Photos by Jil McIntosh
After four years, Mercedes-AMG has decided that the GT supercar is due for a refresh. So for model year 2020, it gets new infotainment with new AMG-specific modes, data logging, some styling changes, and a new adjustable suspension. There’s also a new and more-focussed AMG GT R Pro model that’s ready for the circuit.
Since this is a sports car, we’ll start with the grip. Mercedes-AMG has changed up the grip in a couple of ways. The first is the new AMG performance steering wheel that debuted in the AMG GT 4-Door. It comes standard with black Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre. Carbon fibre and piano black trim are available. New integrated touch-control buttons let the driver control the digital dash and other functions with the swipe of a thumb.
The Mercedes performance brand has added new AMG Dynamics modes to the drive select program. They change the stability control system to add more precise power distribution at the rear wheels and also change the steering characteristics. AMG says the new modes offer improved lateral acceleration, better traction, and improved reactions to load changes. Like sudden transitions.
The new modes are Basic, for slippery conditions or comfort; Advanced for neutral handling; Pro, which is part of Sport+; and AMG says further enhances agility. Then finally there is Master, which is only on GT C and GT R, and is aimed as being a track-only mode. It tightens up the variable ratio steering to make it ultra-quick.
On the outside, the GT gets new LED headlights that take their look from the GT 4-Door. A multi-chamber reflector alters the configuration of the headlight’s internals for high- and low-beam lights. There’s a new black rear diffuser insert and a new tailpipe exit. The GT R gets an extra pair of pipes.
Inside, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard. That pairs with a 10.25-inch display on the console for the infotainment system. There are three digital themes, including a Supersport mode that adds AMG-specific info like an upshift light. There’s also new animation for functions like driving assistance and the communications system. AMG has also added new colour display buttons to the centre console. They handle the gearbox, ESP, exhaust volume, spoilers, and Eco modes.
A new AMG Track Pace telemetry system works like a virtual race engineer. It tracks more than 80 pieces of car data like speed and acceleration and records them ten times a second. It records your lap and then shows you where you’re slower or faster than the best times.
The new AMG GT R Pro is modified to be at home on the track.
It starts with an AMG coil-over suspension that lets drivers change more things in the suspension then most will know what to do with. Maybe that’s where the Pro in the name comes from. Let a good race shop at the GT and they’ll find adjustable spring preload. There’s also compression and rebound adjustment for the dampers that lets the driver dial in high- and low-speed damping changes. The front axle uses an adjustable carbon torsion bar, with a steel bar at the rear.
A track package available elsewhere in the world adds a roll cage, four-point harnesses, and a fire extinguisher, but Canada (and the US) get matte-carbon trim and a trunk brace instead. There’s also a carbon panel in the rear underbody that stiffens the car’s structure.
The new front apron gets carbon-fibre flics to help stabilize the car at speeds. New louvres in the front fenders reduce lift on the front axle, and a new carbon piece on the rear wheel arch reduces lift at the rear. The rear wing gets a new Gurney flap that also adds downforce to the back.
The refreshed 2020 AMG GT C will roll into dealers in early spring, while the GT R Pro is slated to arrive closer to early summer.
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