Pick a Number Between 1 and 9 and Step on It!

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R AMG Traction Control

The new 2018 GT R is making waves in the automotive industry with brand new technologies and never-before seen features in a passenger car, all of which, were kept completely secret until last weekend. One of these technologies we speak of is the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R AMG Traction Control. It doesn’t sound all that impressive until you figure out how much control it gives the driver over safety and performance.
Read More: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R vs 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT

Formula One Traction Control

The GT has always had a presence in the racing community, so it actually dulls the surprise a little bit, but the GT R uses the same traction control system as the Mercedes-AMG GT3. You may have seen the GT3 on TV loaded with decals and bright colors being chased by other bright cars with decals. If that sounds familiar, you were watching a Formula One race! These race cars all use adjustable traction control systems that are adjusted via a knob on the steering wheel, allowing the rear wheels to slip, more or less, depending on road conditions. So how does it work? Jump to seven minutes on the video below to see Shmee turn the yellow traction control knob!

What is Mercedes-AMG GT R Traction Control?

The traction control in the GT R, a street-legal vehicle, is separated into nine different levels of slip. Normally, the cars ESP mode will automatically monitor this to make driving the car convenient, even though there is nothing convenient about this car. Just look at the color! 

ESP OFF

When you switch to ESP OFF mode, you get full control of your differential. On level one, the GT R will allow almost no slip to the rear wheels. This is good for wet conditions or everyday driving, but when you crank it all the way up to nine, you are rewarded with unlimited slip as the engine forces all of its might to the rear wheels. This is good for, well, pretty much everything except wet conditions because that’s what the GT R is for. Is this too much control to give a driver? Maybe. Do we care? Heck no. If you want to learn more about the GT R, keep reading our blog for updates! If the GT R is too aggressive for you, wait for the entry-level GT, returning this winter!