Mercedes-AMG Unveils Next-Level GT R at 2018 L.A. Auto Show
The Mercedes-AMG GT R is the German automaker’s line-topping model, and an improved version of the flagship sports car was recently unveiled at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show. Presented in a motorsport-inspired livery and dubbed the ‘GT R Pro’, this new iteration is a limited-production, more track-focused variant of the aforementioned.
Most trackday junkies will appreciate that the differences are obvious at a quick glance, with the GT R Pro benefiting from significant changes which alter the original car’s silhouette. Up front, the GT R Pro is now sporting a massive front splitter and front bumper canards, while fender vents, a new rear wing and diffuser, and carbon fiber wheels assert the car’s purpose of existing.
The new GT R Pro is more than just a fancy (yet functional) bodykit and is also the beneficiary of upgrades that aren’t as easily seen, such as redesigned mechanically adjustable coilovers, carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon fiber torsion bar, and dynamic engine and transmission mounts. The GT R Pro continues to employ the same powertrain used in the standard car – a 4.0L V8 twin-turbocharged engine which produces 577-horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, good for 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.
Mercedes-AMG says that all of the changes made for the GTR Pro are functional, and they’re a step ahead putting in good word to that claim, having already taken the prototype around the Nurburgring Nordschleife and managing an impressive lap time of 7:04.63 in spite of less than ideal weather conditions. This is 6 seconds faster than the ‘normal’ GT R, which set a 7:10.92 lap at the Green Hell back in 2016.
While there is no word yet on final production numbers, the new 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro looks to be calling out the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 720S; we expect that pricing is likely to reflect this, when more details on a release date are revealed early next year.
