Mercedes has recently teased the public with a video of its new AMG-GT, hinting at the launch of a convertible model of such sports car. And on Wednesday, Mercedes confirmed dropping off the top of its performance car, which will be first shown to the world at the upcoming 2016 Paris Motor Show.
As the announcement made yesterday turned out, Mercedes will be introducing two versions of the convertible sports car named as GT Roadster and the GT C Roadster (higher-end).
"With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants," Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG chairman, stated during the announcement. "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 is a highly dynamic driving experience in a very exclusive ambience, coupled with that pure roadster feeling", Moers added.
The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is said to be a unique variant, running at 550hp; the workhorse combines the dropped off top design with the bespoke chassis of the more classic GT R. The more regular GT Roadster was built to make 469hp, according to design leaks. Both GT C Roadster and GT Roadster use 4.0-litre twin-turbo AMG V8 engine.
Mercedes dropped the option to use the Mercedes-Benz SL's folding hard-top and utilized a traditional, lightweight, folding soft-top roof to cover the GT Roadster, which closes in just 11 seconds. This model will be offered in three colors. Thicker side skirts were engineered to support the structure of the roofless Mercedes-AMG model. An elegant bootlid, which is a Mercedes-Benz first, is installed in both AMG GT and AMG GT C, adding to their overall appeal.
Specifications states that the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster can run a 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 187mph. The GT C Roadster, on the other hand, clocks 3.7 seconds for the same base speed and can do up to 196mph.
Body designs show that the GT C Roadster will be 57mm wider at the rear, updated with active rear wheel steering, and the rear differential is already made electronic. An AMG Ride Control adaptive damping and a 'Race' mode was also included in the vehicle's suspension.
Both variants run under the same active air management system as the AMG GT R, reason for the models to share the same AMG Panamericana grille, built with 15 vertical chrome-plated bars.
A fancier feature of the AMG GT and AMG GT C introduces a new light macchiato beige nappa leather color and an option to install an ultra-clear Burmester 'Externed Coupled Subwoofer' system, which can deliver an open-air concert sound experience while moving with the roofs off.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and GT C Roadster are expected to reach the US in the 3rd quarter of 2017. Official pricing is yet to be announced, but the more basic Roadster model is expected to exceed the standard coupe's tariff of $112,125.
