Video: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is one definition of ‘hardcore’. If the optional green paint doesn’t shock you, the size and performance will.

With more power, less weight and a stiffer chassis than the regular AMG GT, the GT R is the most uncompromising performance car in the Mercedes-AMG range.

It isn’t as focused as the Porsche 911 GT3, or as shouty in feedback as the Nissan GT-R Nismo. But it is very angry, has lots of nice Alcantara in the cabin, and makes a smashing noise.

Before unleashing it on the public roads of Wales, we tried the GT R on our test track. The stopwatch put it fourth in our top five, ahead of the Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 but behind the McLaren 570S Track Pack, Ferrari 488 GTB and the astonishing Porsche 911 GT3.

On a dry track, it performs well, but how does the big green Merc manage on a soaking wet and bumpy British B-road? We diligently allocated two days to the task of finding out.

Mercedes-AMG GT R