Mercedes-->ke187AMG->ke8 chief Tobias Moers has made it clear that a more hardcore version of the GT is on the way, but this is the first time that a pre-production prototype of the model has been caught on camera. The track-ready Mercedes-AMG GT was recently spied testing on the Nurburgring Nordschleife->ke999 in full camouflage, but the extra aerodynamic features are evident.

The model shouldn't be confused with the Black Series version, since that is at least a couple of years away, but a more lightweight and track-focused option in the GT lineup. Set to go against the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 (now GT12), the hardcore Merc is expected to feature a tad more power, with maybe 550 horsepower and around 553 pound-feet of torque. The more nimble handling, and improved braking and cornering will probably be achieved by shedding around 110 pounds of weight compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT S, along with firmer suspension settings and beefier brakes.

The model's new bodykit is evident in the spy photos, with the front end featuring a motorsport-derived splitter with small winglets at each end. More interesting are the larger winglets that start behind the front wheelarches and go toward the windshield, likely redirecting air over the exterior mirrors and adding downforce at the same time. The rear end sports a massive wing that should provide ample amounts of downforce on the rear axle. The bodykit has also widened the front and rear wheelarches, but likely they are not as extreme as on the future Black Series.

Continue reading to learn more about the future Mercedes-AMG GT version.

Why it matters

Even though the Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been unveiled in time for this year's FIA GT3 championships, the road-going model isn't expected earlier than next year, with a 2016 Geneva Motor Show unveiling likely. Not many details are known about the car at this point, but I speculate that it will be very different than a Black Series model, and more in line with how Porsche develops its GT models.

Speaking of Porsche,->ke1 who own the "GT3" moniker for road-going cars since 2012 and recently persuaded Aston Martin to change the Vantage GT3's name in GT12, there is a complete mystery surrounding the name for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT version. Personally, I think the "GT-R" name would suit it nicely, as its descriptive enough for a track-ready version, while not infringing Porsche's copyright. As for the future Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, you can read our speculative review of the model below.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series - spy shots

Read our full review here.