AMG creates GT track special
Overhauled Mercedes-amg GT line-up is topped by a motorsport-inspired GT R Pro
Mercedes-amg has responded to the challenge of the recently facelifted Audi R8 and new-generation Porsche 911 with an updated version of its GT. Alongside improvements to the standard range, a new motor sport inspired special edition has also been added.
The biggest news is the new, limited-run GT R Pro, which sits at the top of the line-up. Taking visual cues and technology from the brand’s GT3 and GT4 racing models, the GT R Pro benefits from a motor sport inspired suspension set-up, improved aerodynamics and racy visual additions.
The standard GT R’s coilover suspension is modified in the Pro model to allow mechanical adjustment of the compression and rebound of the dampers. A new adjustable carbonfibre torsion bar has been added to the front axle, too. A carbonfibre shear panel reduces weight and stiffens the rear-end structure further. Retuned dynamic engine and transmission mounts also feature.
Certain markets include a Track package with the GT R Pro. This consists of a steel cage roll-over protection system, four-point safety harnesses for both front seats, and a fire extinguisher. Mercedes claims the rollover system, with its multiple steel bracing points, further increases structural stiffness.
External aerodynamic improvements include an extended front splitter with carbonfibre ‘flick-ups’, 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 on show in Los Angeles featured 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.
The most visible changes to the rest of the AMG GT range are on the inside. Inspiration has been taken from the recently launched GT 4-door Coupé, with a new configurable 12.3in digital instrument display replacing analogue dials. The multimedia display has also been redesigned, with a new 10.25in screen.
A new steering wheel brings with it touchcapacitive 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.
New technology includes an AMG Track Pace data logger, described as a “virtual race engineer”, which can record more than 80 vehicle-specific data sets 10 times per second when driving on a track.
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 GT hasn’t been 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 last of those on GT C, GT S and GT R models only).
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.
There are no changes to the existing 4.0-litre twinturbocharged ‘hot vee’ V8 engine used across the range.