The Mercedes-AMG GT R is the range-topping version of the AMG GT, a coupe introduced in 2014. The GT R arrived in 2017 with a more aggressive design, a beefed-up engine, and increased performance. It's the most powerful and expensive version of the coupe yet. At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes introduced a track-ready upgrade, called the AMG GT R Pro. Fitted with body parts and drivetrain components inspired by motorsport, the Pro bridges the gap between the road-legal AMG GT R and the race-spec GT3 and GT4 iterations of the sports car. It's not more powerful than the GT R, but it features upgraded chassis and suspension components, it's lighter, and a bit more aerodynamic. It's a worthy rival for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS!

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 577 @ 6250
  • Torque: 520 @ 5500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Exterior

- Based on GT R - New bumper flics - Extended front splitter - Spoiler lip - Extra carbon-fiber - Bespoke wheel paint - Stripe package

But before we have a look at the extra features, I need to go through the mild changes that Mercedes-Benz made to the AMG GT lineup.

First up, the sports car now features LED headlamps that are similar to the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe model. The layout includes a tri-functional, arched light that acts as a daytime running lights, navigation light, and turn signal. The LED taillights were also revised, but there's nothing major to talk about. Changes to the diffuser are minor as well, but the GT R retains the familiar exhaust pipe layout with the large, center-mounted outlet flanked by two more pipes on the left and right of the diffuser.

The sports car also benefits from a new exterior paint called Blue Magno from the four-door model.

Both features are made from clear-coated carbon-fiber and the splitter is held by small metal braces for increased stability at high speeds. Both elements are also a visual homage to GT3 and GT4 racing versions of the AMG GT.

At the rear, there's a clear-coated carbon-fiber aero element at the wheel arch on either side. This feature rises up vertically almost to the level of the taillights and helps reduces front-axle lift without negatively affecting the rear axle. The wing is mounted on milled aluminum brackets borrowed from the GT3 and GT4 racing models.

The GT R Pro also comes standard with Carbon Package I and II, which add front splitter, fender fins, trim strips in the side sills, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and diffuser in clear-coated carbon-fiber. The coupe also features a revised carbon-fiber roof with lowered center section.

The sports car rides on lightweight AMG Performance twin-five-spoke, forged wheels. Although they're not exclusive to this model, they are painted Titanium Gray and feature a rim flange with high-sheen finish that's unique to the "Pro" badge.

The stripes are light green when combined with the Selenite Gray Magno exterior and Dark Gray Matte with other color options. You can also opt for a stripe delete for a more subdued appearance.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Interior

- Identical to GT R - 12.3-inch instrument cluster - 10.25-inch infotainment display - Colored display button on center console - New AMG steering wheel - Leather/Alcantara upholstery - AMG Track Pace app

Mercedes upgraded the AMG GT's interior for 2019, but most changes are mostly about technology. First up, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seen in the four-door coupe model is now standard in the sports car. The big screen is paired with the 10.25 inch infotainment display on the center stack.

The cluster boasts new graphics for the three AMG-specific display styles "Classic," "Sporty," and "Supersport." In the "Supersport" mode, there is also extensive additional information, including a motorsport-specific prompt to shift up while in manual transmission mode.

These control the display and steering of transmission logistics, chassis, ESP, exhaust system, rear spoiler, and start/stop function. Backed by TFT technology, the buttons display intuitive symbols to show their respective functions and are activated with just a small tap of the finger.

The AMG GT also borrows the new AMG steering wheel from the 4-Door Coupe version and the AMG C63. It has a flat bottom, a contoured rim, and Dinamica microfiber on the sides for enhanced grip. Perforated black Nappa leather is also available. Speaking of which, the Pro's cabin is wrapped in black leather and Alcantara, but you can also opt for two-tone upholstery in Silver Pearl and black.

The app records more than 80 vehicle-specific sets of data, including speed and acceleration, ten times per second on the race track and also displays lap and sector times. These are compared to a reference in real time so you can analyze and improve your driving. You can do the same at the end of a track run as the app saves all data. Iconic race tracks like the Nurburgring and Spa Francorchamps are already stored in the app, but you can also record your own.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Drivetrain

- Twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 - Same output as GT R - 577 horsepower - 520 pound-feet of torque - Upgraded suspension - Ceramic-composite brakes - 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds - Quickest Merc on the Nurburgring

Despite its more aggressive exterior and track-oriented nature, the AMG GT R Pro doesn't benefit from extra power and torque. The coupe features the same twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 engine as the regular GT R and it hits the pavement with the same 577 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of twist. A bit disappointing, I know, but at least it's the most powerful iteration of the AMG GT alongside the R model.

