Mercedes-AMG GT R on track vs GT C on road

FROM an initial offering of just one variant, the Mercedes-AMG GT line-up has grown at a healthy pace to offer a choice of coupes and convertibles and in a range of power outputs.

In the two years since its local launch, the pioneering GT S has been followed by the more affordable GT in both coupe and convertible forms, a manic GT R coupe that is happiest on the track and a second drop-top option dubbed the GT C.

But that soft-top variant is about to be joined by a coupe equivalent in limited Edition 50 trim. With 410kW, the new GT C offers more power than the GT S (even after an imminent update that will take the latter’s peak power to 384kW) and a torque boost to 680Nm. But, critically, a chassis tune that is more geared for comfort.

With more variety in the GT catalogue, Mercedes-AMG will also be targeting a greater share of an audience that is distracted by Porsche’s venerable 911, that has blossomed to more than 20 variants.

Until now, the AMG GT S was the most potent day-to-day offering, while the GT R catered for frivolous, tyre destroying track time, but the GT C coupe promises to offer almost all the power and acceleration of the GT R but in a package you’ll enjoy living with on the road.

To test the theory, we headed to the pristine Bilster Berg track in Germany’s north for a back-to-back thrash in both the flagship of the range and the newcomer variant.

Unless you have access to a motoring nirvana like Bilster Berg, the GT C could be the AMG GT variant that makes the most sense out of the growing six-car fleet.