With the 2021 model year, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is even faster on the legendary Nordschleife “North loop” of the Nürburgring. Thanks to newly tuned elastokinematics and other fine-tuning measures, AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert set a new record time, putting the four-door coupe from Affalterbach impressively in first place on the official list of best cars in the “luxury class” category. The 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 is officially listed by Nürburgring GmbH on their homepage. Mercedes-AMG has thus impressively regained the crown in the class.
The 630 hp Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S set out to achieve a new record in its completely standard form, and it’s outfitted particularly well for this: Its equipment includes highlights such as 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 and mounted on the record-breaking vehicle, also increases stability at higher speeds and reduces the 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 wide spread 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.
The conditions on the extremely demanding course were anything but 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, Schaffert made optimal use of the top model in the AMG GT four-door vehicle family. In the RACE driving program, the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension specifically tightens the damper characteristics, and the steering characteristics become more direct. In the “Master” position, the AMG DYNAMICS agility program also utilizes 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.
Background: Why two differently timed laps exist for the Nürburgring-Nordschleife
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is regarded as the most difficult racetrack in the world and is 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.
Numerous conditions must be met for both record times to be recognized: 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 (“Kraftfahrtbundesamt” KBA).