The Mercedes-AMG GT R is a very capable machine. Able to easily take care of Nissan’s GT-R Nismo (the other GTR), the AMG is no pushover whether it’s put up against AWD bombers or rear-engine missiles (looking at you Porsche). However, Mercedes-AMG is not content with simply edging out the competition, they want to embarrass the competition. Enter for 2020, the Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro. The GT R Pro is a special edition GT R that pulls its inspiration from AMG race cars.
Some of the clearest changes are visual and immediately noticeable. Functional aero pieces help increase downforce and reduce lift. There are front wheel arch vents, an aggressive front splitter, a modified rear wing, and a rear diffuser. All pieces are carbon fiber. Carbon ceramic brakes are an $8,950 option on the normal car but are standard on the Pro. The updated carbon fiber roof has a lowered center.
The rest of the AMG GT lineup is also receiving updates that apply to the GT R Pro as well. The LED headlights are refreshed, there’s an updated center console, a new steering wheel with capacitive touch buttons, and a digital gauge cluster. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT is a new feature that enables the following selectable drive programs:
- “Basic” is assigned to the “Slippery” and “Comfort” drive programs. Here the AMG GT demonstrates exceptionally stable handling characteristics with high yaw damping.
- “Advanced” is activated in the “Sport” program. The AMG GT is then neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic maneuvers such as driving on winding country roads.
- “Pro” (abbreviation for “professional”) is part of the “Sport+” program. In “Pro” the driver receives even more assistance for dynamic driving maneuvers while agility and precision are further enhanced when taking corners.
- “Master” (only available for GT C, GT S and GT R) is connected to the RACE drive program. “Master” mode is aimed at drivers who want to experience dynamism and the driving enjoyment on closed-off circuits. “Master” offers an extremely neutral vehicle balance, low steer angle requirement and more agile steering. In this way, “Master” ensures maximum agility and fully exploits the dynamic potential.(Information courtesy of Daimler Global Media)
Although the Pro shares the same 585 horsepower 516 lb-ft twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 as the normal GT R, it does receive some other mechanical changes. There is a new tack-oriented coil-over suspension setup. This kit allows drivers to adjust spring preload, compression, and rebound. These adjustments can be made easily without any tools using a dial on the dampers. There is a carbon fiber adjustable torsion bar up front and an adjustable steel one in the rear. The dynamic transmission and engine mounts have been tuned by AMG. The upper wishbones get Uniball spherical bearings that are wear-resistant and have no play, which allows for toe and camber to remain constant regardless of load. Without any exact numbers, AMG says the pro is lighter than the regular GT R.
In November 2018, AMG GT3 driver Maro Engel lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7.04.632 minutes driving the AMG GT R Pro. That is a good 6 seconds faster than the non-Pro GT R! The GT R Pro made its debut at the 2018 LA Autoshow and will be a limited edition model for 2020.
