Mercedes-AMG has revealed the new GT4 race car with a number of improvements. The first new vehicle deliveries and update kits to customer teams will begin later this month.
Catching up with the GT3..
The styling updates including the new LED headlamps and taillamps are in line with the AMG GT road cars.
As for the improvements, the new GT4 has got an optimized brake cooling around the front axle as well as enhanced engine cooling. Both the enlarged brake air inlet as well as the brake air lines with larger diameter prevent the brake components from overheating.
As a result, they ensure better driveability as well as considerably reduced wear of the brakes that are under particular load during endurance races. Thanks to a new carbon brake air duct, adapted heat protection and optimized brake caliper adapters, the airflow through the thermally affected parts has been improved. Newly developed brake discs on the front axle, aimed at reliability and longevity, complement the optimized brake cooling.
The re-arranged oil cooler contributes to an even more effective cooling of the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, and so are the new carbon exhaust air duct and the new louvres on the bonnet, made of natural fibre enforced material. As a result, the new GT4 can reliably deliver its performance, even in extremely hot conditions, Mercedes said.
Depending on the Balance of Performance (BoP) classification, the engine can deliver up to 350 kW (476 hp) and up to 630 Nm of torque. It is paired with a sequential 6-speed competition gearbox with mechanical (adjustable) self-locking differential.
Another optimisation is the modified track rods on the rear axle that are also similar to those used on the new GT3 and that apparently comes with significantly extended longevity.
As a result, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 that has, among others, already racked up three class wins in the Nürburgring 24-hour race, is even better prepared for endurance races in the toughest conditions.
The integration of an enlarged brake fluid tank, optimised with the particular requirements in endurance races in mind, is also one of the novelties of the Mercedes-AMG GT4 for the year 2020.
As for the safety, the roll cage of high-tensile steel has been bolted onto the aluminium space frame and a recovery hatch has been integrated into the roof of the car. The carbon driver safety cell with integrated headrest is claimed to provide a considerably higher level of protection than usual race seats. A powerful fire extinguishing system complements the comprehensive safety concept.
The car also comes with a competition-specific traction control and a multi-adjustable ABS. They are based on GT3 technology, just like the sequential competition gearbox with adjustable differential. The suspension with double wishbones and shock absorbers are adjustable for bounce and rebound.
The race car rides on 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels shod with slicks measuring 305/660-18 at the front and 305/680-18 at the rear. The car weighs less than 1,390 kg (BoP).
A 0-100 km/h acceleration is claimed to happen under 4 seconds (BoP) and the top speed is over 250 km/h (BoP).
Price? Well, €209,000 (ex-Affalterbach, excluding VAT).
When we entered the GT4 segment two years ago, it was our aim to build a car that was capable of winning right away. Looking at the achievements of the Mercedes-AMG GT4, we have succeeded in doing so in an impressive way. In order to enable our Customer Racing Teams to accomplish such top achievements at the race track in the future as well and to be prepared in the best way for the challenges in newly entered markets like Asia and South America, we have now decided to update the Mercedes-AMG GT4. The new edition combines performance, safety and economical aspects like no other car in this segment and has been tailor-made to meet the requirements of the customer teams. – Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing
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