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With these Mercedes-AMG GT R suspension upgrades, your car will understeer less, generate more mid-corner grip, and put down its power more effectively on track. Braking stability and steering feedback will also be greatly improved.
In this article we’ll detail the GT R’s handling weaknesses and reveal which suspension upgrades fix them.
Model Overview
Debuting in 2016, the Mercedes-AMG GT R is equipped with a phenomenal, 585hp V8 biturbo engine linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This hardcore GT model also boasts rear axle steering, active aerodynamics and coilover suspension with adaptive damping.
Rounding out AMG's Nürburgring-nuking coupe is double-wishbone suspension front and rear, a wider road stance than the GT S, and staggered 19-/20-inch front and rear footwear wrapped in 275/35ZR19 and 325ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres respectively.
AMG GT R Handling Issues
The GT R sits towards the more track-focused end of the GT range, however significant untapped potential remains in its chassis. This is because the factory suspension settings are fundamentally conservative to ensure the GT R accommodates a broad range of driving abilities.
Common complaints:
- Steering is sharp but low on feedback
- Mid-corner understeer
- Ride is arguably too stiff for the road
- Soft rubber bushes affect precision
The good news is handling can be dramatically improved with bolt-on upgrades from Suspension Secrets.
Common Handling Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Push hard in the AMG GT R and a few cracks will appear in its armoury. But there is an awesome track machine waiting to be unleashed. Here's how...
The most effective fixes are:
1. Increase front camber to reduce understeer
2. Replace soft rubber bushes to reduce flexing
3. Install more sophisticated dampers to enhance control and ride quality
4. Correct suspension geometry with a professional alignment
Together, these updates completely transform how the GT R responds to steering, braking and throttle inputs. After these upgrades, the GT R will feel even be capable on circuit and set even faster lap times.
Suspension Geometry & Alignment Setup (Top Tip)
A full suspension geometry alignment is essential after installing new suspension parts.
By correctly adjusting camber, toe, and caster (where available), alignment ensures you maximise grip, stability, and tyre life.
Benefits of Professional GT R Geometry Setup
- Sharper steering response
- Increased cornering grip
- Improved rear traction
- Enhanced braking stability
A professional alignment is the single most cost-effective handling upgrade you can make.
Essential Suspension Upgrades for the AMG GT R
These are the best suspension upgrades for the AMG GT R, offering the greatest performance gains per pound, enhancing engagement and driver enjoyment.
Camber Shim Kit
The AMG GT R suspension setup does not offer enough front camber adjustment as standard. This is why you need camber shims.
GT R Camber Shims Benefits
- Increased negative camber on the front axle
- Improved mid-corner and corner-exit traction
- Increased cornering speeds
- Added transitional stability
- Greatly improved tyre wear
Camber shims are easy to install on the GT R - they slot in between the lower suspension wishbone and the chassis. This pushes the wishbone further outwards, which increases negative camber.
Complete Wishbone Monoball Kit
Despite the GT R's billing as a track focused road car, Mercedes-AMG equipped the suspension wishbones with soft rubber bushes. These bushes flex during high speed cornering, particularly on track, which changes the suspension geometry and causes unpredictable handling. Grip levels are also affected by this flexing issue, resulting in slower lap times.
To solve this problem we developed a 10-piece solid monoball kit. These billet aluminium bushes are a direct replacement for the OEM rubber parts and instantly improve handling performance.
Solid Monoballs Key Features:
- GT R Pro/Black Series level chassis rigidity
- Improves cornering grip and stability
- Makes the chassis feel more responsive
For keen drivers who regularly use their GT R on track, our solid monoballs will deliver a new level of handling precision, increasing your confidence in the car at high speeds.
3-Way Adjustable Coilovers
KW V4 Coilovers for the AMG GT R feature low- and high-speed bump adjustment, plus rebound adjustment. These three-way adjustable coilovers allow you to control grip level, chassis balance, comfort level and stability - independently of each other. This is why they're used in professional motorsport.
How 3-way Coilovers Work
Rebound: How fast the suspension extends after compression
Low-speed compression: Affects handling balance
High-speed compression: Affects ride quality and grip over bumps
Aftermarket coilovers also allow you to adjust front and rear ride heights. Once professionally set up, coilovers help the tyres maintain more consistent contact with the road, improving handling performance.
4-Way Adjustable Coilovers
Although the AMG GT R has perfectly adequate suspension for many owners who mainly drive on the road and sometimes visit the track, this setup doesn't satisfy keen trackday enthusiasts when it comes to body control, bump absorption and chassis response.
The perfect answer for these hardcore drivers is KW V5 Clubsport Coilovers, which offer motorsport-level control over car behaviour.
How 4-way Coilovers Work:
- Low-speed compression - affects body roll and chassis response to steering/brake inputs
- Low-speed rebound - affects how the car settles after load transfer
- High-speed compression - helps the car remain stable over bumps/kerbs
- High-speed rebound - supports control over rapid suspension motion at high speed
The KW V5 Clubsport system is designed to handle even greater cornering loads than the stock GT R setup. This capability is invaluable if you are looking to run semi-slick or slick tyres, and increase aerodynamic performance.
AMG GT R Suspension FAQs
Why does the AMG GT R understeer on track?
The Mercedes-AMG GT R is factory set up conservatively to remain road-friendly. Limited front camber and compliant rubber bushes allow geometry changes under load, which can lead to mid-corner understeer when pushing hard on circuit.
What is the most effective upgrade to reduce understeer?
Increasing negative camber (via camber shims) is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce understeer. More front camber improves front-end grip, helping the car turn in sharper and maintain stronger mid-corner traction.
Do monoball bushes really make a difference?
Yes. Replacing the soft OEM rubber bushes with solid monoballs dramatically reduces suspension flex. This improves steering precision, braking stability, and overall chassis feedback - especially during high-speed cornering.
Are aftermarket coilovers worth it on the GT R?
For enthusiastic drivers and regular track users, absolutely. 3-way or 4-way adjustable coilovers provide far greater control over damping, body movement, and grip levels. They allow you to fine-tune chassis balance, improve traction, and maintain better tyre contact with the road.
Is a professional alignment really necessary after suspension upgrades?
Yes - it’s essential. A professional suspension geometry setup ensures camber, toe, and caster are optimised for performance. Without proper alignment, you won’t unlock the full benefits of your upgrades and may compromise grip, stability, and tyre life.