© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Conspicuous Evolution
It’s been four years since Mercedes-AMG introduced the very sexy AMG GT, and the car still looks great today. Since Mercedes is not content to let this car continue as is, at this year’s L.A. Auto Show the German automaker introduces some updates and improvements to this already impressive automobile, bringing it more in line with the all-new AMG GT 4-Door introduced last year.
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Like the AMG GT 4-Door
“The AMG GT embodies the core of our brand, “Driving Performance,” in a unique way. At its debut four years ago, it not only turned the heads of customers and sports car enthusiasts, but also created new dimensions in the competitive environment. In order to continue this success story, we have now equipped it with numerous innovations from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe,” said Tobias Moers, chairman of the management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
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Updated Look
At first glance the GT Coupe and Roadster don’t look very different, but make no mistake — changes have been made. The LED high-performance headlights now feature an arched light that functions as daytime running lights as well as turn signals.
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At the Rear
The AMG GT and GT C get an updated rear bumper with a contrasting black diffuser insert. Adding to the sporty look are updated LED taillights that appear even deeper set within a dark background. Tailpipes have also been updated — The AMG GT now has twin round outlets, while the AMG GT C has trapezoidal-shaped twin tail pipes.
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Digital Dash
Inside, the AMG GT adopts the 4-Door’s digital dashboard with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster along with a 10.25-inch center display. Three distinct AMG-specific display styles are available for the instruments — “Classic,” “Sporty” or “Supersport.”
New Steering Wheel
The latest AMG steering wheel can now be found in the AMG GT with its flat bottom section
and heavily contoured rim. The steering wheel is trimmed in black Nappa leather with perforations at the sides to for optimum grip.
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V8 Power
The AMG GT gets an AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 469 horsepower, while the AMG GT C upgrades to 550 horsepower. Both models can sprint to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds with a top speed for the GT C reaching 196 mph.
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AMG GT R Pro
Mercedes-AMG also revealed the latest version of its street-legal race car in Los Angeles — the AMG GT R. Taking lessons learned from the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 race cars, the newest GT R Pro gets improvements in suspension, aerodynamics, construction and appearance.
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Suspension
The GT R Pro gets a new AMG coil-over suspension designed to be set up specifically for different racetracks. The driver is able to set up the spring preload length mechanically, as well as adjust the compression and rebound of the dampers. The compression rate is adjusted separately for high-speed and low-speed movements, which allows the driver to affect body dive and roll as well as traction.
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Lightweight
The AMG GT R Pro is already lightweight through its use of multiple carbon fiber components. Now further weight savings is achieved via ceramic composite high-performance braking system standard. The lightweight AMG Performance Twin 5-spoke forged wheels bring the weight down further. As if it doesn’t already stand out from the crowd, the AMG GT R’s brake calipers are painted black with white lettering, which work well with the titanium-gray wheels.
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Better Aero
Aerodynamics have been fine tuned for the AMG GT R Pro to further improve performance. The front apron has been redesigned and is fitted with two flics at the sides made of clear-coated carbon fiber. The front splitter is extended forward with small metal braces to stabilize at higher speeds. There are also air slots in the front fenders to keep air flowing through the wheel arches, reducing front-axle lift.
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Updated Spoiler
At the rear, the spoiler is fitted with a lip that increases downforce at the rear axle. The spoiler now sits on milled aluminum brackets, similar to those found on racing cars.
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Race Car Looks
The GT R Pro has the looks to go with its impressive performance. Clear-coated carbon fiber is used for the front splitter, fins in the fenders, trim strips in the side sills, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and diffuser. The redesigned carbon fiber roof now features a lowered center.
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Extreme Performance
Powering the AMG GT R Pro is a more powerful version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 577 horsepower. With all the advance aero and lightweight construction, the extreme AMG GT can reach 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph.
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Fast at the ‘Ring
Although this is a first official look at the AMG GT R Pro, the car has already logged some miles at the famed Nürburgring track in Germany. With AMG GT3 racing driver Maro Engel behind the wheel, the GT R Pro completed a lap in 7.04.632 — considerably quicker than the previous version of the AMG GT R.
