The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster has been unveiled and it will be with an open top.
The first time it has been seen in an online video. The new car will have two versions: GT and GT C. Now this bellwether line-up will add these two models to the already existing GT, GT S and GT R coupes.
The GT C is something we have not seen before and there have been differences in engine and gearbox. The new vehicle may be filling the gap between ‘S’ and ‘R’. A 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine is installed into the car. It produces 550 horsepower and 680Nm of torque. This means that the car has 47 hp more than the GT S, but 27 hp less than the GT R.
Although the new Roadster weighs 1660kg, it is faster than the GT S, due to upgraded engine and extra power. It takes it just 3.7 seconds to complete 0-100km/h sprint which is 0.1 seconds faster than the GT S. The top speed of a car is 316km/h.
Moreover, this car contains locking rear differential which is governed electronically and an all-wheel steering just like the GT R.
The new roadster has specially designed adjustable AMG Ride Control sports suspension, a rear track which is wider than at the previous model and AMG performance steering wheel made out of either microfiber or nappa leather. Moreover, some of the innovations are larger tires – 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, lithium-ion battery and the new transmission mode ‘Race’ for all high-speed lovers.
This car looks similar to the GT R from whom it borrowed the famous ‘Panamericana’ front grille and a bumper which is slightly modified and it will have more profound side skirts and better air intakes.
The rear bumper contains air outlets just like the GT R, but the difference is that it the bumper is wider and another air outlet is located under the boot lid. On the other hand, the designers decided to leave a lower diffuser design just like the GT and GT S coupes have. It also comes with the double exhaust outlets, unlike the GT R whose exhaust tips are reinforced at the center.
The unit in the GT Roadster is also a twin-turbo with eight cylinders, but it produces 469 hp and 630Nm of torque which is less than the new GT C.
The top speed this car can reach is 302km/h and it takes him 4.0 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h. It is amazing that this coupe can go over 300km/h but the version with the roof is faster by 2km/h.
A DTC transmission with seven speeds is located in both GT and GT C with rear-wheel drive.
These performance measurements are astonishing, but the manufacturers had to modify the body dramatically in order to compensate for the lack of immovable roof.
The vehicle has become agiler in corners by inserting magnesium in the front of the car and some alloys of aluminum in the chassis.
Not only has the rear axle been reinforced with a strut bar, but the body has also been strengthened with thicker side skirts. Furthermore, there are extra struts to support the dashboard and the roll-over protection system is another addition to the roof mechanism.
The interior of the GT C is almost the same as the one in GT. The folding roof, however, can be found in three colors – black, beige and red.
It takes about 11 seconds for the roof to open and close.
In addition, the AMG performance exhaust system is considered a standard for the GT C and it has flaps which can be modified and their purpose is to adjust the sound of a car depending on a driving mode. However, those flaps can be closed or opened by just one click of the button.
There are three transmission modes in the GT Roadster – Sport, Sport Plus and Comfort. Likewise, there is a fourth option so that the drivers can set the transmission mode according to their own taste and need.The ‘Race’ Mode on the GT C opens up the exhaust and the one has a feeling to drive a race car.
GT R’s air management system is in both GT Roadster and GT allowing louvers in the front to be opened and closed in one second by pressing the button. When they are opened, a maximum airflow to the heat exchangers is permitted, but that influences the aerodynamics.
Although for now, the buyers can only satisfy with the GT C in roadster form, the plan is that the coupe version appears later next year.
In Australia, the GT C Roadster will go on sale in the second half of next year.
It is not yet confirmed whether the GT Roadster will be brought to Australia considering that the GT coupe also avoided that market.
We will know more details at the Paris motor show next month, so stay tuned.
