Godzilla has a new enemy, the AMG GTR

Get out of the way, Godzilla, because there’s a new freak of nature prowling the streets; and its sporting 3 familiar letters. Meet the faster, lighter and greener version of the Mercedes-AMG GT, the GTR.

Officially revealed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the AMG GTR feeds off power supplied by its massive 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, sweating out  430kW and 700Nm of torque. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts faster in order to convert the power into a 0-100km/h run of 3.6 seconds. Top speed is also increased to a face firming 319km/h, with an upgraded (optional carbon ceramic) braking system there to protect you when you’re having too much fun.

However, when one closely observes the AMG GTR, one begins to notice that it’s not just about the performance upgrades. The nature of the GTR is focused, with one goal in mind. Athleticism. The wizards of Mercedes–AMG have been rigorously testing the GTR at the Nurburgring in order to perfect the art of dynamics. Even the striking green finish is a reference to the ‘Green Hell’ of the Nurburgring.

The stance of the GTR is more aggressive, too; the arches have been widened by 46mm at the front and 57mm at the back to make room for a wider track. The body design is reminiscent of the AMG GT3 racer, with a new vertical slatted grille, chunky air intakes, a massive black rear wing and double rear diffuser. New lightweight 10-spoke forged wheels also come wrapped in wider, track-biased Michelin Cup 2 tyres.

Weight reduction is also a crucial component in the DNA of the GTR. A lighter, noisier exhaust system sings the song of 430kW, redesigned aluminium components in the suspension reduce unsprung weight, while carbon-fibre engine mounts and chassis components have been bolted on. The results are 15kg off the kerbweight, which sounds like a miniscule amount until you consider that the normal AMG GT is already lighter than most supercars in its segment.

Aerodynamics has also played a major role in making the GTR the animal that it really is. Alongside the rear wing (which generates 155kg of downforce) and diffuser, a new active front splitter has been fitted. A new active underbody panel helps reduce lift by redirecting airflow to the rear diffuser, while louvres in the front grille can open and close to help manage engine temperature. Mercedes claims that the changes improve high-speed stability, reduce drag and boost downforce.

The coil-over system receives stiffer bushings and a thicker anti roll bar at the rear. Active rear-wheel steering – as seen on the Ferrari F12 TDF– is brought in, turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts up to 100km/h, and then in the same direction as the fronts above that speed to boost agility. There’s even a new nine-way traction control system allowing minor adjustments to the level of slip.

The AMG GTR goes on sale in November, yet won’t reach customers in Europe until March. Expect numbers to be fairly limited, too. Mercedes hasn’t divulged the price yet, either.

Will Porsche respond to the attack of the ‘Beast of the Green Hell’ on the 911 GT3RS or is this checkmate? We’ll just have to wait and see.