{ "id": 37047, "slug": "2017-05-31_beast-of-the-green-hell", "url": "https://agents.willem.com/en/posts/2017-05-31_beast-of-the-green-hell/", "source_url": "https://willem.com/en/2017-05-31_beast-of-the-green-hell/", "language": "en", "date": "2017-05-31", "published": "2017-05-31T00:00:00+02:00", "created": "2025-06-26T22:10:33.926000+02:00", "updated": "2025-07-22T16:42:53.713000+02:00", "title": "Beast of the Green Hell", "subtitle": "Driving the Mercedes-AMG GT R", "summary": "This month I received an invitation to join Mercedes at the Zolder circuit in Belgium to drive in \"the beast\". The Mercedes-AMG GT R, a furious green coloured performance car that gets its nickname from the Nürburgring where it was developed. It was an incredible experience, well worth a blog post!", "topics": [ "car", "lifestyle", "mobility", "review", "sport", "travel" ], "author": { "name": "Willem L. Middelkoop", "url": "https://willem.com" }, "translation": { "language": "nl", "url": "https://agents.willem.com/nl/posts/2017-05-31_beest-van-de-groene-hel/", "source_url": "https://willem.com/nl/2017-05-31_beest-van-de-groene-hel/" }, "image": "https://willem.com/global/images/ecba22c09055.webp", "image_width": 2560, "images": [ { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/f1ce0f17f2f2.webp", "description": "The Mercedes-AMG GT R at the Zolder Circuit in Belgium", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-1.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/3fe448fad2fa.webp", "description": "4.0L V8 Twin turbo AMG engine", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-2.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/4f3ade08a97e.webp", "description": "Breakfast at 8 am at the Zolder Circuit", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-3.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/400eef80ed15.webp", "description": "1971 Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 AMG at the 24 Hours of Spa", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-4.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/1476bc51c5ab.webp", "description": "Mercedes-Benz G-Class - a 4x4 powerhouse", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-5.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/8e59a19c881f.webp", "description": "The G-Class Professional is pretty hardcore \"function first\"", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-6.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/7fcd5db179c3.webp", "description": "The Mercedes-AMG G63 comes in fancy colours, too", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-7.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/bd9d89fc9204.webp", "description": "Happy boy, driving AMG-goodness on the open road", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-8.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/e3d549376e0d.webp", "description": "The C63S is definitely my favourite, a rudimental monster with an open roof", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-9.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/59faa8681ee7.webp", "description": "Some more details of this brutal C63S machine", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-10.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/786146f20faf.webp", "description": "If you drive in the AMG GT S you feel like Bernd Mayländer (who drives a similar F1 Safety Car)", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-11.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/91f76391ba44.webp", "description": "The S63s feels like a ship, a very fast one... ", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-12.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/4174438408b5.webp", "description": "The S63s interior is second to none: amazing details, very high-end", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-13.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/47a7620b9150.webp", "description": "The S63s is very comfortable for its passengers and there is plenty of space", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-14.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/d9efadc79306.webp", "description": "Ready for a run around the track with a professional race driver", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-15.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/39543ef1c76c.webp", "description": "Not your average Taxi... ", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-16.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/df760eb1eaf5.webp", "description": "Driving the E63S around track surely gets the blood pumpin'... ", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-17.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/8bb12ae06640.webp", "description": "The less powerful A45 (left) is actually faster at the agility challenge than the S63s (right)", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-18.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/9f2aba990414.webp", "description": "The Beast from Green Hell: Mercedes-AMG GT R", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-19.