By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Just in time for the southern spring, Mercedes-AMG will import its high-performance GT in open-top Roadster format.
In a traditional manner it uses a soft top – a high quality, triple layer fabric roof.
This stores neatly using a Z-fold arrangement behind the seats.
The roof can be opened and closed in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Like the existing AMG GT Coupe, the GT Roadster has a powerful V8 front mid-engine.
A torque tube connects the engine to an AMG seven-speed transaxle at the rear for a close to perfect weight distribution of 47:53 per cent.
Revisions to the engine will be seen not only in the Roadster but also added to the Coupe.
The AMG GT Coupe gains 10 kW (to 350 kW) of power and 30 Nm to (630 Nm). The AMG GT S Coupe received an extra 9 kW (to 384 W) and 20 Nm (to 670 Nm).
In an interesting facelift adds the ‘Panamericana grille’ along with styling enhancements to the front apron and air intakes. It certainly looks different.
The standard Mercedes-AMG GTs (if ‘standard’ is the right description…) will be joined in Australia by the redhot AMG GT R Coupe.
The demonstration session of this 430kW/700Nm AMG monster set a new production car record of two minutes 16.5 seconds during the weekend of the 12-hour race at Mount Panorama in February 2017.
Open-top enjoyment is made comfortable by a ‘draught stop’ wind deflector and heated seats.
A 10-speaker Burmester surround sound system and Mercedes’ COMAND Online multimedia system add to the package
The AMG GT C Roadster not only delivers more output and torque (410kW and 680Nm), it also impresses with numerous technical highlights from the AMG GT R Coupé for even more dynamic performance.
Like the AMG GT R, the AMG GT C Roadster is recognisable by its wide, muscular rear end and large wheels. Other technical measures include active rear axle steering.
Positioned between the AMG GT S and AMG GT R Coupe models, the AMG GT C Roadster incorporates standard features including AMG Performance seats and steering wheel, both in nappa leather.
Again on the comfort side, it has heated and ventilated seats as well as AirScarf neck level heating.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the the high-performance AMG organisation, now called Mercedes-AMG, a special ‘Edition 50’ version of the newly arrived AMG GT C Coupe has been created.
It features the AMG interior Night Package, Edition 50 detailing in the head restraints and steering wheel bezel, quilted nappa leather upholstery, AMG trim elements in black chrome, LED high performance headlamps and black chromed exterior highlights.
It sits on either 19 or 20-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels and a choice of two ‘designo’ paint colours – graphite grey magno or cashmere white magno.
The enlarged and enhanced Mercedes-AMG GT range is scheduled to arrive downunder in October.
To test drive the Mercedes inquire at Mercedes Benz Berwick, 518 Princes Highway, Berwick. Phone 1300 622 622 or 8794 0900.
Model Range
GT Coupe: $258,711
GT Roadster: $283,711
GT S Coupe: $298,711
GT C Edition 50 Coupe: $335,211
GT C Roadster: $338,711
GT R Coupe: $348,711
