► New grille on all models
► GT C Coupe joins the range
► More power for GT and GT S
Mercedes-AMG’s flagship GT sports car has been given a variety of updates across the range for 2017.
Revealed at the 2017 Detroit motor show, the refreshed GT range now includes a new AMG GT C Coupe variant, as well as upgrades to the pre-existing GT and GT S versions.
In a nutshell, the 2017 AMG GT updates include:
- A new AMG GT C model, sitting between the GT S and GT R
- Restyled grille on all models, with vertical slats like the AMG GT3 racing car
- New front bumper apron with motorised cooling vents
- Increased power outputs across the range
- Rear-wheel steering now an option for GT S models
More power? Did the AMG GT really need more power?
Mercedes clearly thinks so. The recently introduced open-top Roadster variant had a power increase, and now the coupe models get the same upgrade. All cars use the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as before.
The entry-level AMG GT gets a 14bhp increase to 469bhp, and a 22lb ft increase in torque to 465lb ft.
The GT S in turn has a 12bhp jump to 515bhp, and a 15lb ft torque hike to 494lb ft.
Tell me more about the new Mercedes-AMG GT C
Much like the newly introduced GT C Roadster, the AMG GT C coupe joins the range between the GT S and the monstrous GT R range-topper.
The GT C mixes and matches the AMG GT parts bin to great effect, with the same wider rear track and swollen wheel arches as the 577bhp GT R, and rear-wheel steering as standard. It also adopts the same electronically controlled limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers as the GT S.
AMG GT C performance headlines:
- 550bhp
- 502lb ft
- 1625kg
- 196mph
- 0-62mph in 3.7sec
The GT C launches initially in an ‘Edition 50’ limited run to mark half a century of AMG, with a choice of matt grey or matt white paintwork and gloss black exterior trim.
Anything else I should know about the 2017 AMG GT models?
Rear wheel steering, as seen on the GT C and GT R, is now an option in the AMG GT S. Electric actuators replace the usual lower rear suspension links, twisting the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees to effectively shorten the wheelbase below 62mph, and lengthen it at higher speeds.
All GTs now get the same ‘active air management airpanel’ system as the GT R, with motorised vent covers in the front bumper which open when needed for cooling, and otherwise close to divert air to the underbody and improve drag. The oil cooler has been repositioned at the front wheelarches as part of the same cooling setup.
Click here for more from CAR at the 2017 Detroit motor show
