Detroit show: Mercedes-AMG grows GT range

MERCEDES-AMG has used the 2017 Detroit motor show to unveil a revised GT sportscar range while adding an extra variant, the GT C Coupe, that seemingly is designed to go head to head with Porsche’s 911 Turbo.

While not as manic as the 430kW Mercedes-AMG GT R and marginally slower than the rival blown 911, the GT C nevertheless packs 410kW of power and 680Nm of torque from its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, helping it to rush to 100km/h from zero in 3.7 seconds.

The two-door, two-seat GT C Coupe joins the GT C Roadster unveiled last year in Paris. Both are headed to Australia, with the roadster coming before the end of this year, followed by the coupe in early 2018.

Also in the pipeline for launch in Australia – most likely in the third quarter of this year – are the flagship GT R and revised versions of the base GT and GT S that are already on sale here.

This means the entire six-variant coupe and roadster road-going range is set to be offered in this market, all powered by the turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 in various states of tune.

All variants will get the new-look Panamerican grille with its 15 vertical chrome bars – a signature of all upcoming AMG models.

The GT range also gets a bolder front fascia with a wider air ducts and more purposeful splitter that is said to help the car stick more firmly to terra firma.

The lower air opening now includes an active louvre that opens and closes according to the need for cooling air while minimising drag where possible. As well, the oil cooler has been moved from the front to the side wheel-arch vents.

The base GT variant, which currently sells in Australia at $259,000 plus on-road costs, gets a power increase of 10kW, to 350kW, and an extra 30Nm of torque (630Nm).

The output of the mid-range GT S ($299,000) goes up 9kW, to 384kW, and torque increases 20Nm to 670Nm.

Next comes the GT C Coupe and Roadster twins, both with 410kW and 680Nm, and exceeded only by the top-of-the-pile GT R that makes do with 430kW and 700Nm.

The GT C gets the GT R’s fat rear end with its wider track, bigger rear wheels, active rear-steering axle and aerodynamic aids such as an active rear spoiler and race-style rear diffuser. AMG’s active Ride Control suspension is also standard on GT C.

At 1625 kilograms, the new GT C Coupe is 35kg lighter than the drop-top, but the 0-100km/h acceleration time is the same, at 3.7 seconds.

This is slower than the lighter 911 Turbo that, in coupe guise, hits 100km/h in 3.0 seconds, despite having a lower power output.

To mark the 50th anniversary of AMG this year, the GT C will be launched with a limited edition dubbed Edition 50 in a choice of two matte paint finishes – graphite grey and cashmere white.

Black chrome highlights have been applied to the side skirts and front splitter, matching similar finishes on the rear diffuser, exhaust pipes and wheels.

Steering wheel spokes, shift paddles and door sill panels are all finished in black to match the black-and-silver interior that features Nappa leather seat facings.

Pricing and other details for the GT C in Australia are expected to be announced closer to launch.