World Debut: Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C Roadsters Join The Growing AMG Family

Mercedes-AMG’s GT family gets a breath of fresh air, two in fact, with the simultaneous launch of the Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C roadster models.

A few months after the introduction of the blood-curdling 577bhp AMG-GT R, the two roadsters aim to infuse AMG’s hallmark ‘hot-rod’ performance and driving dynamics with the joys of open-top motoring in one intense package.

The introduction of the two roadster models now extends Mercedes-AMG’s sports car range to include:

• Mercedes-AMG GT
• Mercedes-AMG GT S
• Mercedes-AMG GT R
• Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
• Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH. comments, ”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".

The roadster range starts off with the AMG GT, powered by the firm’s (M178) 4.0-litre twin turbocharged with direct injection which delivers 476hp at 6000rpm and 630Nm between 1700rpm and 5000rpm. The AMG GT Roadster completes the 0-100km/h dash in 4.0seconds all the way to a top speed of 302km/h. The roadster produces 14hp and 30Nm more than its Coupe counterpart.

With the AMG GT C Roadster, Mercedes-AMG is introducing a higher output level for the 4.0-litre bi-turbo engine, now tweaked to produce 557hp, 47hp more than the AMG GTS coupe and just 28hp shy of the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Torque is rated at 680Nm, available between 1900rpm and 5750rpm. The GT C variant races to 100km/h in just 3.7seconds and will keep accelerating to 316km/h.

In both variants, power is sent through the AMG Speedshift 7-Speed dual-clutch transmission.

In the GT C, the transmission required some new hardware and software tweaks to cope with the new power output. The first-gear receives a higher gear ratio, while the seventh gear and the final drive receive a lower ratio – contributing to better acceleration and response. The GT C also receives an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential (LSD) versus the mechanical LSD unit in the GT roadster.

Four transmission modes are on offer in the GT, namely, Comfort, Sport, Sport ‘+’ and Individual. The GT C gets one more mode – Race!

The GT C also features active rear-axle steering that had its debut in the AMG GT R, up to speeds of 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, above speeds of 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels. The system allows for improved manoeuvrability at low speeds and increased directional stability at high speeds.

Chassis notes are as follows:

The party-piece fabric roof opens and closes in around eleven seconds, and can be operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The three soft top colours black, red and beige can be chosen to suit the 11 exterior and 10 interior colours. The three-layered fabric soft top is supported by a magnesium/steel/aluminium structure of low weight, which helps to keep the centre of gravity low. Additional rollover protection is provided by an integrated aluminium cross-member with rollover bars.

An intelligent mix of materials has also been chosen to keep the structural weight of the roadsters down. Various aluminium alloys are used for the chassis and body, and magnesium for the front deck, while side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers increase overall rigidity.

The dashboard support is braced against the windscreen surround by additional struts, and a strut tower brace between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle. A cross-member behind the seats supports the fixed roll-over protection system.