The 2018 AMG GT R ($150,000 CAD, $106,000 USD) is a 577 horsepower track-focused road car, with a 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 engine and 7-speed DCT. As the “R” model it’s wider, faster, sharper, and more carbon fibery than the GT and GT S, with a heavy focus placed on track performance and setting serious lap times. But have too many livability compromises been made in the pursuit of pure performance? And how does it stack up against the competition?
Mercedes-AMG GT R Review // Now Half Price
Throttle House reviewed a Mercedes-AMG GT R– and concluded that it’s a budget-friendly GT3.
Thomas and James at Throttle House get their hands on some spectacular cars. This is no exception. It might, however, be one of the rarer chapters in Mercedes-AMG performance. Oh, and they assert that it’s a “deal.” It’s a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R, a snarling, track-focused version of Mercedes-AMG’s long-nosed performance coupe.
And it ticks nearly every box of a truly nasty, premium-badged track day weapon. Under the low, long hood, Mercedes-AMG installed a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 producing 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It also features a wider front and rear track, utilizes space-age weight-saving materials throughout, and incorporates aero treatments.
Bargain?
Here’s the kicker: Thomas and James maintain that this is a steal for the money. “This is a bargain now,” the team concluded after assessing the car post-depreciation. A glance at the most recent sale of the AMG GT R confirms that much. Though MSRP for the coupe was $157,995, this one sold for roundabouts $200,000 when it was new in 2018. More recently, mind you, the thing sold for $106,000.
That’s near as makes no difference half of its original price. When you take the stratospheric costs of pre-owned Porsche 911s into account, Thomas and James might just be right when they call this Mercedes-AMG super coupe a “deal.” “This is similar in philosophy to a GT3, maybe a GT3 RS,” Thomas said. All in all, the crew concluded that “this is an undervalued car right now.”
Not One for the Road
Before you sell a kidney to make a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R your next daily driver, the Throttle House duo did have some reservations. Most notably, they complained about the AMG GT R’s road manners. It’s aggressive, with a nearly track width that shrinks most roads. What’s more, the team described the AMG GT R as having a “spine-crushing ride.” It’s that stiff. They also pointed out that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on this example multiplied road noise. More emphasis on the “R” and less on the “GT” in the name.
