The Mercedes-AMG GT has been on the market for less than two and a half years as of January 2017, but it has already spawned six different versions, not including cars built specifically for the race track. The latest to join the family is the AMG GT C Coupe, which was unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, where Mercedes-Benz also announced various updates to the standard AMG GT models.

Essentially a coupe version of the AMG GT C Roadster that debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the GT C Coupe bridges the gap between the GT S, which is the second most powerful model in the lineup, and the hardcore GT R. Features that set it apart from the entry level versions include sportier elements front and rear and a revised hood among other minor revisions on the outside.

Drivetrain-wise, the AMG GT C is significantly more powerful than the GT S and not too far from what the track-prepped GT R can deliver. All told, the GT C Coupe expands the AMG GT lineup even further, in what appears to be an attempt to match the extremely varied 911 offerings available from Porsche. It remains to be seen whether Merc will make it in this tight and difficult niche, but the AMG GT C is a good start.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe.

Exterior

Design-wise, the AMG GT C is essentially a slightly toned down GT R. The front fascia is just as aggressive as the range-topping model, but with small modifications to the bumper. Specifically, the center section below the grille is shaped a bit different, while the side vents have just one horizontal slat instead of two.

The "Panamericana" grille is also there, but that's no longer a special feature. Up until now, the aggressive grille with vertical slats that reference the classic 300SL was used to set the GT C and GT R apart, but starting January 2017 the GT and GT S models will also have one. It kinda makes the GT C less special, but at least customers who can’t afford or don’t want to invest in a powerful model can get similar looks from the entry-level model too.

More differences are noticeable around back. While the fascia and bumper are identical to the GT R, the latter's motorsport-inspired diffuser with the center-mounted exhaust was replaced by an element that's more similar to the regular GT. There's no significant aerodynamic element at the center, while the exhaust pipes are now positioned on the sides. More importantly, there's no rear wing as seen on the GT R. All told, the AMG GT C is more aggressive than the GT S, but not as track-focused as the GT R. This may appeal to customers who are looking for a sportier AMG GT that doesn't scream "look at me!" on the road.

COMPETING DESIGNS

It's no mystery that Mercedes-Benz created the AMG GT to gain access to a new sports car niche and take a stab at the Porsche 911 (left), so I'm listing the iconic coupe as the GT's main competitor, despite having a different, rear-engined layout. The 911 has always been on the sportier side of things and recent redesigns made it increasingly more aggressive. However, I think that it's not as menacing as the AMG GT C. It may be sportier than the standard AMG GT, but it's no match for the GT C's muscular front bumper and creased engine hood.

The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (right) is also a pretty good option here, especially since it has a front-engined configuration, just like the AMG GT. A bit older than the Merc, the current Corvette is a different car as far as design goes. While the AMG GT sports more organic, curvy lines, the C7 Corvette is about more angled cues. Also, much like the 911, it includes several styling feature inspired by older-generation Vettes, which is pretty cool. The Z06 package adds a bunch of race-inspired features such as a bigger front splitter, a new rear diffuser, and rear spoiler.

Interior

As expected, the interior of the GT C Coupe is identical to the Roadster -- save for the infinite headroom of course -- and features the same aviation inspired design that debuted with the standard AMG GT. Highlights include a wing-like dashboard with spotlight-style A/C vents in the center stack, a motorsport-inspired center console with AMG Drive Unit controls arranged like eight cylinders in a V layout, and loads of high-quality materials. Leather, Alcantara, and contrast stitching are standard, while the fit and finish is outstanding. The infotainment system carries over from the regular AMG GT and includes the latest apps and features that come with AMG vehicles.

THE COMPETITION

The Porsche 911 is often described as the most luxurious vehicle in this niche, which isn't far from the truth, but while its cabin comes with outstanding fit and finish and all sorts of cool tech, it doesn't feel as modern as the AMG GT. The overall layout is pretty simple, which isn't necessarily bad for a sports car, but if you're looking for a fancier dashboard and center console, you're better off with the AMG GT. There is some good news here though, as the 911 can be ordered with numerous upholstery colors, two-tone combinations, and loads of Porsche Exclusive options that are very expensive, but offer that unique feeling you can get with the AMG GT.

Heavily criticized for its cheap interiors in the past, the Corvette finally reached a stage where it can compete with more expensive sports cars in its niche. Sure, it might not be as nice as the AMG GT or the 911 Turbo in standard guise, but throw in all those nice options and you get soft leather, Alcantara, contrast stitching, and carbon-fiber on top of the driver-centric cockpit and the cool-looking instrument cluster hood that extends over the center console. Race-inspired seats are also available. And the good news is that you get a fully equipped interior and still pay less than you would for an AMG GT C or Porsche 911.

