The new Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

Exciting new models are bringing a breath of fresh air to the Mercedes-AMG GT family. Shortly after the world premiere of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, the sports car and performance brand from Affalterbach presented two thrilling new roadster variants of the two-seater sports car: the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. As the most powerful new Roadster variant, with an output of 550 hp and peak torque 502 lb-ft, the Mercedes-AMG GT C uses a number of technical refinements of the Mercedes-AMG GT R. These include active rear axle steering and electronically controlled rear axle locking differential, which combine with AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension to ensure the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster delivers dynamic performance at the very highest level. The top Roadster also takes its lead from the top Mercedes-AMG GT R sports car in its muscular proportions: 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 means the AMG Roadster delivers an authentic V8 sound.

The new Roadsters make hallmark AMG driving performance even more intense. "With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the Mercedes-AMG GT family by two exciting variants. The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster sees us introducing a new model variant to which we have transferred primary performance-related components from our top sports car, the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The result is a highly dynamic, exclusive driving experience, coupled with that pure roadster feeling," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The Mercedes-AMG GT family has now increased to five members with these two Roadster variants, which incorporate the technical genes for which AMG is famous including a lightweight and torsionally rigid aluminum bodyshell and powerful, efficient V8 biturbo engines. The entry point to the Roadster world is the Mercedes-AMG GT, which has an output of (469 hp). The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster adds a completely new output level: at 550 hp, it is the more powerful of the two new open-top sports cars. 

Technical data at a glance:

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster not only delivers more output and torque, it also impresses with numerous technical highlights from the Mercedes-AMG GT R for even more dynamic performance. Like the GT R, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is recognisable by its wide, muscular rear end and large wheels. Other technical measures include a wider rear track and active rear axle steering.

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery, and has more exclusive appointments. Standard features include an Exclusive Nappa Leather interior, an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather, and the additional RACE transmission mode.

Fully automatic, weight-optimized fabric soft top

Both Roadsters are quickly transformed from coupes to open-top sports cars. The fabric roof opens and closes in around eleven seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. A choice of three soft top colours – black, red and beige – can be chosen to match eleven exterior and ten interior colours. The three-layered fabric soft top is supported by a lightweight magnesium/steel/aluminum structure, which helps to maintain a low centre of gravity. Additional rollover protection is provided by an integrated aluminum cross-member with rollover bars.

New output level: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine

With the Mercedes-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 this new model. At 550 hp, the peak output is 47 hp above that of the Mercedes-AMG GT S and 27 hp below the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The maximum torque of 502 lb-ft is available from 1,900 to 5,750 rpm. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is cleared in 3.7 seconds, and this powerful acceleration only ends when it reaches the top speed of 316 km/h.

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster has an output of 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 302 km/h.

An eight-cylinder engine thrills with its immediate response, linear, responsive power delivery, and powerful acceleration across all rpm ranges. The Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre V8 also comes with well-proven twin turbocharging. The two chargers are not located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V of the cylinders. The advantages of this "hot inside V" are a compact engine design, spontaneous response from the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions, thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters.

Newly-adapted dual-clutch transmission

By modifying the hardware and software, developers have adapted the seven-speed dual clutch transmission, located at the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement, to accommodate the new power level of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. 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 Mercedes-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 for a broad range of driving experiences.

The "RACE" transmission mode is available for the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. This mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to suit the needs of the racetrack, including lightning-quick shift speeds and highly emotive engine sounds. By pressing the "M" button on the centre console, the driver can activate manual transmission mode in any drive mode.

Pure sound: the AMG Performance Exhaust System

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with the AMG Performance Exhaust System, which delivers an even more emotive sound experience. Two variably adjustable flaps modulate the exhaust note of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadsters authentically and directly. The flaps open and close depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT mode, although they can also be controlled individually using a separate button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. In "Comfort" and "Sport" settings, the low-frequency sound typical of a V8 is designed for comfort. In "Sport Plus" and "RACE" modes, the sound composition is far more emotive. The variable AMG Performance Exhaust System is also available as an option for the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster.

An active air management system straight from the Mercedes-AMG GT R

The two Mercedes-AMG Roadster variants have adopted a special technical highlight from the Mercedes-AMG GT R: an active air management system. Almost instantaneously, vertical louvres located in the lower area directly behind the front fascia can be opened and closed by an electric motor. This ensures that the cooling performance is adjusted according to the driving conditions; maintaining the optimum position requires fast, highly intelligent control.

During normal driving conditions, when no increased cooling is required, the louvres are closed to reduce aerodynamic drag and conduct air across the Roadster's underbody. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures, and the air requirement is particularly high, do the louvres open to deliver the maximum cooling airflow to the heat exchangers.