There is plenty of good news to run by though. AMG added a few extras compared to the GT R, starting with a revised coil-over suspension that can be tailored for the race track. Just like in full-fledged race cars, you can set the spring preload length mechanically and also adjust the compression and rebound of the dampers via a click system with an integrated adjustment dial. No tools, no mechanics needed.

On top of uniball spherical bearings that the GT R features at the lower wishbones of the rear axle, PRO has similar bearings at the upper wishbones as well. Significantly more wear-resistant than conventional wishbone bearings, they prevent toe-in and camber from changing under high loads, which enhances driving precision.

The re-tuned, electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts further increase agility and deliver high-precision response. The Pro comes with AMG's ceramic-composite braking system standard, which not only improves performance, but also cuts more weight. The brake calipers are finished in black and feature white lettering, a unique design to the AMG GT R Pro.

Mercedes had nothing to say about the car's performance figures, but it's safe to assume it's just as quick as the GT R. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph should take 3.5 seconds, almost a half-second quicker than the base AMG GT model, while top speed should be locked at the same 198-mph rating as the regular AMG GT R.

However, the upgrades make the Pro model much quicker around the race track. Mercedes-AMG has already taken it to the Nurburgring, where it lapped the Nordschleife in 7:04.632 minutes. That's six seconds quicker than the AMG GT R and makes the Pro the quickest road-legal Mercedes vehicle around the iconic German track.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Specifications

Mercedes-AMG GT (figures for Roadster in brackets)

Mercedes-AMG GT S (figures for Roadster in brackets)

Mercedes-AMG GT C (values for Roadster in parentheses)

Mercedes-AMG GT R Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO

Displacement

3982 cc

3982 cc

3982 cc

3982 cc

Output

350 kW (469 hp) at 6000 rpm

384 kW (515 hp) at 6250 rpm

410 kW (549 hp) at 5750-6750 rpm

430 kW (577 hp) at 6250 rpm

Peak torque

630 Nm at 1900-5000 rpm

670 Nm at 1900-5000 rpm

680 Nm at 2100-5500 rpm

700 Nm at 2100-5500 rpm

Fuel consumption, combined

11.4 l/100 km (11.5 l/100 km)

11.5 l/100 km (11.5 l/100 km)

12.4 l/100 km (12.5 l/100 km)

12.4 l/100 km

CO2 emissions, combined

261 g/km (262 g/km)

262 g/km (262 g/km)

284 g/km (284 g/km)

284 g/km

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.0 s (4.0 s)

3.8 s (3.8 s)

3.7 s (3.7 s)

3.6 s

Top speed

304 km/h (302 km/h)

310 km/h (308 km/h)

317 km/h (316 km/h)

318 km/h


2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Pricing

Mercedes-AMG has yet to reveal pricing for the new Pro, but it's safe to assume that it will cost more than the GT R. The latter starts from $157,000 in the U.S., so expect to pay at least $170,000 for the Pro version. In Germany, the sports car could fetch around €180,000 before options.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Competition

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The AMG GT R was already a solid competitor for the 911 GT3 and the Pro package brings it even closer to Porsche's iconic track-ready coupe. Technically, the two sports cars are very different, mostly because the 911 has a rear-engined layout. Also, while the Merc features a turbocharged V-8, the GT3 packs a naturally aspirated flat-six under the hood. The RS model comes with 520 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of tap and even though it's not as powerful as the AMG GT R Pro, it's notably quicker to 60 mph, needing only three seconds to hit the benchmark. Its top speed is inferior to the Merc's though at 194 mph. The GT3 RS is also eight seconds quicker than the AMG GT R Pro on the Nurburgring. A PDK transmission provides the quickest shifts on the market, but some high-end features, like carbon-ceramic brakes, aren't included as standard. The 911 GT3 RS is a tad more expensive than the AMG GT R Pro at $187,500 before options, but the car is no longer available. And with Porsche having unleashed a new generation 911 in December 2018, you'll have to wait for a new GT3 to get your fix. The next-gen version might not feature a naturally aspirated engine though.

Read our full review of the outgoing Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Final Thoughts

If you were expecting a Black Series version of the Mercedes-AMG GT, it's about time you stopped getting your hopes up. The GT R Pro might just be the most track-capable version of the two-door coupe. Sure, it's a bit disappointing that it doesn't pack any extra punch over the GT R, but at least it comes with some race-inspired features, a retuned chassis, and it's notably quicker around the Nurburgring. A road-legal version of the GT3 race car if you will.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes AMG GT R Roadster.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.