Mercedes is celebrating the tenth
anniversary of their customer racing program by unveiling an updated version of
the GT4 race car. Looking instantly recognizable, the GT4 has been given a
minor facelift that includes a revised hood and new lighting units. In
particular, Mercedes says the new LED headlights provide “considerably better
illumination of the track.”
Bigger changes occur beneath the skin as
engineers focused on improving the car’s performance. The brakes were given a
lot of attention as the model features new carbon fiber brake air ducts, larger
brake air inlets and bigger brake lines. There’s also improved heat protection,
optimized brake caliper adapters and better air flow. All these changes promise
to improve brake cooling which is critical for endurance racing.
Speaking of the brakes, the car has been
equipped with a larger brake fluid tank and newly developed front discs. The
latter promise better reliability and longevity. Elsewhere, Mercedes installed
an upgraded oil cooler and modified rear track rods that are similar to those
used on the new GT3. They promise “significantly extended longevity.”
Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8
engine that produces up to 469 hp and 630 Nm of
torque. It is connected to a six-speed sequential transmission which enables
the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds. The
model can also hit a top speed in excess of 250 km/h.
The updated Mercedes-AMG GT4 is currently
available to order and the first deliveries are slated to occur later this
month. Pricing starts at € 209,000, but owners of the
current car can purchase a “cost-effective update package.”
Speaking of the original model, the car
was launched in 2018 and Mercedes has delivered more than 120 units. They’ve
found plenty of success on the track as the GT4 has racked up 137 podium
finishes, 151 class wins and 53 overall wins.
