MERCEDES is extending its AMG GT family of sports cars with the introduction of the GT C Coupe which will initially be available exclusively as a special Edition 50 model.

The new GT C will launch as an exclusive special Edition 50 model to mark the landmark year of the AMG company, which was founded in 1967.

As far is outward appearance goes the new models are identifiable by the distinctive AMG Panamericana grille, which is now shared by all AMG GT models.

Underlining the motor sport heritage, the grille features 15 chrome-plated, vertical bars, which echo the look of the latest Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer sport racing car.

The new front apron emphasises the car's width, making it sit flatter on the road. The large outer air inlets also guarantee the supply of cooling air to the engine.

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 will be available in two exclusive special paint finishes and to give the exterior a distinctive look, black chrome highlights are applied to the side skirt trim, the front splitter, the trim strips in the air inlets of the Panamericana grille, the fins on the side air outlets in the front wings, the moulding on the rear diffuser and the exhaust tailpipe trims.

The surface of the cross-spoke AMG forged wheels has been harmonised with the black chrome elements of the exterior.

The interior is marked by a contrast between black and silver and with an AMG performance steering wheel plus steering wheel spokes, shift paddles and door sill panels in black.

The special edition is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine with twin turbochargers and direct injection producing 557bhp which gives it a top speed of 196mph and a sprint time from standstill to 62mph of just 3.7 seconds.

UK pricing and specification is to be confirmed with first deliveries of the GT C Coupe in the summer.