Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Arrives Packing 550 HP

Mercedes-AMG has revealed two new droptop models of the GT, the GT Roadster and the more powerful GT C Roadster.

Arriving in North America by fall of 2017, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster puts out 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque and tacks on many of the same features and technical refinements as the range-topping GT R, including active rear axle steering and an electronically controlled rear axle locking differential.

In addition, the GT C Roadster boasts wider rear fenders like the GT R, resulting in more muscular proportions and creating space for a wider track and wider rear wheels.

Both models sport fabric soft tops that open and close in around 11 seconds, and can do so at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Black, red and beige soft tops will be offered along with 11 exterior and 10 interior colors.

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Lurking under the hood for both variants is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, with the standard AMG GT Roadster outputting 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the powerplant is a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission with the AMG GT Roadster going to 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 3.9 seconds.

The more powerful GT C will do the sprint in 3.7 seconds. Top speed on the GT Roadster is set at 188 mph (303 km/h) while the GT C can reach 196 mph (315 km/h).

Standard features on the AMG GT Roadster include active air management system, AMG Sport Suspension and AMG Panamericana grille. The GT C Roadster adds revised transmission gearing, active rear-wheel steering, electronic limited-slip differential, 2.25-inch (57.15-mm) wider rear fenders, Nappa leather interior, AMG Performance steering wheel, “RACE” transmission mode, AMG Performance exhaust system and AMG Ride Control with continuously variable, adaptive damping system.

Unfortunately, weight specifications on the Roadster models were not announced. Expect pricing and more specifications to be revealed closer to the vehicles’ launch in 2017.

“With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants,” said Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG. “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.”

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