100km/h: 4.0secs
Selling Price: 198,850 Euros before shipping and local taxes
