It is 50 years since Mercedes launched the high-performance design house, AMG. To mark this anniversary, Mercedes decided to upgrade the AMG GT lineup by boosting the models power output as well as hooking the base models with more GT R features. The automaker also introduced a new variant of the AMG GT. The new model is a coupe version of the GT C Roadster. The Coupe will slot between the GTS and the GTR. The model was showcased at the recent Detroit Auto show. Read along to find out what the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT C Coupe has to offer:
2018 Mercedes AMG GT C Coupe Exterior
On the outside, the 2018 AMG GT C looks like a toned down version of the range-topping GT R. The model, however, has some modifications that distinguish it from the GT R.
At the front, the GT C Coupe features a Panamericana grille. The grille has vertical slats that evoke memories of the classic 300SL. I understand this grille design will be expanded to the base GT and GT S models; previously, it was exclusive to the GT R. Below the grille is a similar bumper as that of the GT R. However, the bumper has been modified at the center section. Its side air vents also feature a single horizontal slat, unlike GT R’s two slats.
At the rear, the bumper is identical to that of the GT R. Mercedes has however replaced the GT R’s motorsport-inspired diffuser that features a center-mounted exhaust with elements adopted from the regular AMG GT. On the AMG GT C Coupe, the exhaust pipes have been moved to the sides. The rear wing on the GT R is missing on the GT C Coupe. Mercedes did this as the Coupe is targeted to buyers looking for a sportier version of the AMG GT that is not as aggressive as the track-focused GT R.
2018 Mercedes AMG GT C Coupe Interior
As you would have guessed, the Coupe borrows its cabin styling from the Roadster. The only difference is the headroom where while in the Roadster you have all the headroom in the world, it is a bit tight for the Coupe due to the fixed roof. Like the Roadster, the Coupe’s cockpit is aviation-inspired. Other features include a dashboard shaped like a wing. On the center stack, the dash features spotlight-style A/C vents. On the other hand, the center console is motorsport-inspired and features AMG Drive Unit controls. The controls are designed to look like 8 cylinders with a V-layout.
As is customary of Mercedes, the cabin is trimmed in premium quality materials. For all trim levels, Alcantara and leather are used as the standard upholstery materials. These are contrasted with an attractive stitching. The model also features an identical infotainment system similar to the one on the regular AMG GT. The system comes with all the latest apps.
Engine Specs and performance
Things get more exciting under the GT C Coupe hood where Mercedes has hooked it up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0 L, V-8 engine. The engine churns out a whopping 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 35 hp power hike compared to the 2018 GT S and 81 hp more than the base 2018 AMG GT. The GT C Coupe, however, lacks 27 hp and 18-lb-ft of torque to match the top-of-the-range AMG GT R. The engine is paired with an AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox.
Mercedes is yet to release performance figures of the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT C Coupe but I expect the coupe to slightly outperform the GT C Roadster that hits 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds. I expect the coupe to complete the same run in 3.6 seconds, could be even less. Its top speed will be limited to around 196 mph.
Price and release date
Mercedes is yet to release details about the pricing of the GT-C Coupe. However, I expect the model to attract a heftier price tag compared to the AMG GT S, which has an MSRP of $131,200. It will, however, be cheaper than the AMG GT R. I think a starting price of around $155,000 is a good guess. The Coupe will be released towards the end of 2017.
Competition
Rivals of the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT-C will be the likes of Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Porsche 911 and the Audi R8.
