Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and in good spirit, its sporting GT family of sports cars has been updated and expanded to include the new GT C Coupe.

We recently travelled to Portugal to drive the new Mercedes-AMG GT Rand if you haven’t read our first drive report yet, do yourself a favour! The GT R is an insanely capable sports car, the best some might say, and it will arrive in South Africa later this year. Mercedes-AMG has now updated and extended its family of GT sports cars, now featuring 6 models, in celebration of the Mercedes-AMG’s 50th anniversary this year.

The big news is that the AMG GT range is expanding with the introduction of the new GT C Coupe, slotting between the updated version of the AMG GT S and the range-topping GT R. Initially, the new GT C will be available as a special Edition 50 model, standing alongside its GT C Roadster sibling. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG have also implemented visual and technical upgrades to the AMG GT and GT S.

More power, more fun

Both the AMG GT and GT Snowbenefit from more power and torque.

Power outputs derived from the potent, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine have been increased for both the updated AMG GT, GT Roadster and GT S derivatives. Both the AMG GT Coupe and GT Roadster now boast an additional 10 kW and 30 Nm of torque to deliver 350 kW and 630 Nm of torque. The AMG GT S now offers 9 kW more at 384 kW with torque increasing by 20 Nm to 670 Nm.

Moving up on the power scale, the new AMG GT C Coupe and GT C Roadster derivatives both offer 410 kW and 680 Nm of torque, while the impressive AMG GT R thumps out 430 kW and 700 Nm of torque.

All models in the AMG GT family now feature the AMG Panamericana grille with 15 chrome-plated vertical bars, also seen on the AMG GT3 race car, as well as the AirPanel active air management system derived from the AMG GT R to enhance engine cooling.

Key features of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe

The AMG GT C Coupe joins its Roadster sibling and will be initially offered as a limited Edition 50 model.

The new GT C Coupe shares a number of technical features with the AMG GT R such as larger wheels, wider rear track and active rear-axle steering. The new model has the same dimensions as the AMG GT R and is some 57 mm wider than the AMG GT and AMG GT S. A wider rear apron improves airflow while the integrated rear aerofoil can be electronically extended or retracted depending on speed and the drive program selected, much like the AMG G and AMG GT S.

The GT C Coupe features AMG Ride Control sports suspension with variable, adaptive adjustable damping which automatically adapts damping at each wheel depending on the particular driving situation, speed and road conditions. An electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential also features on the GT C Coupe, as it does on the AMG GT S and GT R, which improves traction and cornering ability of the vehicle.

The limited AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 model comes in two exclusive colours including designo grey magno and designo cashmere white magno with black chrome highlights found on the side skirt trim, front splitter, air inlet trim strips on the grille, side air outlet fins, rear diffuser and exhaust tailpipe trim. The cross-spoke AMG forged wheels also feature a black chrome finish to match the body elements.

The AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 features exclusive details to celebrate 50 years of Mercedes-AMG.

The interior features a contrast between black and silver with exclusive the STYLE Nappa leather in silver pearl and black with grey diamond topstitching. The Dinamica microfibre AMG Performance steering wheel features grey topstitching with “Edition” lettering on the wheel bezel and a 12 o’clock mark in silver pearl. The Edition 50 is fitted with the AMG Interior Night Package as standard which adds steering wheel spokes, shift paddles and doors sill panels all in black. The bespoke look is rounded off with “GT Edition 50” embossed on the head restraint of the AMG Performance seats, while the silver seat belts and black chrome trim further add to the contrast.

More options and equipment on offer

The AMG GT and AMG GT S will benefit from more equipment options including an AMG Exterior Chrome Package, AMG Dynamic Plus package and AMG Interior Night Package. An AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre package will also be offered. A number of light-alloy wheel options will be available in different sizes and finishes. The AMG GT and GT S can also be equipped with the optional STYLE Exclusive Nappa leather trim in diamond-patterned macchiato beige while optional seat climate control will also be offered.

For those with a penchant for track driving, the optional AMG Track Pace app will allow owners to analyse and improve their track performance with a host of useful functions such as lap/sector times and various data such as speed, gear, steering angle, time, position and acceleration. The app is suitable for Apple iPhone and is connected via WiFi. Users will also be able to record video and share their performance achievements on Facebook, YouTube and AMG Private Lounge.

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