Mercedes-AMG Finally Has A Porsche 911 GT3 Rival

Say hello to the newest sports car from Affalterbach, officially named the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+. This could be the sweet spot in the lineup, but if you’re struggling to keep up with the AMG GT range, we don’t blame you. Along with the V8-powered AMG GT 63 and GT 55, Mercedes quickly decided to add a four-cylinder model in the form of the AMG GT 43. A month after that came out, Mercedes revealed the obscene GT 63 S E Performance, which combines the GT 63’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a PHEV system to generate 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. It seems that Mercedes is taking the rivalry with the Porsche 911 very seriously, because just like that car, yet another variant is just around the corner. This is arguably as close as we’ll get to a 911 GT3 rival, albeit not quite as focused. 2+2 seating remaining available is a fine example, but let’s look at the mechanical upgrades.

The Most Powerful Non-Hybrid AMG GT

Mercedes has retuned the 4.0-liter AMG twin-turbo V8 to deliver 26 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque more than the regular GT 63, resulting in totals of 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Affalterbach says this shows the greatest gains at high speeds and claims a 0.5-second reduction in the sprint from 0-124 mph, now at 10.9 seconds. 0-60 mph takes the same 3.1 seconds or so that it does in the non-Pro version. Top speed is a single digit higher at 197 mph, but these are the least of the upgrades. More important are the changes you can’t fully see.

Two new radiators in the front wheel arches improve engine cooling. Similarly, the front and rear differential radiators and the 4Matic+ AWD system’s transfer case are now actively cooled. The brakes should also last longer, thanks to new geometry for cooling vanes under the body and revised brake cover plates. The brakes themselves are carbon ceramic items as standard with six-piston calipers biting down on 16.5-inch discs – the largest currently available on any AMG. The backs of these discs are made from titanium to reduce unsprung weight.

Advanced Aerodynamics

You may have noticed that the front end is a little more extreme than that of the range’s most powerful S E Performance variant and that car’s preview, the Concept E Performance. The larger side intakes in the front fascia work with additional carbon fiber deflectors, a standard active underbody “AIRPANEL,” and the also-standard fitment of the AMG Aerodynamics Package with its fixed rear wing. Together with additional air deflectors on the underbody “similar to those on the Mercedes-AMG ONE.” These are fitted at axle height and accelerate airflow beneath the sports car. Altogether, these components contribute to a reduction in front axle aerodynamic lift of more than 66 lbs while increasing rear downforce by some 33 lbs.

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Also noteworthy is that the AMG GT 63 Pro comes with forged 21-inch wheels in an exclusive Himalaya Grey Matte finish. These are wrapped in affordable-to-replace Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rubber measuring 295/30 at the front and 305/30 at the rear, but if you want the most aggressive rubber on your split-spoke wheels, hardcore Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber can be optioned at no cost. Other niceties include black paint for the calipers, AMG Performance seats, and an AMG Performance steering wheel finished in a combination of Nappa leather and microfiber. Mercedes has not revealed pricing, options, or – and this is important – weight figures, but we know that the sports car lands at US dealerships sometime next year.