2019 Mercedes AMG GT R Pro heralds facelifted GT: LA Auto Show 2018

Affalterbach has waved the facelift wand over its GT range, and in the process delivered a new member – the track-focused 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro.

The car which AMG’s chairman Tobias Moers calls “the core of the brand” has been bestowed with the new-gen interior featuring a new instrument cluster and more customisable controls, as well as AMG’s clever TFT control buttons on the steering wheel, which itself is also new.

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But the GT R Pro is the biggest source of excitement for those who enjoy a focused sports car, with Mercedes’ go-fast division adding to and altering its list of features to build a more track-ready car.

While it shares its 430kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and other figures such as straight-line performance numbers with the ‘standard’ GT R, the Pro has been fettled to feature better aero, a sharper chassis, and optimised weight.

A new coil-over suspension setup features adjustment dial on each damper so the driver can set compression rates and other variables to perfectly reflect their driving style and the track they’re conquering.

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Lighter carbon and hollow tube steel torsion bars, at the front and rear respectively, as well as the addition of spherical bearings for the rear axle’s upper wishbone create a stiffer setup and allow more accurate control in cornering.

A rollover protection system, 4-point safety harnesses and a 2-kg fire extinguisher also come thanks to the Track Package which is standard for the Pro, but optional elsewhere in the GT family.

Ceramic compound brakes, 5-double-spoke forged wheels, and AMG performance seats are claimed to reduce weight, while a new active aero setup keeps the GT R Pro grounded.

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A new front bar now features prominent GT3-inspired ‘flics’ at each side, while the front wing has louvres AMG has included to reduce front lift.

The rear milled aluminium bracket-mounted aerofoil – or wing – also features a Gurney flap to balance the downforce at the rear.

To test the effectiveness of its upgrade, AMG hit the Nürburgring with its GT R Pro, and recorded a 7.04.632 lap time. Australian pricing and availability for the facelifted GT range and the GT R Pro is yet to be confirmed.