2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S: the full story
Introduced in 2014 as Mercedes-AMG’s second independently developed sports car, the GT succeeded the SLS AMG with a more restrained design, retaining its predecessor’s wide wheel arches and fastback roofline while replacing the gullwing doors with conventional ones. The GT S was the more powerful variant, producing 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque versus 456 hp and 443 lb-ft in the standard GT. For 2017, it received increased engine output and the “Panamericana” grille. This particular GT S, however, has been extensively transformed by RENNtech Performance of Stuart, Florida. with a black finish, carbon-fiber front splitter, and rear wing that sharpen its powerful persona while preserving the GT’s elegant design.
Mercedes-AMG’s M178 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, high-performance brakes, adjustable suspension, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. This GT S has been extensively upgraded with RENNtech’s flagship R3 Package, featuring an ECU upgrade, Stage II turbochargers, upgraded fuel system, stainless-steel downpipes with sport catalytic converters, blow-off valve adapters, high-flow air filters, and a complete carbon-fiber intake system with performance filters.
With these upgrades and 93-plus-octane fuel, the result is 761 horsepower and 632 lb-ft of torque, putting this GT S into supercar territory. RENNtech’s software calibration and upgraded performance clutch help the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission manage the additional output, while the rear-wheel-drive layout and chassis preserve the GT S’s balance of outright strength and everyday usability.
The additional performance is supported by a comprehensive transformation of the chassis, drivetrain, brakes, and wheels. RENNtech upgraded the front subframe and fitted Öhlins x RENNtech four-way coilovers, performance shocks, and a titanium rollbar from the second-generation AMG GT Clubsport Package. Stopping power comes from RENNtech two-piece steel-slotted rotors, stainless-steel brake lines, and upgraded brake fluid. RENNtech Track Series forged monoblock wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, titanium lug bolts, and TPMS-equipped valve stems, providing the grip and control necessary to tame the car’s 761 horsepower.
The visual transformation is equally substantial. Carbon fiber features prominently in the fixed rear wing, custom fender extractors with specially developed 3D-printed housings, and a custom rear bumper-delete panel. RENNtech badging, a brushed-titanium-colored windshield banner and race stripe, and the “GTS-R” designation with a red “R” on the trunk emphasize its motorsport-inspired identity. This car’s individuality is further enhanced by bespoke custom details, including one-of-one RENNtech floor mats made for Mr. Lubeck and an EVM exhaust valve module operated by two remotes, giving the GT S the character of a carefully curated special edition rather than an off-the-shelf modified car.
The interior retains the luxurious, driver-focused environment expected of a Mercedes-AMG. Sport seats, advanced instrumentation, an infotainment system, and a comprehensive collection of driver aids make the cabin suitable for everyday use despite the car’s extreme capabilities. That combination of luxury and power is central to the AMG GT’s appeal, making it a sophisticated road car capable of extraordinary speed rather than simply a track-focused machine adapted for street use.
Of an estimated 6,400 Mercedes-AMG GT models produced globally in 2017 across the GT, GT S, GT C, and GT R variants, just 1,608 were sold in the United States, with the GT S representing only a portion of that total. While the GT S was already a relatively exclusive model, this car’s extensive RENNtech transformation makes it particularly distinctive.
Rather than abandoning the foundation that made the original AMG GT significant, RENNtech has developed it while preserving the original design and simultaneously pushing its engineering considerably further. With an extensive list of upgrades, modifications, and bespoke components, this RENNtech R3 Edition is far removed from a standard GT S. The original car still remains clearly recognizable beneath the extensive modifications, creating a thoughtful combination of factory design, modern engineering, motorsport influence, and individualization that makes this R3 Edition a compelling interpretation of the AMG GT.