Mercedes-AMG expands GT range

Mercedes-AMG has pumped up its fastest car while adding a new model to the GT range.

The brand celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017, a moment to be marked by the introduction of an F1-powered supercar to rival the McLaren P1.

Supporters of the brand who can't drop well more than $1 million on a new car might have to settle for something a little more affordable. Something like the updated Mercedes-AMG GT range.

The brand's fastest model line has been updated for 2017, bringing more power, new looks and updated tech to the Porsche 911 rival.

Every car in the range now features AMG's distinctive Panamericana grille with vertical slats that will make their way to all AMG models ranging from the cheapest A45 hot hatch to the Ferrari-baiting flagship due to be unveiled mid-year. The GT range looks angrier as a result, and the combination of larger vents with active aerodynamics should improve performance.

AMG attempted to create Goldilocks' own performance car in the GT C coupe, a new model that blends elements of the track-focused GT R coupe with the comparatively understated styling of the regular GT. With more aggression than a regular GT - and a lack of fluoro green paint and oversized spoilers that feature on the GT R - the new model looks just right.

Initially available as a special run of Edition 50 models with satin grey or white paint, the GT C coupe features wider rear bodywork than the start model, as well as four-wheel- steering and a more advanced adaptive suspension setup that are now optional for the GT S.

A new Track Pace option allows customers to wirelessly connect the car to their iPhone for track days, recording live telemetry in concert with a video feed provided by the phone.

All models in the range benefit from a power boost for 2017 thanks to running changes to AMG's 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. The entry-level AMG GT benefits from an extra 10kW and 30Nm that take it to 350kW and 630Nm, while the GT S now has 384kW and 670Nm - 9kW and 20Nm more than before.

The new GT C has a whopping 410kW and 680Nm of torque, well more than existing models in the range, but a little less than the 430kW, 700Nm GT R flagship.

The 2017 AMG GT range, including the GT C coupe and roadster and the GT R flagship, will arrive locally in the third quarter of the year.

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