The 549bhp Mercedes-AMG GT C Is A Lightly Toned-Down GT-R

If you’ve looked at the AMG GT R and thought “well, that’s awfully nice, but a tad too hardcore for my tastes,” we have some great news for you: Mercedes has just released this semi-skimmed AMG GT C.

The name should sound familiar, as we have already seen a GT C in roadster form. Now there’s this tin top, which is awash with GT R bits.

First off there’s the rear axle, which - like the R and the drop-top C - is a whopping 57mm wider than the standard GT and GT S. It gets the R’s rear-axle steering system too, and perhaps most importantly, the same upgraded 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

It’s turned down ever so slightly in the C, but is still good for 549bhp. This makes 0-62mph possible in 3.7 seconds - just a tenth down on the R. At the top end, it’ll run out of puff at 196mph.

The AMG GT R sharing doesn’t end there, as in addition to a minor exterior facelift, the whole GT range has been given the R’s active air management system, which consists of electronically controlled “vertical louvres’ at the front apron. These open when necessary to provide cooling air for various components, remaining closed the rest of the time to aid airflow. Neat.

The GT and GT S have also been given a little bump in the power department. The GT is up by 14bhp to 469bhp, while the S gets a 12bhp bump to 515bhp. Small improvements, but hey, we’ll never complain about power increases, even when they’re in small doses.

UK pricing for the updated range will be announced soon, and the first deliveries will happen this summer. The cars are on display now at the Detroit Auto Show.