2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Debuts in L.A.

Though it’s not the 600-plus-hp Black Series we were hoping for, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro is the most potent variant of AMG’s sports car to date. Debuting at the L.A. auto show, the GT R Pro was developed using experience gained from racing the AMG GT3 and GT4, and as a result lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes, 4.632 seconds—4 seconds quicker than the standard GT R.

The GT R Pro achieved that without power upgrades, as the car still packs the standard GT R’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that makes 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Instead, AMG tweaked the GT R’s suspension, improved its aerodynamics, and removed weight using new wheels and carbon-fiber parts.

The GT R Pro gets a new coil-over suspension setup with adjustable spring preload length and damper compression and rebound. The car also receives an adjustable carbon-fiber front torsion bar, which works in concert with a steel torsion bar in the rear to reduce body roll. The GT R Pro uses the same spherical bearings in its rear lower control arms as the regular GT R but also benefits from spherical bearings in the upper arms.

In addition to being more wear-resistant, the special bearings offer more control as they keep the wheel alignment true even when under load. A carbon-fiber shear panel stiffens the rear end while the electronically controlled engine and transmission mounts (also found on other GT models) have been retuned to provide even more stiffness.

Most of the weight savings appear to come from the GT R Pro’s lightweight AMG Performance split-five-spoke forged wheels, which come finished in titanium gray. There’s also a carbon-fiber roof and a ceramic composite brake system that each save a bit of weight. Additionally, GT R Pro models get brake calipers painted in black with white lettering.

The GT R Pro comes standard with Carbon Packages I and II, which include a front splitter, fender fins, a rear diffuser, side sills, mirrors, and rear spoiler all made of clear-coated carbon fiber. On top of all that, AMG added carbon-fiber flics on the front bumper that are said to stabilize the car at high speeds. Speaking of speed, the AMG GT R Pro tops out at 198 mph and is estimated to sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That’s the same as the regular GT R, which means you can expect a time closer to the 3.4 seconds we recorded in testing.

Mercedes says the GT R Pro will be a limited edition, though it doesn’t say how many it will build. The model is expected to go on sale late next year.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

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