Highly expressive and athletic exterior design

From the expressive AMG Panamericana Grille, to the long, muscular hood and 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. A new front apron emphasizes the car's width and gives it a solid appearance, while large outer air inlets guarantee delivery of cooling air to the engine. The vehicle's pronounced shoulder is reminiscent of a tensed muscle and, combined with new 19-inch and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, enhances the impression of sheer power and dynamism.

Muscular, with an emphasis on width

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster's rear end also features numerous, conspicuous innovations. On the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster, new aluminum side walls widen the open-top two-seater by 57 millimetres compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster – exactly the width of the Mercedes-AMG GT R. This muscular form also creates space for larger wheels and a wider track compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, as well as creating traction and enabling higher cornering speeds. The wider contours and large outer air vents of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster's rear apron improve airflow at the rear. Both Roadster variants feature a rear spoiler integrated into the boot lid, which is electrically extended and retracted at defined speeds, depending on the selected transmission mode.

Greater rigidity and low weight: an intelligent material mix

Mercedes-AMG also uses an intelligent material mix for the body structure of the Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C Roadster. Various aluminum alloys are used for the chassis and body, and magnesium is employed in the front deck. This extremely light element at the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, thus improving agility.

The stiff structure of the bodyshell has been further reinforced to accommodate the car's roadster design. Side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers make the structure more rigid, for example, while 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. Behind the seats, a cross-member supports a fixed roll-over protection system.

The trunk lid is particularly light thanks to an innovative composite material. The load-bearing structure comprises SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) with carbon fibres, while high-tech plastics excel with their light weight, great strength and first-class surface condition. These innovative materials were developed by the Mercedes-Benz TEC factory in Sindelfingen, and brought to production maturity together with the AMG specialists in Affalterbach. This material combination is used for the first time in the new Mercedes-AMG Roadsters.

AMG lightweight construction experts have also used an intelligent mix made of a composite material for the wheel-catching struts. 50 percent lighter than their equivalent in steel, these composite components help to guide the front wheels onto the side members as part of the intended crash kinematics in an accident, and to hold them there.

AMG sports suspension: adapted from motorsport

AMG sports suspension underscores the motor racing heritage of the new AMG Roadsters. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminum to reduce the unsprung masses. The wheels are also guided by double wishbones. The resulting precision in camber and track allows high cornering speeds and gives the driver optimum, highly precise road feedback right up to the very high cornering limits.

In the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster, sports suspension is combined with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This system is electronically controlled and automatically adapts the damping on each wheel to the current handling situation, speed and road conditions.

Even more agility: active rear axle steering from the Mercedes-AMG GT R

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. This system offers an ideal combination of agility and stability ‑ handling characteristics that are normally in direct conflict with one-another.

At speeds up to 100 km/h, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels, which allows the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster to turn into corners with significantly higher agility, delivering even more driving pleasure and requiring less steering input. In day-to-day driving, the driver also benefits from a reduced turning circle when parking, for example.

At speeds above 100 km/h, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster's system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, which 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 will also notice 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.

Standard rear-axle locking differential

Where the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster has a mechanical locking differential, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle, which is integrated into its compact transmission housing. Its sensitive, rapid control elevates the vehicle's physical handling limits to a new level. It not only further improves the grip of the driven wheels, but also increases the cornering speeds at the vehicle's limits.

High quality and exclusivity: the interior

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster's interior design echoes the design lines of its exterior. The dashboard places an extreme emphasis on width, creating an impression of a powerful wing, and high beltlines, concave door panels, dynamically rising centre console and low seat position perfectly integrate the driver into the cockpit. Optional light-coloured, Exclusive STYLE Macchiato Beige Nappa Leather upholstery is available for the first time, lending the open-top sports car even more individuality and exclusivity.

More lateral support and comfort: AMG performance seats

AMG performance seats provide even more lateral support with a heavily contoured backrest and seat cushion side bolsters. For the first time, the AMG performance 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.

Customers wishing to enjoy comfortable temperatures even on very hot summer days can opt for seat climate control, which is also available exclusively for the AMG performance seat for the first time. The intensity of the climatization can also be set in three stages.

Impressive interior sound: Externed Coupled Subwoofer

The Burmester Surround Sound System and optional Burmester High-End Surround Sound System ensure a very special musical experience in the AMG GT Roadster. Both systems benefit from an innovation developed jointly by AMG and Burmester: 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.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,500 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 47 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 48,320 vehicles in 2016. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the third consecutive year.

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