Mercedes Benz launches the GT R priced Rs2.23 crore

Mercedes Benz has brought the company's fastest vehicle globally, the GT R, a car that makes it 100 kms per hour from zero in 3.6 seconds and boasts of a top-speed of 318 kmph, to India.

The GT R, powered by a 4,000cc AMG performance engine, will cost Rs2.23 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) and will add to the number of sports cars to have hit the Indian roads in the past couple of years. "AMG brings race-bred genes from the most challenging tracks in the world to the world's best driving road.

The Times of India quoted Roland Folger, MD of Mercedes in India, "Bringing in the fastest cars from our portfolio displays the increasing importance of India as a market and its potential for performance sports cars."

In addition to the GT R, the company also unveiled the AMG GT roadster. The 4,000cc car with a top speed of 302 kmph carries a price tag of Rs 2.19 crore. According to commentators, the market for sports cars in India is limited at present, with players like Mercedes, BMW and Audi, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche serving the segment.

The GT R is the most powerful model from the GT family and is powered by the Affalterbach tuned 4-litre bi-turbo V8 engine code-named M177 that delivers 577 bhp of power and a whopping 700 Nm of peak torque. The rear wheels are driven through the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The GT R is lighter than the standard GT S, which is already on sale in India. The carbon fibre roof ensures high rigidity without having to compromise on safety, while the 20-inch 5-spoke AMG aluminium wheels ensure weight savings. Given the weight saving components the Mercedes-AMG GT R tips the scales at 1630 kg (kerb), which is 15 kg lighter than the standard GT S.