Mercedes-AMG celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017. To the theme of “50 Years of Driving Performance,” the performance brand is marking the occasion by extending the AMG GT family of sports cars with the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe, which will join the previously-announced AMG GT C Roadster upon its reveal at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Positioned between the AMG GT S and AMG GT R, the new vehicle will initially be available exclusively as a special Edition 50 model. At the same time, the Mercedes-AMG GT and AMG GT S are being visually and technically upgraded while receiving even more power.
Shared distinguishing feature: the new front end
All new 2018 models in the AMG GT family are now identifiable by the distinctive AMG Panamericana grille. Underlining motor sport heritage, the grille features 15 chrome-plated vertical bars which echo the look of the latest Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. The new front bumper emphasizes the car’s width, making it visually sit lower to the road. The large outer air inlets guarantee the supply of cooling air to the engine.
Now on all AMG GT models: AIRPANEL active air management system from the AMG GT R
All AMG GT variants now sport a special technical highlight from the AMG GT R: the AIRPANEL active air management system. Vertical louvers in the bottom of the front bumper can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second to guarantee the required amount of cooling. Constantly achieving the ideal position calls for highly intelligent and fast control.
During normal driving situations with no increased cooling demand, the louvers are closed for reduced drag and the air is directed at the underbody, which improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and the air demand is particularly high do the louvers open to allow the maximum cooling air flow to the heat exchangers.
As part of this new design measure, the engine oil cooler on all AMG GT models has moved from the front to the wheel arches.
New output variants: the AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine
Mercedes-AMG is restructuring the range of output/torque variants of the 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, hence the AMG GT entry-level model now puts out 469 hp (13 hp more than before). In addition, with 465 lb-ft, the basic version of the eight-cylinder machine now delivers an extra 22 lb-ft of peak torque. The same figures will apply to the GT Roadster from its market launch.
The output from the GT S grows by 12 hp to 515 hp, with the peak torque climbing to 494 lb-ft, a 15 lb-ft increase.
The next level is marked by the GT C variants of the Coupe and Roadster with 550 hp and 502 lb-ft peak torque. The pinnacle of the AMG GT lineup is the AMG GT R, which boasts 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
