Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show

Within the entire updated AMG GT range showcased at the ongoing LA Auto Show this year, the new GT R Pro becomes the centre of attention as it is a more hardcore version of the manic GT R and by far, the most extreme and track-focussed AMG sports car from the German marque.

Affalterbach's top athlete, the AMG GT, has been further honed and with the addition of the new and limited-edition GT R Pro, the AMG GT line-up has become even more fierce. While the updated two-door AMG coupes and roadsters get additional features and tech, like the AMG Dynamics package, AMG Performance steering wheel and a touch button-based centre console taken from the AMG GT four-door coupe, the GT R Pro has been given more of fine-tuning and precision upgrades like lighter body components and a bit more tinkering with the aerodynamics.

The top-of-the-range GT R Pro has been given an all-new AMG coil-over suspension setup. With this new setup, individual settings like spring compression and damper rebound can now be adjusted by the driver via a click-based system, without the use of any special tools. The body dive and roll too can be adjusted differently based on fast and slow compression movements. Further upgrade to the car's precision handling comes in the form of uniball spherical bearings making their way to the upper wishbones of the rear axle. AMG engineers say that these are more significantly wear-resistant than conventional wishbone bearings. The AMG GT R already made use of these in its lower wishbones.

To add more ride stability, folks at AMG have retuned the electronically-controlled engine and transmission mounts for the GT R Pro and have also added a carbon-fibre shear panel on the rear underbody to increase body shell rigidity. The AMG GT R Pro will also come fitted with a 'Track Package' as standard, which comprises of a roll-over protection system, enclosed four-point safety harnesses and a 2kg fire extinguisher.

Besides having a higher power output of 577bhp (as compared to the 550bhp from the AMG GT C), the GT R Pro has also undergone quite a bit of weight shedding. Weight is saved by using standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes and five-double-spoke forged AMG Performance wheels. To add more to the aerodynamic capability of this track thoroughbred, the body of the GT R Pro also features Carbon Package I as standard fitment, which adds a front splitter, fins in the wings, trim strips in the side sills and a diffuser with high-quality clear-coated carbon-fibre finish.

In the hands of GT3 racing driver Maro Engel, the GT R Pro completed a circuit of the Nürburgring North Loop in 07:04.632 minutes, which, according to the AMG folks, is a considerable improvement on the pervious lap time set by the AMG GT R.