Just bring about $163,000 to the dealership for one – if you can find one.
A 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S set a record time on so-called Nordschleife “North loop” of the Nürburgring. Making it first on the official list of best cars in the “luxury class” category. AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert, a former racing driver, beat his own previous lap record set in the fall of 2018 by 2.3 seconds. The officially measured and notary-certified values are: 7:23.009 min for the 12.8-mile-long version* (without straight-line measurement for track section T13) and 7:27.800 min for the 12.944-mile-long complete track (with straight-line measurement for track section T13).
This variant and this lap time are officially listed by Nürburgring GmbH on their homepage. Mercedes-AMG has regained the crown in the class for the moment. The freshened Porsche Panamera Turbo S set a 7m 29.81s earlier this year, bettering the 7m 30.11s lap Schaffert set a couple of years ago. The AMG record footage shows a mostly clean run, albeit with some curb clipping/banging and the Michelin tires screaming in protest during turns.
The 630 horsepower Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S achieved a new record in its standard form. Its equipment includes the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive, active rear-axle steering, an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and the AMG DYNAMICS agility program. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires fitted during the record-breaking drive, which customers can also order as an option, provided the final bit of grip for optimized traction and powerful acceleration out of the total of 73 curves in the “Green Hell.” The AMG Aerodynamics Package, which is optionally available was mounted on the record-breaking vehicle, proving stability at higher speeds and a lower cd value.
“Even though I’ve been accompanying our GT 63 through its development for several years now, it’s always impressive to see the widespread we have been able to achieve with this exclusive vehicle. This is especially true after the recent slight revision. On the one hand, the four-door coupe is comfortable and equipped with many intelligent safety features for everyday driving, and on the other hand it offers this extremely high level of driving dynamics and precision, which we have now been able to demonstrate once again on the demanding Nordschleife,” said Demian Schaffert.
Mercedes claims that conditions on the course were not optimal, as some sections of the course had wet spots. At outside temperatures of 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit and asphalt temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the RACE driving program, the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension specifically firms the damper characteristics, and the steering characteristics become more direct. In the “Master” position, the AMG DYNAMICS agility program also uses all the possibilities of the fully variable all-wheel drive system – as well as the rapid-response control of the electronic limited-slip differential – to ensure “the highest possible dynamic response.” As an additional safety measure for the driver, the vehicle was equipped with a bucket seat and four-point seat belts.
The record lap was precisely measured by the neutral experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also certified the conditions of the vehicle and the lap time. You can watch the drive via video here: http://amg4.me/GT_63_ring_lap
*Why two differently timed laps on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife included in every new development by Mercedes-AMG. A record lap is therefore the most demanding test of the qualities of a sports car. The times are determined for two track alternatives – 12.8 and 12.944 miles long. Since 1997, the 12.8-mile circuit has been the standard measure. The specialist magazine sport auto from the Motor Presse Stuttgart publishing house drives this circuit as part of their so-called “Supertest.” For historical reasons, the short straight at the T13 grandstand – from the turnoff from the Nordschleife to the Grand Prix circuit to the exit of the Grand Prix circuit onto the Nordschleife – was not included in the timing. The starting line is therefore at the end of the T13 grandstand in a northerly direction and the finish line is at the beginning of the T13 grandstand in a southerly direction. Therefore, no complete lap is measured after the flying start. The total length of the course is 12.8 miles.
In 2019 the official Nürburgring lap was added. It was organized by the operating company “Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG” and is 761.155 ft longer, because the start and finish line are identical here, also on the T13 section, so a full Nordschleife lap of 12.944 miles is driven and measured with a flying start.
In addition to timekeeping with calibrated photoelectric sensor technology, official record attempts and attempts to achieve a lap time are always accompanied by a notary. In addition to monitoring the timekeeping, the vehicles and the tires are also inspected and approved by the notary. The classification of the vehicle classes is based on the official categories of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Nürburgring – Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Beats Porsche
Just bring about $163,000 to the dealership for one – if you can find one.
A 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S set a record time on so-called Nordschleife “North loop” of the Nürburgring. Making it first on the official list of best cars in the “luxury class” category. AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert, a former racing driver, beat his own previous lap record set in the fall of 2018 by 2.3 seconds. The officially measured and notary-certified values are: 7:23.009 min for the 12.8-mile-long version* (without straight-line measurement for track section T13) and 7:27.800 min for the 12.944-mile-long complete track (with straight-line measurement for track section T13).
This variant and this lap time are officially listed by Nürburgring GmbH on their homepage. Mercedes-AMG has regained the crown in the class for the moment. The freshened Porsche Panamera Turbo S set a 7m 29.81s earlier this year, bettering the 7m 30.11s lap Schaffert set a couple of years ago. The AMG record footage shows a mostly clean run, albeit with some curb clipping/banging and the Michelin tires screaming in protest during turns.
The 630 horsepower Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S achieved a new record in its standard form. Its equipment includes the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive, active rear-axle steering, an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and the AMG DYNAMICS agility program. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires fitted during the record-breaking drive, which customers can also order as an option, provided the final bit of grip for optimized traction and powerful acceleration out of the total of 73 curves in the “Green Hell.” The AMG Aerodynamics Package, which is optionally available was mounted on the record-breaking vehicle, proving stability at higher speeds and a lower cd value.
Mercedes claims that conditions on the course were not optimal, as some sections of the course had wet spots. At outside temperatures of 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit and asphalt temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the RACE driving program, the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension specifically firms the damper characteristics, and the steering characteristics become more direct. In the “Master” position, the AMG DYNAMICS agility program also uses all the possibilities of the fully variable all-wheel drive system – as well as the rapid-response control of the electronic limited-slip differential – to ensure “the highest possible dynamic response.” As an additional safety measure for the driver, the vehicle was equipped with a bucket seat and four-point seat belts.
The record lap was precisely measured by the neutral experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also certified the conditions of the vehicle and the lap time. You can watch the drive via video here: http://amg4.me/GT_63_ring_lap
*Why two differently timed laps on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife included in every new development by Mercedes-AMG. A record lap is therefore the most demanding test of the qualities of a sports car. The times are determined for two track alternatives – 12.8 and 12.944 miles long. Since 1997, the 12.8-mile circuit has been the standard measure. The specialist magazine sport auto from the Motor Presse Stuttgart publishing house drives this circuit as part of their so-called “Supertest.” For historical reasons, the short straight at the T13 grandstand – from the turnoff from the Nordschleife to the Grand Prix circuit to the exit of the Grand Prix circuit onto the Nordschleife – was not included in the timing. The starting line is therefore at the end of the T13 grandstand in a northerly direction and the finish line is at the beginning of the T13 grandstand in a southerly direction. Therefore, no complete lap is measured after the flying start. The total length of the course is 12.8 miles.
In 2019 the official Nürburgring lap was added. It was organized by the operating company “Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG” and is 761.155 ft longer, because the start and finish line are identical here, also on the T13 section, so a full Nordschleife lap of 12.944 miles is driven and measured with a flying start.
In addition to timekeeping with calibrated photoelectric sensor technology, official record attempts and attempts to achieve a lap time are always accompanied by a notary. In addition to monitoring the timekeeping, the vehicles and the tires are also inspected and approved by the notary. The classification of the vehicle classes is based on the official categories of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.