When the Mercedes-AMG GT first burst into the scene a few years ago, many thought that the model would merely be a successor to the highly popular SLS AMG. It wasn’t as powerful as the SLS, but the GT did have plenty of similarities to its predecessor. Over time though, the GT became less of a stand-alone performance car as Mercedes-AMG decided to use it as a springboard to launch a family of performance cars. And so here we are, recently removed from seeing the debut of the AMG GT C Coupe at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Not only is the GT C Coupe’s debut significant in that it becomes the sixth variant of the GT family, but just as important is Mercedes using the same occasion to announce cosmetic and engine updates on the entire range of GT models.

For starters, all AMG GT models, from the GT to the GT R, will have one grille design now that Mercedes-AMG decided to give the entire family of models the AMG Panamericana grille. It’s not as big of a change as some of the other updates in store for a lot of the GT models, but it does provide a semblance of unity among the models. The 15 chrome-plated vertical bars first appeared on the GT R before being used on the GT Roadster and GT C Roadster. Now, the rest of the family, including the GT, GT S, and GT S Roadster are getting the same grille design.

Speaking of adopting from the GT R, another unique feature of the range-topping variant will also become standard across all AMG GT models. We know this feature as the AIRPANEL active air management system and it’s physically represented by the vertical louvers at the bottom of the front bumper that can be opened and closed by an electric motor for engine cooling purposes. The addition of the louvers also means that the car’s engine oil cooler has been moved from the front where the louvers are now located to the wheel arches.

Last but certainly not least is the upgrade on the GT’s 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine that powers the entry-level AMG GT, AMG GT Roadster, and the AMG GT S. Improvements in power are the result of the this upgrade with the GT and GT Roadster getting output increase of 13 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque, bringing their total output up to 469 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Then there’s the AMG GT S, which also gets its own power increase to the tune of 12 horses and 15 pound-feet of twist. Do the math the GT S now stands to get a total output of 515 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque.

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There are new packages too!

As if these aesthetic and technical upgrades aren’t enough, Mercedes-AMG GT is also expanding the availability of its packages to suit the entire AMG GT model family. One example is the AMG Interior Night Package, which previously came standard to just the AMG GT R. Now it’s available for other coupe models in the family, which would include the entry-level GT, the GT S Coupe, and the just-unveiled GTC C Coupe. That means that these models are now in line to receive goodies like an AMG Performance steering wheel that’s dressed in DINAMIC microfiber with spokes and high-gloss black shift paddles.

Speaking of new offerings, Mercedes-AMG is also opening all GT models to new sets of light alloy wheels, including 19- and 20-inch high-sheen titanium grey wheels with five-twin-spoke staggered fitment and 65/35 R 19 tires on the front and 295/30 R 20 tires at the rear. On the interior, the AMG and AMG GT S will also get a new optional Exclusive nappa leather trim in diamond-patterned macchiato beige.

Last but definitely not least is something owners of the entire AMG GT family of models will surely appreciate. It’s called the AMG Track Pace, which essentially is a new feature that can turn smartphones into what Mercedes-AMG describes as “personal racing engineers.” The app can be used to analyze and improve an owner’s driving style on the track by sending data to the app in real-time, including speed, gear, steering angle, time, position, and acceleration.

Needless to say, all these upgrades and new packages are all part of Mercedes-AMG’s overarching plan to turn the AMG GT lineup into a family of formidable sports cars. The range has grown by leaps and bounds since the debut of the AMG GT and with the launch of these upgrades and the debut of the AMG GT C Coupe, I don’t think Mercedes-AMG is going to slow down in its pursuit of making the AMG GT line into a legitimate threat to Porsche’s own lineup of 911 models.

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