The NEW Mercedes-AMG GT C: the black star
GT, GT S, GT C Edition 50, GT R, Coupe, Roadster ... Difficult to navigate the multitude of versions that make up the AMG GT range, exclusively powered by a magical V8 biturbo. We chose the strong GT C of 557 hp, the version that is inserted between the GT S 522 hp and the ultimate GT R 585 hp. Icing on the cake, we could also try it on the fabulous route of Blister Berg in Germany!
To celebrate his 50 years, the wizard of Affalterbach has concocted a special series called Edition 50 exclusively reserved for the GT C Coupé. It stands out for its Graphite Gray matte color, 20-inch wheels and 57-mm widened tracks. On board, there is a microfibre steering wheel, a two-tone upholstery or a topstitched dashboard. So much for the specific details of the 50 Edition coupe, but the most interesting is elsewhere. The GT C, also available in Roadster, is more or less the technical characteristics of the GT R (the Traction Control wheel has reserved for it), namely the rear wheels (direction opposite to the front wheels for agility, and even meaning over 100 km / h for stability), the limited slip differential (slightly more civilized) as well as the active motor mounts (variable stiffness). The weight distribution is ideal with 47/53 on the rear axle. The controlled damping varies according to three positions and which adjust independently of the predefined driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Race).
V8 biturbo of 557 hp and 680 Nm of torque!
Under the bonnet, the centerpiece is a 2.0-liter, 2.0-liter V8 engine, up to 557 hp, 35 hp more than the GT S ... and "only" 28 hp less than the GT R. To avoid confusion, the letter "C" does not refer to "Cabriolet" or "Convertible", but to this engine. The Roadster versions (so convertible) are also only available on the GT and GT C models. Inside, there is a particularly neat cockpit where leather extended to the dashboard and inserts in real carbon abound. The central console still massive gives the feeling of being a little engonce (the ergonomics remain questionable with some commands very remote) but the driving position is perfect. The wraparound bucket seat, the generously sheathed steering wheel, the large aluminum paddles, the red zone at 7,000 rpm and the endless diving hood set the mood for ... a Supercar!
A fawn ... not so docile
The first turns of wheels appear disconcerting of facility for a gear of this tempe (680 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, curb weight of 1700 kg, 0 to 100 km / h dispatched in 3.7 s). Immediate throttle response, precise road feel, exceptional rigidity, precision and bluffing agility of the steering system like undercarriages ... only here, it is by gradually increasing the pace that apprehension increases so much the limits seem repulsed, but difficult to define on open road. Much more than a certain Porsche 911 Turbo (or even GT3), more "light" and communicative in the work of its chassis. Even in "Sport +" mode, depreciation and management "absorb" some of the information. This GT C impresses as much as it intrigues because the potential of grip is phenomenal and the balance imperturbable, but some dry reactions in compression of suspension on the bumpy come to calm the heat. Humility, when you hold us!
Bestiale ... and enjoyable!
The weather, lenient at the beginning of the test tickles the accelerator without much thought: the V8 prints you in the seat over the entire range of acceleration, from 2,000 ... to 7,000 rpm ! The 7 gears of the Speedshift double-clutch robotic gearbox go lightning-fast with a flick of the palettes, motor skills digest the torque without flinching, and the Sport Escape makes the V8 concerto so much better. With a few bonus "shouting" to downshift or lift the foot with the active Sport exhaust. But when the drops are invited to the party, the sanction of the traction control (quite permissive mode Sport + and especially Race) intervenes immediately to get you back on track ... even in a straight line! We will not dwell on consumption which, logically, oscillates between 15 and 25 l / 100 according to desires. The AMG GT C Coupe competes at € 171,800 directly competing with the 911 Turbo of 540 hp (3.0 s at 0 to 100 km / h, 320 km / h at peak, € 177,695), certainly less "muscle car In the soul but with legendary efficiency.
The GT R at Blister Berg: a memorable experience!
To further increase the dose of adrenaline, we change tub to slip into a GT R and tread the asphalt tape Blister Berg. Like a "little Nordschleife", this sublime 4.2 km long route in the northern half of Germany offers up to 200 meters of vertical drop. It is the work of Walter Röhrl: we understand better why it offers so many sensations with blind turns, diving in support, load shedding, compressions ... In short, a hell of a slap when it comes to launching driving a 585 hp AMG GT R on the rear wheels. The small yellow wheel on the center console is none other than the Traction Control, finely adjustable as the volume of a car radio. Race mode, sequential box driving, go: like a race car (we find the feeling of the GT C, but more brutal!), The fantastic sound of the V8 liberally released invaded the cockpit as the needle slaps the red zone (still at 7000 rpm). The thrust is even more violent, biting and progressive braking ... Player on demand cornering input, gripping on his front end, the GT R only asks to be swayed to sometimes extricate counter-bending curves, with incredible progressiveness as the level of grip is high (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2). But it is when the instructions begin to be assimilated that the experience ends. Faced with a 500 hp Porsche 911 GT3? I hesitate. More bestial, but certainly no less effective, the GT R reaches the grail!
The sound of that V8: