Track enthusiasts are truly living in a golden age, as automakers continue to launch track cars based on their successful race car models. Ferrari recently introduced a track car inspired by its Le Mans-winning 499P, and now Mercedes-Benz AMG is following suit with a track car based on its GT2 race car.
This new track car from AMG is called the GT2 Pro, and it takes the extreme performance of its race car counterpart to a whole new level. Since it doesn’t have to meet the same regulations as a race car, AMG was able to push the boundaries even further.
Under the hood, both the race car and the track car are powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. However, the track car features a Push to Pass system that temporarily boosts the output to an impressive 740 horsepower, compared to the race car’s peak output of 697 horsepower.
Both vehicles also share a 6-speed sequential transmission mounted at the rear axle. However, the track car has modified gear ratios that allow the engine to rev longer and deliver more power. This modification enhances the overall performance and exhilaration of driving the GT2 Pro on the track.
The aerodynamics of the track car have also been meticulously refined to generate more downforce than the race car. One significant modification is the addition of a rear wing with much larger endplates. This allows for increased stability and improved handling at high speeds. Additionally, the track car is equipped with four-way adjustable dampers, as opposed to the race car’s three-way units. This enables drivers to fine-tune the suspension to suit their individual driving preferences.
The GT2 Pro comes with a price tag of 479,000 euros, which is approximately $509,000. However, buyers of this exclusive track car will also receive other perks, such as priority access to AMG-organized track events. One of these events is the newly introduced AMG Racing Series, which will take place at famous European racetracks. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with an engineer and receive guidance from professional driving coaches. The first event in the AMG Racing Series is scheduled to run in November at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia, Spain.
Interestingly, the GT2 Pro is expected to be the final iteration of the outgoing GT model. Mercedes-Benz AMG has already revealed the successor to the GT, which is a 2+2 GT Coupe. This new model was unveiled in August and is set to hit showrooms in the first half of 2024. Although a racing version of the GT Coupe has not been officially announced, it is highly anticipated that one could be introduced within the next 12-18 months.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT2 Pro track car adds another thrilling option for track enthusiasts. With its enhanced performance, refined aerodynamics, and exclusive track event access, the GT2 Pro promises an unparalleled driving experience. As we eagerly await the arrival of the GT Coupe, it’s exciting to speculate about the potential for a future racing version that could further elevate the adrenaline-fueled world of track racing.