The year of the sports cars – Mercedes-AMG GT S facelift and the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe arrived in Detroit

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The year Mercedes-AMG turns 50 is the year of the sports cars. The AMG GT family gets new members, all right and bright, in the shape of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe and the facelifted versions of the AMG GT and GT S, visually and technically refined.

The AMG GT C Coupe is the sixth beast of the AMG portofolio. In less than three years, from a single in-house-made vehicle, AMG delivered three and is now kicking off the anniversary year with the exclusive “Edition 50” model of the GT C Coupe.

All the 2018 models of the AMG GT family stand out with their distinctive 15 chrome plated vertical bars, Panamericana radiator grille, highlighting the sport heritage of the brand. All AMG GT models also feature a special technical highlight borrowed from the AMG GT R “Green Beast”: the AIRPANEL active air management system. Vertical louvers open and close via an electric motor in just one second for a better cooling and air flow, constantly and automatically getting into the ideal position for fast control.

The AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine holds its place under the hood of the performance cars, but the AMG GT entry level model comes with 13 HP more than before (469 HP). Same figures have been available for the GT Roadster from its market launch. At the opposite end of the range, the GT S goes all the way to 515 HP, getting 12 HP more.

Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe

The GT C models of the Coupe and Roadster have to settle for 550 HP, as the GT R boasts its usual 577.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe is set to make its debut on the market in the form of a special Edition 50 model. Broad, muscular rear and solid arch wheels give the car an impressive stance and it’s got the figures to prove it. It comes with a wider track (2.25 inches wider than the AMG GT and the AMG GT S, same as the GT R) and an active rear axle steering, all providing a better traction.

There is also an AMG sport suspension, confirming the racing background of the power house. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axles are made entirely from forged aluminum in order to reduce unsprung mass. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension in the AMG GT C Coupe and Roadster features infinitely variable, adaptive adjustable damping.

Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe and the GT C Roadster also benefit from the standard-fit active rear-axle steering, that made its debut in the GT R, combining agility and stability. Up to speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h), the rear wheels point in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels, permitting the car to go into corners with significantly higher agility, guaranteeing extra driving pleasure. Above 62 mph, the system points the rear wheels in the same direction as those at the front for a better handling.

The AMG GT S, the GT and the GT C are standardly fit  with an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential, integrated into the compact transmission housing. It provides better traction of the drive wheels and increases the critical cornering speed.

AMG GT C Edition 50

In the anniversary year, Mercedes-AMG launches the exclusive “Edition 50” model. The 1967-born company shall celebrate its half-century presence on the market and in motor racing this year. Only 50 AMG GT C Coupes and 50 AMG GT C Roadsters will see the light of day.

Mercedes-AMG GT C CoupeThe car will be available in the exclusive paint finish Graphite Grey Magno, with black chrome highlights applied to the side skirt trim, front splitter, trim strips in the air inlets of the Panamericana grille, fins on the side air outlets in the front fenders, the modling on the rear diffuser and exhaust tailpipe trims. The model will be easily identifiable, as the “Edition 50” badge adorns the rear of the car.

The interior of the model comes with contrasting paint scheme of black and silver, completed with the exclusive nappa leather in silver pearl/black with grey diamond-patterned contrasting topstitching. The black AMG Performance steering wheel in full DINAMICA microfiber also bears the “Edition” lettering and a 12 o’clock mark in silver pearl. The AMG Interior Night package is standard. The head restraint of the AMG Performance seat is embossed with a “GT Edition 50” logo.

The same package is also available as an option in the Coupe models of the AMG GT family. The AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package highlights, once again, the motorsport heritage, bringing high-grade carbon fiber for the front splitter, side fins on the air outlets in the front fenders, exterior mirror housings, side skirt inserts (for the GT C only) and rear diffuser.

The GT and the GT S can now be shod with 5-twin-spoke staggered fitment 19 and 20-inch wheels in high-sheen titanium grey with 265/35 R 19 rubber on the front and 295/30 R20 at the rear.  Wheels painted in high-sheen matt black are also available upon request and so is the new Exclusive nappa leather trim in diamond-patterned macchiato beige.

The AMG Track Pace can turn the driver’s smartphone into a personal racing engineer. The application analyses and improves the driving style on the track and allows sharing the performance on Facebook, YouTube or the AMG Private Lounge, also saving the lap or sector times.