Mercedes-AMG has responded to the challenge of the recently facelifted Audi R8 and new-generation Porsche 911 with an updated version of the AMG GT. Alongside improvements to the standard range, a new motorsport-inspired special edition has also been added.
The flagship sports car has made its debut at the Los Angeles motor show just hours after Mercedes’ Stuttgart rival pulled the covers off the ‘992’ version of the 911. It’s the first major upgrade the AMG GT has benefitted from since it first went on sale in 2014.
The biggest news is the new range-topping limited-run model, called AMG GT R Pro, added to the AMG GT line-up. Inspired by the brand’s GT3 and GT4 racing models, the GT R Pro benefits from a motorsport-inspired suspension set-up, improved aerodynamics and racy visual additions.
The standard AMG GT R’s coil-over suspension is modified in the Pro model to allow mechanical adjustment of the compression and rebound of the dampers, alongside spring preload length. Settings can be altered without using tools but with a click adjustment dial on the damper itself.
A new adjustable carbonfibre torsion bar has been added to the front axle, while the car’s upper wishbones also use Uniball spherical bearings, reducing play and improving wear resistance. A carbonfibre shear panel reduces weight and stiffens the rear-end structure further, too, while retuned dynamic engine and transmission mounts also feature.
Certain markets include a Track Package with the AMG GT R Pro, which comprises of a steel cage roll-over protection system, four-point safety harnesses for both front seats, and a fire extinguisher. Mercedes claims the roll over system with its multiple steel bracing points further increases structural stiffness and improves driving dynamics.
External aerodynamic improvements include an extended front splitter with carbon fibre ‘flics’, new front wing louvres that reduce front axle lift, and a new rear spoiler with milled aluminium brackets and a lip that increases rear axle downforce. Carbon is also used in the GT R Pro’s roof and side sill strips.
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Calm down PC
Don't get your knickers in a twist over nothing, someone is going to buy all those Pros and they are revenue stream for the shareholders, just like your car, which is, I believe, some generic 3-series BMW.
Tell me, why do you feel the urge to comment in every article?
Good and Bad
I agree with your sentiment NoPasaran about all the Pros likely finding owners, and that they represent a nice addition to the revenue stream. Whatever Peter drives is however academic and his desire to post on almost all articles is surely no cause for concern? He 'reprimanded' me for calling Autocar out a few months ago, but I bear him no malice and I have yet to see him get 'nasty'.
Pro......!?
So, whose going to get one then?, an amateur racing driver?, someone who knows how to drive quickly?, or, some Rich Sultans Son?, or, could this be the McLaren effect?, churn out another revenue stream for the share holders..?