Mercedes-AMG GT R breaks production car record at Buddh Circuit

Mercedes affiliated driver Christian Hohenadel clocked 2m09.853s at the 5.14 Km track in the presence of FMSCI technical delegate Raj Kapoor, who duly approved the lap time.

Incidentally, Mercedes also held the previous lap record at the BIC with the previsous generation SLS AMG (2m14.521s).

AMG GT R is Mercedes’ flagship sportscar and is slated to be launched in the country on August 21. It is powered by a 4.0 litre, twin-turbo, V8 engine that produces 585 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels with a seven speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The AMG GT R has a top speed of 317 Km/hr and can sprint from 0 to 100 Km/hr in 3.6s.  

Mercedes India chief Roland Folger commented: “We are highly thrilled with the accomplishment of the ‘Beast of the Green Hell’, which spearheads Mercedes-AMG’s model range globally.

"The Mercedes-AMG GT R, which has spent a large portion of its development time at the Green Hell of the Nürburgring, has proven its racing mettle at our very own BIC.

“It is only fitting that ahead of its India debut, the Mercedes-AMG GT R, holds the title of clocking the fastest lap ever by a production car in India.

FMSCI President Akbar Ebrahim added: “The FMSCI is happy to have been part of this record attempt by Mercedes-Benz India.

“Our Technical delegate Raj Kapoor supervised the entire test and is happy to note that a new lap record has been created at the BIC by a production car, the Mercedes–AMG GT R. The FMSCI congratulated Mercedes-Benz India on this achievement and wishes them the very best in the introduction of this sports car in the Indian market.”

The overall record at the BIC is currently held by four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who lapped the circuit in 1m27.249s in a Red Bull F1 car.