As a successor to the SLS AMG, the Mercedes-AMG GT is set to go beyond the current coupe body style and also receive two hotter versions with more powerful drivetrains. But, while one of them has already been confirmed as the GT Black Series, the other one remains a mystery.

According to a report from Motor Trend, AMG->ke8 plans to roll out a coupe that will make use of the "GT R" badge. The upgraded sports car->ke506 will reportedly get active aerodynamics, meatier rear tires, and four-wheel steering. Also, the Mercedes-AMG GT R is rumored to become the first production car to use adjustable spool valve shocks.

If we are to believe this report, the GT R will arrive toward the end of 2016, which means it will go on sale long before the Black Series, said to break cover sometime in 2018.

There's no word as to how powerful the GT R will be, but expect its updated engine to crank out more than the GT S' 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The extra oomph and the new body kit should reduce the 0-to-60 mph sprint from 3.7 to around 3.4 seconds.

With the GT R, the Mercedes-AMG GT->ke4853 family will expand to four models, joining the base version, the S variant, and the race-spec GT3 model.

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Why it matters

Developed as a Porsche 911->ke282 fighter, the Mercedes-AMG GT may have what it takes to give the Carrera->ke574 and Carrera S a run for their money, but it's not quick enough for the insanely fast Turbo->ke571 and Turbo S. This is why Mercedes needs a more powerful version of the AMG GT and it looks as if the GT R could be closer to the 911 Turbo in terms of output and acceleration. Sure, matching the Turbo S' 2.9-second 0-to-60 sprint is difficult to say the least, but AMG GT could better compete with the 911 if it becomes bigger family that includes not only high-performance versions, but convertibles as well. The GT R might just be next step toward a broad, 911-like GT lineup.

Mercedes-AMG GT

Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG GT here.