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/2024f9cd77b3.webp", "description": "It looks hungry.... for speed!", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-20.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/a13d60ba8268.webp", "description": "As hardcore is it is, the interior of the GT R is still top notch!", "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-21.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/2024f9cd77b3.webp", "description": null, "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-33.jpg" }, { "url": "https://willem.com/global/images/9f2aba990414.webp", "description": null, "manager_file": "148-bf2d6faf6057f115dc72e82d984e71359f16b48d8c42b4b41c2ee918cf46b556_ContentAsPost_37047_images-34.jpg" } ], "text": "Technical facts\n- 430kW (585HP) at 6250rpm\n- 700Nm torque at 1900-5500rpm\n- 4.0L twin-turbo V8\n- mid-front engine, transaxle, rear gearbox\n- made from aluminium and carbon\n- 0-100KM/h in 3.6 seconds\n- top speed of 318KM/h\n- rear-biased weight distribution of 47.3% to 52.7%\n- active aerodynamics\n- active rear wheel steering\nCircuit day with AMG Driving Academy\nThe action packed day started with a good and early breakfast followed by a presentation addressing AMG's history.\nFun fact is that while AMG was originally not owned by Mercedes, the founders where actually former Mercedes-Benz engineers: Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. They started AMG after their job on a special performance Mercedes engine was cancelled. Their engine was a great success and won many prices, inspiring the entire brand. The letters \"AMG\" stand for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach (Aufrecht's birth town).\n4x4 off-roading\nAfter the presentation we went on to drive the G-class on an off-road track, exploring it's 4x4 capabilities. The G is an amazing car that feels like a tank. The model I drove was a \"Professional\" edition, used by police and army.\nScenic tour\nNext we went into the Belgium country side driving various AMG models, including the A45, C63S, SLC45 and the S63 cabriolet. Before driving each car we had to sign a document stating you take responsibility for traffic fines etc.. :-)\nWhile I have driven different AMG cars before, driving the different models on the same road, closely after each other allows you to better understand the differences in driving dynamics between the cars. It makes quite the difference if you drive the S63 or C63; even though they are both very fast.\nRace Taxi\nAfter lunch we went to the paddock, taking on race helmets and getting ready to be driven around the track by a professional race driver. Man! That is bloody fast! A race driver brakes much later, harder and goes much faster through corners than I as a normal driver would comfortably go. Quite amazing!\nDriving the E63S AMG on track\nNext I drove the E63S on track. We were to follow a professional race driver that gave instructions using a radio inside the race helmets. He explained the racing line, break points and corner apex.\nIt is very nice to be able to drive a car much more aggressively because on track there is no police (and traffic lights, pedestrians etc.). It really makes a difference and is much more fun because of the lack of worry.\nAgility-X\nThen followed an agility challenge where I had to drive as fast as possible on a small and twisty track with two very different AMG cars. The A45 (light, four wheel drive) and the S63S (heavier, more powerful). Due to the laws of physics, the smaller, less powerful A45 was quicker.\nBeast of the Green Hell\nThen it was finally time for me to drive the Mercedes-AMG GT R, nicknamed the \"Beast of the Green Hell\". This car is the street legal version of the AMG GT3 racing car. It's a powerful car, but it really stands out in terms of balance. The engine is in the front/middle and delivers it's 585HP through an axle to the gearbox that is mounted in the rear. The better a car is balanced, the faster you can go through corners.\nThe car features many technical novelties, it's an ultimate gadget on wheels. Man! What an incredible experience! The car is furious, extremely powerful, full of grunt and angry noises. Yet, after two of three laps it gives you the confidence you can go faster and faster. That's what sets this car apart: its a monster that grows on to you, making you feel comfortable.\nThe balance is amazing, you have the feeling you can turn into any twisty corner and the car simply follows. Screaming tires are an indication you're on the edge of physics... but inside it's still a comfortable Mercedes. One you drive with an heart rate well above what's normal... :-)\nThe green beast made a lasting impression on me! Whoow!\nSpecial thanks for this amazing day to Mercedes-Benz, Stern Auto Amsterdam, Bernd Schneider (the four-time DTM champion giving instructions on track).\nGallery\nSome more awesomeness, tap any picture to enlarge:", "word_count": 712, "markdown_url": "https://agents.willem.com/en/posts/2017-05-31_beast-of-the-green-hell/post.md" }