AMG’s Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series is one more reason we wish games were real

By Nick Jaynes February 3, 2014

Mercedes-Benz and Gran Turismo 6 blew the automotive design world when they unveiled not only the virtual AMG Vision Gran Turismo but also the real-life concept as well at last year’s LA Auto Show.

Sculpted in the image of a “hunting feline,” the AMG Vision Gran Turismo combined sleek bodylines and incredible power into one imposing package.

Now the designers have one-upped even themselves with the new AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series variant.

The new AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series takes the already uproarious car and makes it much more mental. A large rear wing has been added, which improves downforce, pushing the streamlined car into the road. Although drag is increased with the wing, drivers who prefer high-speed circuits will love the elevated levels of grip.

The CCD camera-based side view mirrors of the original have been replaced with conventional mirrors. This in part helps bring weight down by 85 kilos, taking total curb weight to 1,300 kg.

Impressively, while weight is down, power is up. The 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 now makes 591 horsepower, while the 7-speed AMG dual-clutch transmission has been optimized not for ride comfort but rather for performance.

With a new lower center of gravity, lower ride height, and increased power output, the new AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series should perform even more impressively on the circuit.

Want to get behind the wheel of this ferocious automotive feline? You’ll have to fire up GT6 on your PS3.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.