Mercedes-AMG factory driver Bernd Schneider has set a new production car lap record at Mount Panorama of 2min 16.5sec.

AHEAD OF THIS weekend’s Bathurst 12-Hour race, Mercedes-AMG factory driver Bernd Schneider has set a production car lap record at Mount Panorama, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT R around the 6.2km circuit in 2min 16.5sec. Follow this link to watch the 360-degree on Facebook.

The AMG GT R is making its Australian debut at Mount Panorama this weekend, with Schneider setting the record in the second of two officially timed practice sessions. Scheider beat his previous record of 2min 24.03sec set in 2015 in an AMG GT S.

“I love the GT R. I knew it would be a fast car, but it really feels at home here at Mount Panorama,” Schneider said afterwards.

The good news continued for Mercedes-AMG. During the manufacturer demonstration session, a Mercedes-AMG C 63 S sedan driven by AMG factory driver Maro Engel posted a lap of 2min 29.7sec, which is believed to be the fastest lap ever for a production car sedan around Mount Panorama. Mercedes-Benz also supplies two AMG C 63 S sedans to the LiquiMoly Bathurst 12 Hour Race for use as Safety Cars.

“The AMG C 63 S is so comfortable and easy to drive on the road, once you hit the racetrack it’s like it sees red and turns into a monster,” Engel said.

The Mercedes-AMG GT R will go on sale to Australian customers in July 2017 with the record-setting model priced at $349,000 (MRLP). The AMG GT R runs a twin-turbo V8 engine making 430kW and 700Nm of torque, and can get from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds and with a top speed of 318km/h.