Skip to main content

Mercedes-AMG’s new GT C boasts rear-wheel steering, 550hp V8 engine

Mercedes-AMG has traveled to the Detroit Auto Show to introduce a new variant of the 911-fighting GT sports car. Named GT C, the model slots neatly between the GT S and the range-topping, track-ready GT R.

Launched as a convertible last year, the GT C coupe is a high-performance model that offers some of the trick tech features inaugurated by the GT R in a more user-friendly package. Power is provided by a version of AMG’s ubiquitous twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine that generates 550 horsepower from 5,750 to 6,750 rpm and 502 pound-feet of torque over a broad range that stretches from 1,900 to 5,750 rpm.

All of that grunt is channeled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles. The GT C hits 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds, and it goes on to a top speed of 196 mph. It’s just as quick to 60 mph as the GT S, but it’s much more dynamic to drive thanks in part to a rear-wheel steering system that improves both agility and stability.

The rear wheels turn in the opposite direction as the front wheels at speeds of up to 62 mph to make the C more agile around bends. Beyond 62 mph, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels in order to improve stability. They only pivot at up to 1.5 degrees, but the difference is immediately perceptible both on and off the track.

Like all variants of the GT, the C wears Mercedes’ heritage-infused PanAmericana grille with 15 chromed vertical slats. It stands out from its siblings thanks to large, model-specific rear wheels tucked under a set of flared fenders. The cabin boasts a pair of sport seats and a slanted center console whose design is inspired by the potent V8 engine under the hood.

Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition version of the GT C appropriately named Edition 50. All Edition 50 models feature a murdered-out look defined by a graphite grey magno paint job, black chrome trim all around, black forged alloy wheels, and an edition-specific badge on the trunk lid.

Inside, Edition 50 cars receive two-tone black and silver leather upholstery with gray contrast stitching, a 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel, black trim accents, and real carbon fiber trim. Silver seat belts and GT Edition 50 emblems embossed in the headrests wrap up the exclusive look.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C will go on sale in the coming months. Pricing information hasn’t been released yet. Production of the Edition 50 model will be limited to just 50 coupes and 50 convertibles, though AMG hasn’t announced how many of those have been earmarked for the United States.

Editors' Recommendations

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
Mercedes-AMG charges into Panamera territory with a four-door GT fastback
Mercedes-AMG GT sedan

Previous

Next

Read more
Mercedes-AMG Project One is a hybrid supercar with the heart of an F1 racer
Mercedes-AMG Project One

Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division turns 50 this year, and its engineers created one hell of a birthday present.

Debuting at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-AMG Project One is a supercar with the heart of a Formula One racer. While many automakers claim to have built "race cars for the road," the Project One literally incorporates major components from Mercedes' championship-winning F1 cars.

Read more
Mercedes-AMG has something big planned for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
Mercedes-AMG Project ONE

What do a three-time Formula One champion, a 751-horsepower electric sports car, and a street-legal racer have in common? They're all being used by Mercedes-Benz's AMG division to tease a new performance model.

AMG has produced two short videos to create hype for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, where it is expected to unveil a new supercar called Project One. The car will capitalize on Mercedes' recent success in F1 by borrowing some racing technology, including a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine used in actual F1 cars. As in F1, the V6 will get electric assistance. An electric motor will power the front axle, while the V6 will power the rear, with total system output in the neighborhood of 1,000 hp. Mercedes says the vehicle will boast a top speed exceeding 217 mph.

Read more