mercedes AMG GT C + GT R are the latest muscular roadsters

the performance sports division of mercedes, AMG, is blowing even more fresh air into the AMG GT family. 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 680 Nm, the ‘AMG GT C’ is the most powerful new roadster variant and uses some of the technical refinements of the ‘AMG GT R’. these include 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.

roadsters fabric roof can fold at speeds of up to 50 km/h

the new roadsters are quickly transformed from coupés to open-top sports cars. the fabric roof opens and closes in around eleven seconds, and can do this at speeds of up to 50 km/h. the three soft top colors black; red; and beige can be chosen to suit the eleven exterior and ten interior colors. the three-layered fabric soft top is supported by a magnesium/steel/aluminum structure of low weight, which helps to keep the centre of gravity low. additional rollover protection is provided by an integrated aluminum cross-member with rollover bars.

the final top speed is an exhilarating 316 km/h

mercedes 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 meters 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.

AMG gearbox makes use of a higher ratio in first gear and a lower ratio in seventh gear

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 ‘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 car 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.

three transmission modes feature in the gearbox, plus a custom setting

from the expressive ‘panamericana’ grille to the long, muscular bonnet and the wide rear end, the two-seater guarantees a pure sports car experience even when stationary. the striking AMG ‘panamericana’ grille underlines the motor racing heritage: 15 chrome-plated, vertical bars echo the look of the current mercedes ‘AMG GT3’ customer sports racing car. the new front apron emphasizes the car’s width and gives it a four-square appearance on the road. the large outer air inlets ensure the supply of cooling air to the engine. the pronounced shoulder is suggestive of a tensed muscle, and enhances the impression of sheer power and dynamism in combination with the new 19-inch and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design.

expressive panamericana’ grille underlines the motor racing heritage

the interior design echoes the design lines of the exterior. the dashboard places an extreme emphasis on width, creating an impression of a powerful wing. the high beltlines, concave door panels, dynamically rising centre console and low seat position perfectly integrate the driver into the cockpit. the new, light-coloured interior in macchiato beige exclusive nappa style leather is available for the first time, lending the open-top sports car even more individuality and exclusivity.

light-coloured interior in macchiato beige exclusive nappa style leather

the optionally available ‘AMG performance’ seats provide even more lateral support with more heavily contoured backrest and seat cushion side bolsters. for the first time the seat is also optionally available with the airscarf neck-level heating system, which makes open-air driving enjoyable even in low outside temperatures. the air vent is seamlessly integrated into the seat’s head restraint area. to meet the individual preferences of customers, the temperature of the warm airflow can be set in three stages. drivers wishing to enjoy comfortable temperatures even on very hot summer days will also opt for the seat climate control, which is also available exclusively for the seat for the first time.

AMG performance seats are optionally available with an airscarf neck-level heating system

the burmester surround sound system and high-end surround sound system ensure a very special musical experience in the roadster. both systems benefit from an innovation developed jointly by AMG and german audio manufacturer: the externed coupled subwoofer (ECS). this new bass sound reproduction system with an extremely low bass range turns the open two-seater into ‘a mobile concert stage’. instead of a subwoofer box of limited dimensions, ECS uses the entire interior as a bass box. this is made possible by a special aperture in the right rear wheel arch. the subwoofer is connected to the bodyshell via this aperture, transmitting the impressive sound.

ECS bass reproduction system turns the car into ‘a mobile concert stage’