Mercedes-AMG GT-R looks menacing in latest spy photos

The Mercedes-AMG GT is above to receive the high-performance treatment and spy photographers have snapped new pictures of the model undergoing cold weather testing.

Rumored to adopt the Mercedes-AMG GT-R moniker, the high-performance model is being billed as a road-going version of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car.  As part of this philosophy, the car has been equipped with a new front fascia that features carbon fiber canards and an enlarged grille with vertical slates that echo the GT3.

The sporty styling continues aft of the A-pillar as designers added aggressive side skirts and lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system.  Of course, there are bigger changes out back as the model has a prominent rear wing, a center-mounted exhaust, and a massive diffuser.

Mercedes has only provided a few hints about the car but AMG CEO Tobias Moers has suggested it will use a biturbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that develops approximately 550 horsepower.  The model is also expected to be about 175 pounds lighter than the AMG GT S so it should be noticeably faster than its counterpart.

The Mercedes-AMG GT-R is expected to be introduced later this year, possibly as soon as the Geneva Motor Show.