Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro top-dog confirmed for Australia

Rejoice! AMG’s most hard-core variant, the Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro is headed to Australia despite being ruled out for our market previously.

Confirmed by Mercedes-Benz’s local arm, just 15 units of AMG’s most focused variant will be offered locally with a price tag of $453,200 before on-road costs. That’s $84,500 dearer than the next most expensive GT model, the $368,700 GT R.

Globally, only 750 units of the GT R Pro will be produced, all packing the same 430kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the GT R, but with a host of track-focused additions concentrated on three key areas: chassis, weight and aerodynamics.

So, what does the extra outlay buy?

There is a new coil-over suspension set-up with manually adjustable dampers at each corner with variable compression and rebound rates, along with variable spring pre-load length. Mercedes says the suspension can be adjusted via a ‘click system’ on the damper without the need for special tools.

There is also new anti-roll bars made from carbon fibre up front and hollow steel at the rear to increase stiffness and reduce weight, as well as spherical bearings on the lower and upper rear wishbones.

Elsewhere, the GT R Pro comes standard with electronically controlled dynamic engine mounts, ceramic brakes, along with lighter forged 20-inch alloy wheels. All in, the GT R Pro is 25kg leaner than the GT R on which it is based.

To improve aerodynamics further, the Pro features new active aero, along with a more aggressive front splitter and upgraded rear diffuser. Its rear wing is also made from milled aluminium and comes with a small but all-important Gurney flap. All the changes is said to bring an extra 99kg of downforce at 250km/h.

The Pro comes standard with AMG’s ‘Track Pack’ which is optional on lesser models. It brings a steel roll cage, seat braces, four-point safety harness for both occupants.

AMG claims the GT R Pro is good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.6 second. It is also 6.0 seconds quicker around the Nordschleife than the GT R.