The Merc-AMG GT R just got angrier

What new 911? Mercedes refreshes its sports car and adds a GT3 RS rival

For those who reckon the regular GT R isn’t quite tough enough, you’re mad, but also this one’s for you – the new range-topping Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro.

While it uses the same 577bhp twin-turbo V8 as the GT R, there are standard carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight forged wheels and redesigned aero, much of its addenda crafted from carbon fibre. There’s even a carbon roof.

Note the dive planes integrated into the front splitter, the rear spoiler’s new Gurney flap and the freshly louvred front wheelarches, à la Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Indeed, it’s easiest to think of the Pro as a GT3 RS rival, where the regular GT R battles the standard GT3.

New coilover suspension can be adjusted every which way by clicking its dials (no toolkit needed) and then there’s the GT R Pro’s optional Track Package, which brings a roll cage, four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher. It’s at this point we should mention the inevitable Nordschleife time: 7m 4.632s. That means it’s around six seconds quicker than a regular GT R, though still eight seconds off a GT3 RS.

The GT R Pro arrives at the same time as a facelift for the rest of the GT range. Power upgrades from its last update remain – meaning it ranges from 469bhp for an entry-level GT to 577bhp for the GT R, via a 515bhp GT S and 549bhp GT C. Interior changes come from the recently launched AMG GT 4-Door, with a fully digital display twinning a 12in instrument cluster with a 10in central media screen. A new steering wheel gets extra Alcantara and ‘galvanised gearshift paddles’, which ought to bring sharper response, and holds yet more tiny TFT goodness in the drive controller dial to the bottom right of centre.

Fancier lights, tweaked tailpipes and new alloy wheel choices tick off the usual facelift areas, and there are additional colours and the option of a two-tone leather interior for the first time.