This is the Mercedes-AMG GT4

Just as Mercedes reveals it’s quitting DTM and entering Formula E, it gives us this: the not-at-all ‘E’ Mercedes-AMG GT4. Much like the Audi R8 GT4 LMS and Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, it’s a turn-key racer eligible for entry into many race series. Series like the VLN Endurance Racing Championship in Germany, the Pirelli World Challenge in the US or the British GT Series in, erm, Britain. 

It’s based on the AMG GT R, so it has the familiar 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that Merc claims “provides sufficient performance reserves for the future”. ‘Only’ makes 503bhp in the GT4, mind, which is 74bhp less than the road-car. Blame Balance of Performance regs designed to level the playing field. Still, 0-62mph should be sub-4secs and the top speed over 150mph.

The gearbox is a six-speed pneumatically-operated sequential (at the back for better weight distribution), and the body/chassis are predictably a mix of lightweight carbon and aluminium components. Aero mods “build on the innovative aerodynamic concept of the Mercedes-AMG GT R”, hence the rather large, adjustable wing and front splitter. Suspension and diff’ settings are adjustable, and there’s 11-stage traction control for the progressively less talented. 

A GT4 will cost you 198,850 Euros, before VAT. Delivers start at the end of this year after more “intense testing”, however, three prototypes will run a couple of test races this year. Buy one, take it on a track day. Win.