Mercedes-AMG GT C Edition 50 heads up AMG's 50th anniversary
Special edition AMG GT C and updated 2017 AMG GT models announced to coincide with the brand's half-centenary
Mercedes-AMG enjoys its 50th anniversary this year, and the first evidence of its celebrations comes in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Edition 50.
Sitting between the AMG GT S and the AMG GT R, the GT C coupe joins the exisiting GT C roadster and packs the same 550bhp version of AMG's 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8.
Its physical dimensions also mirror those of the roadster, with a wider rear aspect than standard AMG GTs (at 57mm wider, it matches the GT R) and features more aerodynamic appendages than lesser GTs.
AMG Ride Control adaptive damping is standard on the GT C Edition 50 and like the GT R, uses rear-wheel steering to improve both precision and stability, depending on the angle the rear wheels adopt in relation to those at the front - turning in the opposite direction up to 62mph, and in the same direction above that.
Specific to the Edition 50 are two paint finishes - Designo Graphite Grey Magno and Designo Cashmere White Magno - offset by black chrome trim details and a matching finish to the wheels. Black and silver feature heavily in the cabin too, both on the seat trim and across the dashboard and centre console. The steering wheel is trimmed in a suede-like 'Dinamica' microfibre fabric, and trim details match those on the exterior, with a black finish.
Alongside the Edition 50, Mercedes-AMG has updated the regular GT and GT S models, most notably with extra power from their respective V8s. The GT now makes 13bhp more than it did before at 469bhp, while the GT S gets a 16bhp boost to now develop 515bhp at 6250rpm. Torque climbs to 465lb ft and 494lb ft respectively.
These improvements have no on-paper effect on performance, still 4sec to 62mph for the GT, 3.8sec for the GT S, with 189mph and 193mph top speeds for the two models.
AMG GT S customers can now also specify rear-wheel steering, in conjunction with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, while all models now boast 'Airpanel' active aerodynamics, where louvres in the front bumper open or close depending on cooling demands. Exterior and interior trim options have grown and AMG's Track Pace app, which receives data from the car via Wifi, is available on all models.
UK pricing and specification will be confirmed in early 2017, while deliveries of the GT C coupe begin this summer.
