Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster (L) and GT C Roadster (R)
Mercedes-AMG has dropped the top on the AMG GT. After the recent world premiere of the AMG GT R, the sports car and performance brand from Affalterbach is presenting two roadster variants of the two-seat coupe. Alongside the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT C Roadster enhances the portfolio with a completely new model variant. With an output of 557 hp and peak torque of 501 lb-ft, the AMG GT C is the most powerful of the two new Roadsters and uses some of the technical refinements of the AMG GT R. Included are the active rear axle steering and the electronically controlled rear axle locking differential. In combination with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension, the AMG GT C Roadster guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level. The top Roadster also takes its lead from the top AMG GT R sports car where muscular proportions are concerned: the wider rear wings create space for a wider track and wider wheels at the rear axle, allowing even higher cornering speeds and excellent traction. The variable performance exhaust system also ensures an authentic V8 sound from the AMG Roadster.
The new Roadsters make the AMG driving performance an even more intensive experience. “With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants. With the AMG GT C Roadster, we are also introducing a new model variant to which we have transferred main performance-related components from our top sports car, the AMG GT R. The result: a highly dynamic driving experience in a very exclusive ambience, coupled with that pure roadster feeling,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
With the AMG GT C Roadster, Mercedes-AMG is introducing a further output level of the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, thereby underlining the exclusive character of the new model. At 410 kW (557 hp), the peak output is 35 kW (47 hp) above that of the AMG GT S and 20 kW (28 hp) below the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The maximum torque of 680 newton metres is available from 1900 to 5750 rpm. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is absolved in 3.7 seconds, and this fulminating acceleration only ends at the top speed of 316 km/h.
The AMG GT Roadster has an output of 350 kW (476 hp) and 630 Nm of torque. This variant accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and to a top speed of 302 km/h.
The eight-cylinder engine thrills with its immediate response, a linear, finely controllable power delivery and powerful acceleration in all rpm ranges. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 comes with well-proven twin turbocharging, with the two chargers not located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V of the cylinders. The advantages of the “hot inner V”: a compact engine design, spontaneous response from the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters.
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster interior
The developers have also adapted the seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement at the rear axle to the new power level of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster by modifying the hardware and software. The first gear of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission has a higher ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive have a lower ratio. This makes for even more agile acceleration and very fast responses to sudden accelerator movements.
The driver is able to set the AMG GT Roadster to his/her individual requirements using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller. The three transmission modes “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus) and the individually programmable setup “I” (Individual) allow a broad range of driving experiences from comfortable to very sporty.
The transmission mode “RACE” is additionally available for the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. This mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to the needs of the racetrack – very fast shift speeds and highly emotive engine sound are included. By pressing the separate “M” button in the centre console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode.
The two AMG Roadster variants have adopted a special technical highlight from the AMG GT R: the active air management system. Vertical louvres located in the lower area directly behind the front fascia can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second. This ensures that the cooling performance is according to need. Always achieving the optimum position requires highly intelligent and fast control.
Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
During normal driving with no increased cooling requirement, the louvres are closed to reduce aerodynamic drag and specifically conduct the air to the underbody. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and the air requirement is particularly high do the louvres open to allow the maximum cooling airflow to the heat exchangers.
As standard the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster responds even more sensitively thanks to the active rear axle steering that had its debut in the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The system offers an ideal combination of agility and stability handling characteristics that are normally in direct conflict.
Up to a speed of 100 km/h, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster turns into corners with significantly higher agility as a result, delivering even more driving pleasure and requiring less steering input. In day-to-day driving the driver also benefits from a reduced turning circle, for example when turning off or parking.
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Once the speed of the AMG GT C Roadster exceeds 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, This noticeably improves handling stability. At the same time, the lateral force on the rear wheels builds up considerably faster when changing direction, which makes the response to steering inputs quicker. The driver also notices the high grip and stability of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster during rapid changes of direction, without the usual tendency for the rear to break out.
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