2019 Mercedes-AMG GT range topped by hardcore GT R Pro
Mercedes-AMG GT gets new tech, styling revisions and a motorsport-inspired ‘GT R Pro’ special edition
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.
The GT R Pro is marked out visually in its motor show debut spec by Selenite Grey paint combined with the option of new light green stripes running across the bonnet, roof, side panels and rear hatch. Other colour combinations are available, however.
Mercedes-AMG GT range changes: Interior and chassis improvements
The most visible changes to the standard AMG GT range are to be found inside. Inspiration has been taken from the recently launched AMG GT 4-door, with a new configurable 12.3in digital instrument display replacing the old analogue dials. The central multimedia display has also been redesigned with a new 10.25in screen and updated graphics.
A new steering wheel brings with it touch capacitive buttons, allowing personalisation of the instrument display and various other functions via a vertical finger swipe. Also included are new buttons mounted off the wheel’s centre that feature a small TFT colour display showing the car’s current chassis, transmission, exhaust and rear spoiler configuration. Mercedes claims the new wheel controls allow the driver to configure most major features in the car without having to take their hands off the wheel.
New technology includes an ‘AMG Track Pace’ data logger, described as a ‘virtual race engineer’, which while driving on a track can record more than 80 vehicle-specific data sets 10 times per second. It does this via GPS data as well as various sensors in the car, and is designed to show the driver various ways to improve their lap times.
Exterior tweaks are relatively minor, but include new LED headlights with a design borrowed from the car’s four-door sibling, a redesigned rear bumper and diffuser, and some new personalisation options, exterior colours and alloy wheel designs.
Under the skin, the AMG GT isn’t dramatically overhauled, but there are a number of detail changes to the car’s chassis and driver assist tech. A new ‘AMG Dynamics’ feature expands the existing stability control functions with four new modes - Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master (the latter only on GT C, GT S and GT R models). The system is capable of anticipating vehicle behaviour and is said to provide the correct amount of assistance to improve stability, agility and overall dynamics, without patronising or nannying the driver.
There are no changes listed to the existing 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged 'hot vee' V8 engine used across the range. That means the base car makes 469bhp and does 0-62mph in four seconds, with the GT S making 515bhp and doing the same sprint in 3.8 sec. The GT C still makes 549bhp and hits 62mph in 3.7 sec, with the range topped out by the 577bhp AMG GT R and GT R Pro - both doing the 0-62mph sprint in 3.6 sec.
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