Remember the Edition 50 AMG GT that was photographed recently? Turns out the shots were rather more prescient than first thought, as they were shooting the press images you see here!
The Edition 50 GT C, as suggested back then, is a car to mark the half century of AMG. However it will join the range as series model after the Edition 50 too, sitting between the
GT S
GT R
GT C cabrio
It's an interesting range addition, the GT C, far more than a tweak of the turbos to place power between the two existing models. It has the wider arches and rear track of the GT R, for example, as well as the rear-wheel steering as standard. It then uses the electronically controlled limited-slip diff, plus the AMG sports suspension with adjustable adaptive damping, that work so well in the GT S. With 557hp, 516lb ft and a DIN kerbweight of 1,625kg, Mercedes claims 196mph and 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds.
For the Edition 50 launch spec, buyers will be offered either 'designo graphite grey magno' (matt grey) or designo cashmere white magno (matt white). See as well the black chrome front splitter trim, exhaust tips, grille slats and rear diffuser accents. The interior comes as standard with AMG's Interior Night Package (more black) as well as seats embossed with 'GT Edition 50', an AMG Performance wheel and - wait for it - silver seat belts.
As for the rest of the AMG range, every model now comes with the Panamericana grille inspired by the GT3 racer. Moreover, they all now receive the 'AIRPANEL' (no need to shout) 'active air management system' from the GT R. Essentially this involves a redesigned front bumper that can open or close vents dependent on cooling requirements. The movement is controlled by an electric motor and takes one second; as part of the change the oil cooler has now been moved to the front of the car to benefit.
More interestingly, power for all coupes is up to bring them in line with their Roadster equivalents. That means the AMG GT boasts 476hp (up from 462), while the GT S has been boosted from 510hp to 522hp. Both will hit 62mph in four seconds or less, with top speeds from 189mph. A good place to start.
In addition the GT S is now optionally available with the rear-wheel steer, with both it and the GT also offered with a new selection of wheel designs. Oh yes, and there's a new leather trim "in diamond-patterned macchiato beige" for both, said to bring "an especially high-grade look and feel". If you so wish.
Finally, and in keeping with current fashion, every model of the updated AMG GT brood has the 'AMG Track Pace' app on the extras list. Through your iPhone (and iPhone only at present) the driver is provided with a wealth of real-time data when on track; the app also allows for lap and sector times to be recorded, if you've discovered one of those mythical track days where you can actually time. Naturally it allows you to share this data too, because otherwise what's the point?
With the car having only just been shown to the world's media at Detroit, pricing hasn't yet been confirmed for the new AMG GTs in the UK. Expect a modest increase over the current RRPs to reflect the additional spec, with first deliveries of the revised cars due in the summer.