Mercedes-AMG adds 2 cabriolet roadsters to GT family

Mercedes-AMG will add two open-top models to its high performance GT lineup. These are the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and GT C Roadster. 

Both will be powered by 4.0 liter V-8 engines with twin turbochargers, direct injection and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The more powerful of the two models is the GT C Roadster with 550 bhp and 680 Nm of torque. 
The GT Roadster will pack 469 bhp and 630 Nm of torque.
The new Roadsters make hallmark AMG driving performance an even more intensive experience. 
“With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants. 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: a highly dynamic driving experience in a very exclusive ambience, coupled with that pure roadster feeling,” says Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
With the two Roadster variants, the Mercedes-AMG GT family has now increased to five members. 
The two new sports cars with fabric soft tops likewise have the technical genes for which AMG is famous. 
These include lightweight and torsionally rigid aluminum body-shell plus powerful and efficient V8 bi-turbo engines. 
The AMG GT C Roadster delivers more output and torque and also impresses with numerous technical highlights from the Mercedes-AMG GT R for even more dynamic performance. 
Like the AMG GT R, the AMG GT C Roadster is recognizable by its wide, muscular rear end and large wheels. 
Other technical measures include the wider rear track and active rear axle steering.
The AMG GT C Roadster is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery, and has more exclusive appointments. 
Standard features include nappa leather interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfiber and the additional transmission mode “Race”.
Both Roadsters can quickly be 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 center of gravity low. 
Additional rollover protection is provided by an integrated aluminum cross-member with rollover bars.

Dual-clutch 
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 AMG Speed-shift 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 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 a broad range of driving experiences from comfortable to very sporty.
The transmission mode “Race” is additionally available for the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. 
This mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to the needs of the racetrack — very fast shift speeds and highly emotive engine sound are included. By pressing the separate “M” button in the center console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode.
The AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with the AMG performance exhaust system as standard to obtain 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 Drive Select mode, although they can also be controlled individually using a separate button in the AMG Drive Unit. 
In the “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.
The two AMG Roadster variants have adopted a special technical highlight from the AMG GT R: the active air management system. 
Vertical louvres located in the lower area directly behind the front fascia can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second. 
This ensures that the cooling performance is according to need. Always achieving the optimum position requires highly intelligent and fast control.

Design aspects
From the expressive AMG 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 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.
The boot lid is particularly light, thanks to an innovative composite material. 
The load-bearing structure is of SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) with carbon fibers. 
These 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. 
This material combination is used for the first time in the new AMG Roadsters.
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 center console and low seat position perfectly integrate the driver into the cockpit. 
The new, light-colored interior in exclusive nappa leather is available for the first time, lending the open-top sports car more individuality and exclusivity.

Source: Arab News