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New Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster

June 22, 2018

MERCEDES-AMG is extending its sports car portfolio with the new AMG GT S Roadster as an attractive open-air model. With this latest addition the AMG GT family now has a dozen members: four two-door Coupés, three Roadsters, two customer sports racing cars and three four-door Coupés. The basis for the high Driving Performance of the new AMG GT S Roadster is the combination of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, a V8 biturbo engine, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, a rear axle locking differential and a sport suspension with aluminium double wishbone axles.

Compared to the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT S Roadster is rendered even more dynamic by numerous modifications to the engine, suspension, brakes, design and interior. This positions it between the AMG GT Roadster and the even more powerful AMG GT C Roadster, now providing a choice of three open- top two-seaters.

The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo in the AMG GT S Roadster delivers an output of 384 kW (522 hp) and maximum torque of 670 Nm. This is available over a wide engine speed range from 1900 to 5000 rpm. The eight-cylinder power unit delivers a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The dynamic power delivery continues right up to the top speed of 308 km/h.

The two turbochargers of the V8 are not positioned on the outside of the cylinder banks, but inside the cylinder “V”. Advantages: a compact engine design and spontaneous response of the turbochargers.

Power transfer is based on the combination of a front mid-engine and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G sport transmission in a transaxle arrangement, combined with a torsionally rigid torque tube. Thanks to the wide gear ratio spread, the decidedly high torque of the V8 biturbo engine can be used to optimum effect. The weight distribution is also ideal for optimum driving dynamics at 47 (front) and 53 (rear) percent.

The AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping adjustment as standard. This fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the damping at each wheel to the current requirements. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The ideal operating point can be selected at all times on the basis of extensive information relating to acceleration or vehicle speed, for example.

The driver is able to set the AMG GT S Roadster to his/her individual requirements using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller. Five drive modes, “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), “RACE” and the individually programmable setup “I” (Individual) are available. These allow a broad range of driving experiences - from comfortable to very sporty.

By pressing the separate “M” button in the centre console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode to change gear using the steering-wheel shift paddles.

Standard equipment: Electronically controlled rear differential

As standard, the AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and fast control raises the critical limit of vehicle dynamics to a new level. It not only further improves the traction of the drive wheels, but also increases the critical cornering speed.

The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential is the even more sensitive and proactive control, which pushes the critical threshold higher, making it even easier to drive at the vehicle’s limits.

Large dimensions: the AMG high-performance composite braking system

The AMG high-performance composite brake system is adapted to the enhanced performance of the AMG GT S Roadster. The front axle features composite brake discs measuring 390 x 36 mm with 6-piston fixed callipers, with composite brake discs measuring 360 x 26 mm and single-piston fixed callipers at the rear. The brake callipers are painted in red with “AMG” lettering. — SG

There is also the option of the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system with brake discs in size 402 x 39 mm at the front axle and 360 x 32 mm at the rear, together with specially painted brake callipers with “AMG Carbon Ceramic” lettering. Exceptionally short stopping distances, a precise pressure point and outstanding resistance to fading even under extreme operating conditions.

Intelligent lightweight construction with high proportion of aluminium

For the body of the GT S, Mercedes-AMG has opted for an intelligent and particularly lightweight mix of materials with a high proportion of aluminium. The spaceframe and exterior parts are of aluminium, and the boot lid too is particularly light in weight thanks to an innovative composite material. These high-tech plastics excel with their lightweight design, high strength and outstanding surface quality, improving the agility of the Roadster.

Weight-optimised: the fabric soft top

The three-layered fabric soft top is supported by a magnesium/steel/aluminium structure of low weight, which helps to keep the vehicle’s centre of gravity low. Additional roll-over protection is provided by an integrated aluminium cross- member, while the inserted acoustic mat improves noise comfort.

Authentic sports car experience embodying sensual purity

From the expressive AMG radiator grille to the long bonnet and the muscular tail end, the two-seater guarantees a pure sports car experience even when stationary. The flat front section and forward-sloping radiator grille make the Roadster appear to hug the road. At the same time this shape lowers the vehicle’s back-pressure point, enhancing the flow of cooling air and the car’s aerodynamic performance.

Viewed from the side, the arched roof line (when the soft top is closed) and the frameless doors are eye-catching features. The surfaces and lines of the sidewall flow into the tail end with a dramatic tapered effect.

The active air regulation system AIRPANEL included as standard is a particular technical highlight. Vertical louvres at the bottom of the front apron are opened and closed electronically by means of an electric motor in around one second to guarantee the required amount of cooling.

As another active aerodynamic component the Roadster features an extendable rear spoiler. This reduces lift at the rear axle at higher speeds. With its broad shoulders and expressive tail light graphics, the rear end enhances the emotional overall appearance.

High quality and exclusivity: the interior

The interior design echoes the design lines of the exterior. The dashboard places a firm emphasis on width, creating an impression of a powerful wing. Thanks to the high beltlines, concave door panelling, a dynamic, rising centre console and the low seating position, the driver is integrated into the cockpit and feels fully attuned to the Roadster.

The sport seats are upholstered in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre as standard. Numerous other materials and colours are also optionally available, such as nappa leather in black, marron/black, red pepper/black, silver pearl/black. Also available only with AMG Performance seats is number of personalised options, for instance exclusive nappa leather in saddle brown/black and macchiato beige /black.

Choice of high-quality interior trim

As standard the AMG GT S Roadster comes with the AMG Silver Chrome Interior package. This creates particular highlights with trim in high-quality silver chrome. The package consists of a centre console surround, air vent bezels and trim strips in the door armrests in silver chrome. Optional extras include the AMG Piano Lacquer Interior package - trim surfaced in luxurious, shining piano lacquer accentuates the high quality of the interior.

AMG trim elements in matt silver glass-fibre, carbon-fibre and matt carbon-fibre. The Exclusive Trim package further enhances the AMG trim and brings even more individuality to the interior.

The optionally available AMG Performance seats provide even more lateral support with more heavily contoured backrest and seat cushion side bolsters. Customers wishing to enjoy comfortable temperatures even on very hot summer days can also opt for the seat climate control, which is also available for the AMG Performance seats.

As standard the Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is fitted with 10-spoke light- alloy wheels painted in vanadium silver, with 9 x 19 inches (front) and 11 x 19 inches (rear) and tyre sizes 255/35 R 19 and 295/35 R 19 respectively.

A host of different design and colour variants are also available as optional equipment. Also new are 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels panted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish or in matt black with a high-sheen finish.

Tailor-made optional equipment for any customer requirements

On the basis of the extensive standard equipment, the Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster offers wide scope for individual wishes. The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package ensures even higher driving dynamics and even sportier handling characteristics.

As an option the AMG rear axle steering can be ordered in conjunction with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package. This makes the AMG GT S Roadster even more agile, with even greater handling stability at the limits. — SG


June 22, 2018
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