The new F1 season kicks off this week in Australia, and for 2018, we have a new safety car.
Mercedes-Benz has been supplying F1 safety cars for just over two decades, and the latest is the most powerful one yet. It is the Mercedes-AMG GT R. It replaces the GT S that did duty last year, and it’s fitting that the role has been taken over by AMG's flagship performance car. Powering the GT R is a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo motor that produces 430kw and 700nm - enough to sprint from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds.
The car has naturally been outfitted with all manner of extra equipment, including radio communication equipment and flashing lights. The AMG GT R also bears the new F1 logo on its doors, and it will be joined by the Mercedes AMG C63 S Estate which serves as the medical car.
“I am very much looking forward to my new company car,” said F1’s official safety car driver Bernd Mayländer. “It is an absolute highlight in terms of driving dynamics and is one level higher up still than the AMG GT S of recent years. Of course, ideally the safety car should be deployed as rarely as possible – but when we have to safely bunch up the Formula 1 field and lead it around the track, we will be superbly equipped with the AMG GT R.”
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG GT R cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG GT R starts from around R3,200,000 in South Africa, making it one of the priciest performance cars you can buy from a Mercedes dealer, but you're getting serious F1-inspired engineering for your money.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG GT R compared to other supercars?
With 430kW and 700Nm from its 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo, the GT R rockets from 0-100kph in just 3.4 seconds, putting it right up there with Porsche 911 Turbo S territory and faster than most Ferraris.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT R reliable for daily driving?
While it's built tough enough to lead F1 races as the official safety car, the GT R is more weekend warrior than daily driver, with firm suspension and track-focused setup that might feel harsh on SA's potholed roads.
Q: What makes the Mercedes-AMG GT R special compared to the GT S?
The GT R gets 57kW more power than the GT S, active aerodynamics, rear-wheel steering, and track-tuned suspension that makes it AMG's most hardcore road car, essentially a road-legal race machine.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG GT R at R3,200,000 is for serious petrolheads with deep pockets who want bragging rights to owning the same car that leads F1 races. If you've got the budget and garage space for a weekend supercar that sounds like thunder and goes like lightning, the GT R is absolutely worth it. However, for most South Africans, the regular AMG GT at R2,400,000 offers 90% of the thrills for significantly less cash, making it the smarter buy unless you're planning regular track days at Kyalami.
