The launch of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show brought the total number of GT models to six. That’s a lot of models to have in a range when you consider that the first of these performance cars, the AMG GT, was only unveiled in 2015. But success breeds success and by and large, the Mercedes-AMG GT line has been just that for the German automaker. There’s no question about that, but what can be argued is the AMG GT’s place in the segment, or to be more specific, it’s status compared to that of the current king of the sports car business: the Porsche 911.
(It’s also worth mentioning that Porsche also unveiled the new 911 GTS at the same venue, so the timing for this comparison is appropriate.)
So here’s the question: has Mercedes-AMG created a line of GT sports cars that can realistically challenge Porsche’s own family of 911 models for sports car supremacy?
It’s an interesting question to ask because there can be legitimate answers from both sides. If you’re on the side of Mercedes, you can point to the GT sports cars as fresh and compelling choices in the market. Mercedes-AMG, after all, has done a remarkable job building the brand up, as shown by its ever increasing portfolio. There’s a healthy market for the GT today and Mercedes is smart to capitalize on that interest.
On the flip side, Porsche purists are also not wrong for scoffing at the question because it’s the 911 we’re talking about here. The model is without question one of the most iconic nameplates in the history of the auto industry, so before some kind of young whippersnapper can puff its chest and stare down the 911, maybe it should show some kind of longevity first.
Clearly, there are no right or wrong answers here because this whole comparison can be shaped and reshaped depending on the narrative that’s being thrown out. But with the success of the Mercedes-AMG GT line, that earlier question about the GT challenging the 911 is fair game and we’re going to try to find out whether there’s more to it than what meets the eye.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2iiQLgA
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