Drivetrain

Moving over to what really makes the GT C special, the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 under the hood pumps out 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. That’s 81 horses more than the base AMG GT and 35 horsepower more than the GT S. If these figures are a bit confusing right now, it’s because both the GT and GT S received power increases for 2018, previously coming with 456 and 503 horsepower, respectively. Compared to the range-topping GT R, the GT C Coupe misses 27 horses and 18 pound-feet of twist.

Performance specs aren’t yet available, but given that the GT C Roadster hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, the coupe should do it in 3.6 ticks or less. Top speed should be limited at around 196 mph. Like all models in the range, the GT C uses an AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission to change gears.

COMPETING PERFORMANCE

Note: engine of the Porsche 911 pictured here.

Updated for the 2017 model year, the Porsche 911 dropped its naturally aspirated flat-six in favor of a new, turbocharged engine. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder cranks out 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque in the base model, but the AMG GT C's output calls for a comparison with the Carrera S, which comes with 420 horsepower and 368 pound-feet on tap. Granted, the 911 S seems severely underpowered next to Merc's 550-horsepower and 502 pound-feet output, but don't let these numbers fool you. The Porsche may be a half second slower with the manual transmission, but add the PDK automatic and the Sport Chrono package and it will hit 60 mph in just 3.7 ticks, only a tenth-second slower than the AMG GT C. Top speed is rated at 191 mph, which is six mph less than the Mercedes-AMG, but obviously not significantly lower.

Note: Engine of the Corvette Z06 pictured here.

Moving over to the Corvette Z06, this is the option that will bring you more power and better performance. Motivated by a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, the Z06 needs only 3.2 seconds to get to 60 mph. But this figure is for the manual. Pick the automatic gearbox and it drop to an amazing 2.95 clicks. Top speed is also superior to the both the Mercedes-AMG GT C and the Porsche 911 Carrera S at a mind-boggling 205 mph.

Prices

Pricing for the AMG GT C Coupe has yet to be announced, but it's safe to assume it will cost more than the AMG GT S, which starts from $131,200. At the same time, it will cost less than the GT R, but the range-topping model is still a mystery as far as pricing goes. My best guess is that the GT C Coupe will cost around $160,000 in the U.S. For reference, the base AMG GT retails from $111,200.

COMPETING PRICES

Although the 911 often turns out to be the more expensive proposition, in this case it's actually significantly more affordable. Specifically, the Carrera S retails from $103,400, which should make it at least $50,000 more affordable than the AMG GT C. This also leaves room for plenty of fancy options, meaning you can buy a fully specced 911 Carrera S and still pay less. You get an even better deal with the Chevy Corvette Z06, which costs $81,440 before options. Add all the expensive options and it'll cost you less than $120,000, which is the best deal you can get in this comparison.

Other Options

Audi R8

Unlike all the other cars discussed above, the Audi R8 has a mid-engined layout and gets its juice from a 5.2-liter V-10 engine. But although it has more cylinders than its counterparts, the Audi unit cranks out "only" 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, placing the R8 below the AMG GT C and Corvette Z06. On the other hand, hitting 60 mph takes only 3.5 seconds, while top speed is rated at 200 mph. The good news is that you can opt for the R8 V10 Plus, which comes with 610 horses and 413 pound-feet. In this model, the 0-to-60 mph sprint drops to 3.2 ticks, while top speed increases to 205 mph. The R8 is on par with the Merc and Porsche when it comes to luxury features. Pricing is steep though, with the base R8 retailing from $162,900. The R8 V10 Plus is the most expensive option here, with a sticker set at $189,900.

Learn more about the Audi R8 here.

Conclusion

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the AMG GT C Roadster back in 2016 it seemed rather weird to introduce a nameplate with a drop-top model and not offer a coupe. At first it seemed as if the GT C Roadster would actually be the GT R of the convertible lineup and a coupe wouldn't be offered, but we now know that AMG had different plans altogether. The GT C seems ready to tackle both the Porsche 911 S and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, but its expensive sticker might keep a few enthusiasts away. Pricing you car higher than a 911 isn't a very good strategy nowadays. Anyway, with the GT C Coupe now on its way to showrooms, the big question is: will Mercedes-Benz also build a Roadster version of the GT R? I certainly hope so!