2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Review

Like all trim levels, the GT employs a 4.0-liter V8 and seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is available as both a coupe and convertible called the GT Roadster. For the base version here, the V8 produces 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential, an 8.4-inch center infotainment display, a navigation system, a four-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated eight-way power-adjustable seats. Convertible models come with a standard neck heating system and dual roll bars. Options include an aerodynamics package, black exterior trim appearance package, panoramic roof, and Burmester stereo system. Buyers can also opt for driver-adjustable exhaust and adaptive dampers, along with a variety of wheel choices.

The engine in the GT S gets a power pump (515 hp, 494 lb-ft of torque), while the chassis gains more sophisticated tools in the form of electronic control for the dampers and limited-slip differential. Drivers have access to a more aggressive Race driving mode and can adjust the loudness of the exhaust. The 640-watt, 10-speaker Burmester stereo system is standard, as are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Options are similar to what's available on the base model, but the GT S also gets access to a Dynamic Plus package that broadens the V8's powerband and adds a more aggressive suspension calibration and drivetrain mounts. A high-end 1,000-watt Burmester stereo system, carbon-ceramic brakes and extreme performance sport tires are also available.

The GT C (late availability) offers an even higher engine output (550 hp, 502 lb-ft of torque) in both coupe and convertible GT C Roadster variants. It's 2.3 inches wider in the rear than the previous models, with space used to house wider wheels and a rear-wheel steering system that improves low-speed agility and high-speed stability. The GT C rides on adjustable and continuously variable dampers and has a sharper overall setup thanks to the standard Dynamic Plus package, which adds stiffer engine and transmission mounts and widens the power delivery.

The GT R is the most powerful trim available (577 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque) and is further endowed by carbon-fiber bodywork and a big rear wing. Large and lightweight forged wheels wrapped with extremely aggressive tires along with manually adjustable coil-over suspension mean this hardcore variant is intended primarily for track use. It even has a nine-mode traction control system styled after Mercedes' GT3 racecar. The GT R doesn't have a few features that are standard on lesser models due to its focus on performance, but most are available as options.