Mercedes-AMG GT C, GT Roadster Revealed Ahead of Paris Debut

Mercedes-AMG has just confirmed the existence of the rumored GT C model, along with more details on the GT soft-top roadster teased just a few days ago.

First up is the Mercedes-AMG GT C, which debuts as a roadster convertible model. We’ve heard that the GT C would also come as a hardtop coupe, but for now that body style doesn’t exist. With that said, the AMG GT C roadster is powered by the brand’s familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle. It’s rated at 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, which makes it more powerful than the GT S coupe (503 hp and 479 lb-ft), but slightly less so than the track-focused GT R coupe that’s been boosted to produce 577 hp and 516 lb-ft. AMG says the GT C roadster should run from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed capped at 196 mph.

The AMG GT C roadster also gets a few performance bits from the GT R. In addition to the GT R’s rear axle steering system and electronic limited-slip differential, the GT C features a wider track and fenders that extend 2.25 inches farther than the GT and GT S. The GT C’s standard staggered wheel setup features 19s up front and 20s in the back and 305 width rear tires. The GT R’s extensive carbon fiber treatment won’t carry over, but the GT C does get a lithium-ion battery to shave a few pounds.

Meanwhile, the base GT roadster is tuned to produce 469 hp and 465 lb-ft — 13 horses and 22 lb-ft more than the base GT coupe.

Both roadsters received additional chassis reinforcements to compensate for the chopped top. The side skirts are thicker than the coupe, and bracing has been added around the dashboard and in between the soft top and fuel tank. The roadsters are also fitted with fixed rollover hoops. The automaker says the power-retractable soft top is fairly quick, taking just 11 seconds to open and close.

Both roadsters are set to debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show later this month before arriving in the U.S. next fall. With these two models, the AMG GT family grows to five members, and more are expected to come in the next few years.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

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