Mercedes-AMG unveils third GT Roadster
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 14th May 2018
MERCEDES-AMG has unveiled the third member of its GT Roadster family, the mid-spec GT S, which is expected to arrive Down Under in 2019, four years after its hard-top equivalent became the first GT variant to make it to Australian shores.
Joining the existing GT and GT C variants, the Roadster range will match the coupe in all variants bar the range-topping 430kW GT R, which is still a coupe-only affair.
Local pricing is yet to be announced, however based on existing pricing structures, owners can be expected to fork out around $320,000-$325,000 before on-roads for the drop-top GT S.
With every GT variant employing AMG’s ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the GT S Roadster has been tuned to match the outputs of its coupe sibling, producing 384kW at 6250rpm and 670Nm from 1900-5000rpm.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with an electronically controlled locking differential mounted to the rear axle.
Completing the zero to 100km/h sprint takes just 3.8 seconds, while a top speed of 308km/h can be achieved.
The twin-turbo V8 sips a claimed 15.6 litres of fuel on the combined cycle, while emitting 262 grams of CO2 per km.
Over the entry-level GT Roadster, the GT S scores a number of additional features including AMG Ride Control sports suspension with active dampers, variable performance exhaust, 20-inch rear alloy wheels in the rear and 19-inch hoops up front, 360mm composite rear brake discs, and five-mode drive select, which includes Race mode over the GT’s four selections.
The Airpanel active air regulation system is also included as standard, which opens and closes vertical louvres at the bottom of the front apron to optimise cooling and aerodynamics as needed.
Inside, the GT S is upholstered in Artico faux-leather and Dinamica microfibre, with a number of Nappa leather upholstery configurations available as an option.
The interior is trimmed with the Silver Chrome package with the optional Piano Lacquer package also available, as are trim elements in matte silver glass-fibre, carbon-fibre and matte carbon-fibre.
If owners option the AMG Performance seats, Mercedes’ Airscarf convertible feature can be included, consisting of a neck-heating air-con system, while three-stage seat climate control can also be optioned.
The sports steering wheel is decked out in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre, while like the GT and GT C Roadsters, a fabric soft-top is standard that can be opened in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Owners looking for an extra performance edge will be able to option the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which gains dynamic engine and transmission mounts, sportier steering and suspension calibrations, specific engine application, Dinamica performance steering wheel and yellow highlights in the instrument cluster.
Full Australian pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s release date next year.
