Currently reading: Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé launched alongside updated GT and GT S

New 549bhp model slots between refreshed and more potent 2017 siblings

The hotly anticipated Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé has been unveiled at the Detroit motor show alongside updated versions of the Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S.

AMG’s new coupé is a hardtop version of the 2016 GT C Roadster and slots between the GT S and GT R. It makes use of a reworked twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that produces 549bhp and 502lb ft of torque, which is 28bhp and 14lb ft shy of the GT R.

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The GT C Coupé weighs in 1660kg, which is 35kg more than the GT C Roadster. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.7sec and onto a top speed of 196mph; both numbers are identical to the roadster.

Borrowed from the GT R is a rear track that’s 57mm wider than the GT and GT S, as well as rear axle steering. The system works from a standstill but turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts below 62mph to improve agility, before turning in the same direction as the fronts above 62mph to better stability and steering response.

Additionally, a wider rear apron, also taken from the GT R, improves airflow at the back while also giving the car a more muscular look.

Like the GT S, the GT C also comes as standard with AMG Ride Control sports suspension with adaptive and adjustable dampers. This is a more road friendly setup than the GT R’s track-focused coilover springs. There’s also an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential that’s integrated into the transmission housing.

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At first the GT C Coupé will be available in Edition 50 guise to mark the fiftieth anniversary of AMG. The limited run of Edition 50s will come in two exclusive paint finishes: designo graphite grey and designo cashmere white magno. The exterior also gets black chrome highlights on the side skirts, front splitter, grille inlets,  front splitter, diffuser and tailpipes. The AMG forged wheels are also finished in black chrome.

Inside, Edition 50 models get silver pearl and black nappa leather with grey stitching, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Dinamica microfiber and sporting Edition lettering and centre strip in silver pearl stitching.

As standard, Edition 50s come with the AMG Interior Night Package that adds more black trim to the cabin and contrasts silver seatbelts. There are also Edition 50 emblems on the headrests.

More potent AMG GT and GT S

For 2017 AMG has ramped up the performance of its GT and GT S models with engine upgrades and standard active aerodynamics.

The GT now produces 469bhp, 14bhp more than before, and 465lb ft of torque – an increase of 22lb ft. The GT S increases peak power by 12bhp to 515bhp and torque by 15lb ft to 494lb ft.

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Despite the improvements, the 0-62mph times and top speeds of both models remain the same as before. The GT can reach 62mph in 4.0sec and tops out at 189mph, while the GT S takes 3.8sec and can reach 193mph.

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Both the GT and GT S are now offered with more options. Added to the specs list is the AMG Exterior Chrome pack, which adds high-gloss trim to the car’s body, and AMG Dynamic Plus pack, which is offered with the regular GT for the first time.

Mercedes has also added the AMG Night Pack to the options list of all GT coupé models, while the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre pack uses carbonfibre for the car’s front splitter, exterior fins, skirts and rear diffuser.

AMG Track Pack

Now available across the range, AMG’s Track Pack connects a user’s smartphone to their car’s data logging systems. The accompanying app can then display real-time data for speed, gears, steering angle and acceleration, as well as lap times and track position.

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