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2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R Leaked - It Looks Like a Nurburgring Serpent

Those who couldn't contain their excitement involving the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R any longer are in for a treat, as the first official images with the new Affalterbach monster are here.
2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R 5 photos
Photo: Daimler AG via German Car Forum
2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R
We mean “monster” in an almost literal way, and not because of Mercedes-AMG's pre-reveal teasers on the Nurburgring, but mainly because of how it looks. If that gaping mouth and Green Hell Magno paint don't scream “venomous snake” to you, then we don't know what does.

From some angles, it even looks more serpent-like than the Dodge Viper, which is ironic considering that the SLS AMG was accused of being developed on a nonexistent Dodge platform dreamt up by its diehard fans. Speaking of which, the Viper is almost dead, and its architecture still doesn't have any connection with a Mercedes-Benz.

Under the long and wide hood of the GT R sits the same twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 found in the regular GT and GT S, only this time it delivers a more adequate 585 PS (577 HP) and probably around 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

Along with a wider track and slightly larger tires, plus a modified 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the new AMG monster is able to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds. That is 0.2 seconds faster than the Mercedes-AMG GT S, which is not exactly Earth-shattering, but it's the corners where the car is said to excel.

We're still waiting for the official press release, along with some extra pictures, but there's a clear hint that the GT R may be looking to upset the Nurburgring lap times hierarchy when it comes to front-engine, RWD cars.

Apart from the extra-wide body kit and the center exhaust exit, it's the 300 SL (W194) racecar inspired grille that will probably get the most attention on the model, particularly as it also makes it look similar to the badass Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the same time.

Expect prices to start at around 170,000-180,000 euros (or $185,000-$200,000 in the U.S.) and possibly a lot lower production numbers compared to the standard model. Nothing is confirmed as of yet, but the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster may also get a GT R-like version in the future as well. Helmet tip to German Car Forum member Trystero for the photos.
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About the author: Alex Oagana
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Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project.
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