Mercedes-AMG extensively upgrades AMG GT family
Mercedes-AMG celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017. To the theme of “50 Years of Driving Performance”, the sports car and performance brand is marking the occasion by extending the AMG GT family of sports cars with the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé, which joins the existing AMG GT C Roadster. Positioned between 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.
“With the AMG GT C, we are now expanding our portfolio of sports cars to six models plus the AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. In under three years, the second vehicle to be developed by us entirely in-house has grown into a family offering a highly dynamic driving experience in a variety of forms. We are kicking off our anniversary year with the exclusive Edition 50 model of the new AMG GT C Coupé. We are also taking this opportunity to refine the AMG GT and AMG GT S both visually and technically,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes?AMG GmbH.
Shared distinguishing feature: the new front end
The new models are identifiable by the distinctive AMG Panamericana grille, which is now shared by all AMG GT models. Underlining the 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 apron emphasises the car’s width, making it sit flatter on 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 louvres in the bottom of the front apron 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 with no increased cooling demand, the louvres are closed for reduced drag and the air is directed at the underbody. This improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicles. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and the air demand is particularly high do the louvres 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 wheelarches. On the other hand, the main radiator retains its place at the front.
New output variants: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine
Mercedes-AMG is restructuring the range of output/torque variants of the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. Hence, the AMG GT entry-level model now puts out 350 kW (476 hp), i.e. 10 kW (14 hp) more than before. In addition, with 630 Nm, the basic version of the eight-cylinder machine now delivers an extra 30 Nm of peak torque for even greater tractive power. The same figures will apply to the GT Roadster from its market launch.
The output from the GT S grows by 9 kW (12 hp) to 384 kW (522 hp), with the peak torque climbing 20 Nm to 670 Nm.
The next level is marked by the C variants of the Coupé and Roadster with 410 kW (557 hp) and 680 Nm peak torque. The top of the line is the AMG GT R with 430 kW (585 hp) and 700 Nm of torque.
