Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Mercedes-AMG Developing GT Track Variant
Mercedes-AMG is about to release another variant of its GT, a car that's even more powerful than the GT 63 Pro. It might retain the 4.0L bi-turbo V8 but will definitely produce more than the already impressive 612 hp of the Pro. No name has been confirmed yet, so let's call the most extreme GT to date the "Track," a name already familiar from the '22 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series.
This was a track-day highlight, limited to 55 units and not approved for road use. It was based on the GT Black Series of the time. It delivered 734 hp, weighed just 3,087 lbs. and featured race-ready specifications such as a sequential six-speed gearbox and adjustable racing suspension.
The "Track" spotted on and around the Nürburgring today could be a somewhat tamer, road-legal variant of the current GT, stripped to reduce weight as much as possible and equipped with race specifications. The most visible of these are, of course, the huge rear wing as well as deep skirts and winglets attached to the front bumper.
Volkswagen T-Roc R SUV Gets Sportier
Volkswagen will continue to offer a sporty SUV in its product range. The German brand is not compromising on maximum performance in certain models and the new generation of the T-Roc is no exception. A few months ago, the new version of the T-Roc R was officially confirmed with a prototype covered in special vinyl, which has now been removed for its first tests in real driving conditions after a period of testing hidden in a mule under the Golf R.
After initial shots during winter testing in Sweden, the T-Roc R has now reappeared on and around the German Nürburgring racetrack. Volkswagen has used a prototype painted white, which appears to have had its promotional vinyl removed and replaced with the usual wrap used by the manufacturer to conceal new styling features. The aggressiveness of the front end of the new Volkswagen T-Roc R is noticeable at first glance.
The larger, more angular air intakes flanking the central grille are clearly visible through the camouflage, as if trying to emerge, and this sportier design is even more evident in the lower body area. From the side view, you can clearly see that the front overhang will also be larger, making the new top-of-the-line T-Roc a few millimeters longer, given that the bumper is more prominent. Speaking of the side, the typical blue brake calipers of Volkswagen R models are present as well.
The alloy wheels are 19 in. in diameter and the rear stands out for its characteristic four exhaust pipes, which will once again feature the louder Akrapovič system option. The test vehicle of the new '27 Volkswagen T-Roc R also features the advanced "LED Matrix IQ.Light" lighting system, which incorporates illuminated manufacturer emblems.
The German company did not want to wait until the presentation, which should take place at the end of the year--although production and sales will be delayed until 2027--to confirm the new engine that will be located just above the front axle. It will once again be a 2.0L TSI four-cylinder engine, almost the same as the current Golf R, with 333 hp of maximum power. The key difference is that the sport SUV will have a 48-volt MHEV system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while providing a temporary power boost.
Fun aboard the new T-Roc R, whose interior will not change much compared to the R-Line trim, is ensured thanks to the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and even a drift mode for more experienced drivers.
