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I drove a $168,000 Mercedes-AMG GT C to see if this gorgeous and terrifying two-seater is worth the price. Here's the verdict.
I drove a $168,000 Mercedes-AMG GT C to see if this gorgeous and terrifying two-seater is worth the price. Here's the verdict.
Dec 14, 2018, 23:26 IST
Hello, beautiful dinosaur. In "Brilliant Blue Metallic," the Mercedes-AMG GT C is a stunning example of what the storied Aufrecht-Melcher-Groszaspach performance brand is capable of.
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The car is what I'm into right now. Two seats, long hood, low stance, massive engine. The AMG GT is sometimes compared with similarly spec'd Porsche 911s, but you have to remember that the AMG has the motor up front. Where it's supposed to be.
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O. M. G. This thing is just staggeringly sharp — not something you'll always hear me say about Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
The front end is obviously the defining portion of the entire design. Never a fan of Mercedes fascias, I was won over by the AMG GT's without a fight.
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Yes, the badge is bold.
I hope you don't have a problem with that.
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The classic M-B badge is also present. Overkill? Maybe, but who cares?
The rear end, with that smoothly sloping fastback and ample curves, exudes power and style.
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Nothing wrong with those menacing exhaust ports, either.
I would prefer that the taillights were in better harmony with the headlights, but that's a minor complaint.
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AMG badging on the GT's rear ...
... along with the GT C designation. The GT is for "Grand Touring," while the "C" represents an upgrade to the AMG GT's performance specification.
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Here's what folks don't like about Mercedes' design: it's extra. The AMG GT is, for the most part, an exercise in powerful restraint. This vent advertising the twin-turbo V8 in shimmery chrome is just about the only superfluous detail on the car.
Enough with the succulent aesthetics! On to the engine!
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The 4.0-liter V8 rocks twin turbochargers, making 550 horsepower with 502 pound-feet of torque.
As a motor, it's simply brilliant. The power surges with authority, and if you think those turbochargers will lag the boost, you are mistaken. The carbon-fiber engine cover adds $1,500 to the price.
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Here's the Mercedes-AMG M178 Series engine out of the car.
This example, as with all AMG GT motors, was hand-built in Germany.
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The carbon-ceramic brakes are supremely self-confident — and a nearly $9,000 option.
Numerous controls are housed in a console between the seats, including the somewhat awkwardly located shifter for the excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. In brushed metal, this entire unit looks like sculpture.
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Let's take a closer look at the interior, rendered in saddle-brown-and-black Nappa leather, along with a fair amount of carbon-fiber trim.
The quilting in the seats is to be expected from Mercedes. It adds a touch of class.
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So does the precise topstitching.
The steering wheel is stout and ample. Not my thing (I'd rather have something thinner), but the feel is wonderful.
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And again, you can gaze upon the Mercedes badge.
The analog-digital gauges are recessed in deep binnacles.
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Instrumentation, otherwise, is rather minimal, and the infotainment system occupies prime real estate on the dashboard.
The COMAND system is quite good, although it's operated using a combination of knob and trackpad, along with buttons, that takes a few days to get the hang of.
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The system makes use of scrollable apps. In my testing, the GPS navigation performed well, and Bluetooth device pairing was effortless. The USB/AUX ports allows for direct smartphone hookup.
You can also drill down into the AMG GT's assorted drive modes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.
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The rest of the GT's controls are very minimal — they almost get lost in the carbon-fiber trim surrounding the cupholders.
The premium Burmester audio system is one of the best in the business. I put it through its paces and concluded that it's the winner among sound systems in two-doors with massive engines up front.
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Let's quickly discuss cargo space.
It isn't great — but it isn't awful, either. Lose the rear seats and you obviously have more capacity. Cars like this are supposed to be for high-speed weekend runs to romantic resorts, so as long as you have space for two carry-ons, you're golden.