At its début four years ago, the AMG GT confidently sought out competition on the world-wide sports car scene – and conquered a large part of the market. The top athlete from Affalterbach now comes to the starting line honed further and with the new limited edition AMG GT R PRO.
In addition to exterior updates, the two-door AMG GT Coupés and Roadsters will be fitted with the AMG DYNAMICS integrated driving dynamics control system for added agility, the new AMG Performance steering wheel, the centre console with innovative display buttons from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé and a fully digital instrument display with exclusive AMG “Superport” display style on the instrument cluster.
Closer to motor racing than ever before: the new AMG GT R PRO
The new limited-edition top-of-the-range model AMG GT R PRO is characterised by yet further improved driving dynamics, in particular on the racetrack. The experience from the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars entered into the development. The measures from motorsport can be clustered in four areas: suspension, lightweight construction, aerodynamics and looks.
Suspension: the optimal set-up
The new AMG coil-over suspension offers even more choices for tailoring the set-up to the particular circuit. As in professional motorsport, the driver is not only able to set the spring preload length mechanically, but can now also adjust the compression and rebound of the dampers. This is done quickly and precisely without tools via a click system with an integral adjustment dial on the damper.
The compression rate is adjusted separately for high-speed and low-speed movements. This means that the settings can be dialled-in for slow and fast compression movements as is common practice in motorsport. This allows influencing the body dive and roll as the well as the traction of the AMG GT R PRO even more selectively.
The front axle is fitted with an adjustable torsion bar made of lightweight carbon fibre. Its counterpart at the rear is made of steel, is likewise adjustable and also saves weight due to its hollow tube design.
The AMG GT R is already fitted with Uniball spherical bearings at the lower wishbones of the rear axle. The AMG GT R PRO now gets these bearings also for the upper wishbones. They are significantly more wear-resistant than conventional wishbone bearings and due to their design have no play, which means toe-in and camber do not change even under high loads. As a result, the AMG GT R PRO can be driven with even more precision.
The carbon-fibre shear panel in the underbody of the rear end also contributes to the high handling precision. This lightweight and rigid element stiffens the rear-end structure and as a result adds even more stability to the body shell.
The electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts were also retuned to further increase the agility and deliver high-precision response and clear feedback.
The standard delivery scope of the AMG GT R PRO also includes the Track Package (not for USA, Canada and China). It comprises a roll-over protection system, enclosed 4-point safety harnesses for driver and front passenger, and a 2-kg fire extinguisher (both scopes exclusively for use on the racetrack). The bolted steel roll cage of the roll-over protection system consists of a main roll bar, a brace for mounting the harnesses, two rear braces as well as a diagonal X-brace in the rear end. The system further increases the already excellent vehicle rigidity and thus also has a positive influence on the vehicle’s driving dynamics. In the USA, Canada and China, the AMG GT R PRO is fitted with matte carbon-fibre trim elements and the boot brace in place of the Track Package.
Lightweight construction: carbon-fibre components and new forged wheels
In addition to a host of carbon-fibre components, weight is saved by the standard-fit ceramic high-performance compound braking system exclusively with black painted brake callipers as well as by the AMG bucket seats made of clear-coated carbon fibre (not for USA, Canada and China). In the USA, Canada and China, the AMG GT R PRO is equipped with AMG Performance seats as standard. The lightweight AMG Performance 5-double-spoke forged wheels are exclusively painted titanium grey and feature a rim flange with high-sheen finish.
Aerodynamics: redesigned front apron with additional flics
The aerodynamic fine-tuning increases the overall performance of the AMG GT R PRO as well. The redesigned front apron was fitted with two flics at the sides made of clear-coated carbon fibre. The lower flics transition virtually seamlessly into the front splitter, which was extended further forward and is held by small metal braces – they stabilise the front splitter at higher speeds. In addition, they are another visual homage to the role models from motorsport.
The louvres (air slots) in the front wings effectively vent the wheel arches and consequently contribute to reducing front-axle lift. At the rear, a clear-coated carbon-fibre aero element at the wheel arch on either side rises up vertically almost to the level of the tail lamps. The interplay of all these measures significantly reduces front-axle lift without negatively impacting the aerodynamic conditions at the rear axle.
The active aerodynamics profile in the underbody, the AIRPANEL active air regulation system in the front apron and the large aerofoil on the hatch, all known from the AMG GT R, are part of the standard specification. In addition, the rear aerofoil is fitted with a spoiler lip (gurney), which increases downforce at the rear axle, and now sits on milled aluminium brackets that underscore the proximity to motor racing.
Motor racing looks: Carbon Package, new carbon-fibre roof, car wrap
The AMG GT R PRO does not only drive like a racing car, it also looks the part. The standard-fit Carbon Package I with front splitter, fins in the wings, trim strips in the side sills and a diffuser with high-quality clear-coated carbon-fibre finish emphasise the proximity to motorsport, as does the redesigned carbon-fibre roof with lowered centre.
The special status is also underscored by the car wrap with racing stripes running over the bonnet, roof and hatch as well as along the sides of the vehicle. This car wrap is light green exclusively in combination with the selenite grey paint finish. For all other colour variants, the stripes come in dark-grey matt. Optionally, the car wrap can also be omitted completely.
Even before the world premiere, the new AMG GT R PRO has impressively demonstrated its performance potential on the racetrack: In early November, AMG brand ambassador and AMG GT3 racing driver Maro Engel completed a circuit of the Nürburgring North Loop in exactly 7.04.632 minutes driving a still disguised AMG GT R PRO. This considerably bettered the previous time for the AMG GT R – and at an autumnal ambient temperature of 12 degrees, it demonstrated the great potential of the current AMG flagship model.
The lap was measured precisely by the independent experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary confirmed the lap time, and that the vehicle’s condition was in accordance with regulations.
The Nürburgring ride can be seen on a video here: https://youtu.be/1LlXeAR3ntw
