designboom tests mercedes-AMG GT family on race track in germany

AMG has a history that stretches back 50 years, but in the space of less than three, the mercedes-AMG ‘GT’ has evolved into a family of sports cars renown for their driving performance and equally impressive design. beautifully composed of eight models – four series production coupés, two series production roadsters and two sport racing cars – they all embrace inherited themes. their 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sports suspension with aluminum double wishbone axles deliver a highly dynamic ride. matching this pure sports car experience, the collection has a sleek and aerodynamic form where a long, low-slung and powerdome-adorning front end is paired with a dramatically tapered roof line. this is as standard, but like individually designed sculptures, each vehicle model differs slightly.

so like given that daunting question of which child do you prefer more, and then challenged with a rain-soaked race track in driburg, germany, designboom takes a test for choosing the perfect ‘GT’ family member.

testing the AMG GT S solarbeam
image courtesy of mercedes/AMG exclusively for designboom

as the entry-level model, the mercedes-AMG ‘GT’ coupé features the same front mid-engine layout, transmission in transaxle configuration, low center of gravity, and lightweight construction as the whole family. furthermore, its 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine packs 476 hp and a max torque of 630 Nm. all these characteristics ensure that the sports car delivers an extremely agile performance.

testing the AMG GT S solarbeam
image courtesy of mercedes/AMG exclusively for designboom

the mercedes-AMG ‘GT S’, as its name lettering suggests, is the markedly more sportier version of the car. this driving experience starts with its 522 hp and 670 Nm-producing engine that is combined with the AMG high-performance compound brake system, the magnificently sounding AMG performance exhaust, and the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension that adjusts dampening for three settings: comfort, sport and sport plus. for the exterior, details are more distinguished to emphasize the model’s dynamism, including the 19/20-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels and red painted brake calipers. this continues in the interior where exclusive elements, such as the AMG instrument cluster and DINAMICA microfiber steering wheel, are fitted.

testing the AMG GT S solarbeam
image courtesy of mercedes/AMG exclusively for designboom

representing the third power level within the car collection, the mercedes-AMG ‘GT C edition 50’ delivers 557 hp and peak torque of 680 Nm. this is not only merged with the AMG performance exhaust system and AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, but also with the adaptive damping system, active rear-axle steering and larger compound brakes. this ensures the limited model car produces stable handling at high speeds and great agility at low speeds. combating better traction and thus corning speeds, the tail end of the ‘GT C’ is 57 mm wider to create larger wheels and a wider track. as you can imagine, the interior features even more exclusive appointments with nappa leather adorning the steering wheel and dashboard details.

testing the AMG GT R green hell on the bilster berg track

as the final production series coupé, the mercedes-AMG ‘GT R’ is effectively a racing car approved for road use. its 585 hp and 700 Nm-producing engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission at the rear axle and its AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension propels the model at lighting pace, whilst leaving the driver in complete control. this experience is further enhanced as its exterior has been composed of lightweight carbon fiber and titanium parts, as well as featuring an active aerodynamic profile. its special styling doesn’t stop there though, as both wider front and rear wings allow increased track width, and front and rear aprons improve grip and efficiency.

mercedes-AMG GT R in green
all videos courtesy of mercedes-AMG

as the second body variant of the AMG GT entry-level, the mercedes-AMG ‘GT roadster’ delivers the family’s renown sports car feeling in an open-air experience. although fully closed during our rainy test drives, the soft top is made from a lightweight construction to ensure the overall center of gravity remains low, and can open or close in just 11 seconds. the two-seater’s body differs to the coupés. instead it is composed of an aluminum spaceframe and body, as well as a reinforced bodyshell structure of thicker walls, more chambers and additional struts. this ensures that, together with the 476 hp and 630 Nm-offering engine, it performs just as impressively as the other models but with a fresh-air feel.

the limited edition (50 pieces) of the mercedes-AMG GT C

building upon this open-top experience, the mercedes-AMG ‘GT C roadster’ adopts many performance components to deliver even higher power. to start with, the V8 biturbo engine has an output of 557 hp and a torque of 680 Nm. it then enhances AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive damping system, AMG rear-axle steering, larger front brakes, and dynamic handling control with a built-in RACE mode. if that doesn’t highlight the special nature of this car then the exterior and especially the interior will. as per the hard top variant, the ‘GT C’ has had its tail end widen in order to offer improved traction, and has a cabin embellished with exclusive nappa leather.

composed of six series production models, the whole mercedes-AMG ‘GT’ collection differs slightly from each other. they showcase just enough modifications to be perfectly tailored to an individual’s needs, whilst still conveying the renown gt-genes overall. but just like having that favorite child, the limited edition ‘GT C’ still stands out within this most special family. as designboom’s CEO, massimo mini, stated, ‘these sports cars are more than great, but the GT C is just simply a masterpiece.’