One key factor that influences the performance of a sports car is weight. Mercedes-AMG uses an intelligent material mix for the structure of the AMG GT R: various aluminium alloys for the chassis and body, steel for the boot lid and magnesium for the front deck. This extremely light element at the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, thus improving the vehicle's agility.
The weight-optimised spaceframe is made of die-cast and extruded aluminium sections. The high bending and torsional strength of the entire design enables extreme linear and transverse forces from the drivetrain and suspension to be absorbed and transferred.
Unwanted flexibility is thus reduced, with the vehicle responding precisely and directly. The result: The driver experiences a sports car with maximum dynamics that responds with outstanding precision.
A host of further measures contributes to weight reduction as part of the AMG lightweight-performance strategy.
A variety of components all play a role in this respect. The use of carbon fibre, the lightweight and high-strength material from motorsport, helps to achieve the ambitious goals.
Carbon fibre is the material of choice for, among other things, the front wings, the roof and the torque tube between engine and transmission. Now weighing in at just 13.9 kilograms, the carbon-fibre torque tube is about 40 percent lighter than its already weight-optimised aluminium counterpart in the AMG GT.
As a structural component of the transaxle drivetrain, it creates a connection between the engine and the transmission with extreme flexural and torsional stiffness. It permits a very direct connection of the drivetrain that is favourable to driving dynamics and also plays a role in the vehicle's balanced weight distribution.
Further weight advantages come from the standard-fit forged wheels, the titanium rear silencer and fewer soundproofing materials.
Overall the new AMG GT R is 15 kilograms lighter than the AMG GT S, despite incorporating far more technical features such as the large rear aerofoil, the rear-wheel steering, the active aerodynamics, and the body and chassis reinforcements.