Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C Roadster join expanded GT flagship range

Just in time for the upcoming warmer months, the Mercedes-AMG GT line-up in Australia has expanded to include the AMG GT Roadster and AMG GT C Roadster.

Launched in late 2016, the AMG GT Roadster features a retractable fabric top mounted on a lightweight frame that opens and closes in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. With the absence of a roof, extra strengthening comes in the form of more rigid side skirts and added reinforcement under the dashboard and behind the seats.

Maximising open-top enjoyment, the AMG GT Roadster comes equipped with a ‘draught stop’ wind deflector and heated seats. A 10-speaker Burmester surround sound system and COMAND Online multimedia system with a 21.3cm high resolution colour display further add enjoyment and everyday convenience.

Like the AMG GT Coupé, the AMG GT Roadster is propelled by 350kW of power and 630Nm of torque from its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. Paired with a transaxle-mounted seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GT Roadster sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 4.0 seconds.

For even more performance, customers can opt for the  AMG GT C Roadster which is armed with a pumped up version of the biturbo V8 producing 410kW and 680Nm, just 20kW and 20Nm shy of the full-blown 430kW / 700Nm GT R. The lifted power slices 0.3 seconds from the 0-100km/h sprint time to 3.7 seconds.

Like the GT Coupe, the Roadster variants are capable of cracking 300km/h, with the C version seeing off 316km/h flat out. The latter also gets the AMG GT R Coupe’s fatter rear haunches – 57mm wider than the regular model – housing wider rear wheels with 305/30 rubber for better traction. Other goodies carried over to the AMG GT C Roadster from the AMG GT R Coupe include active rear spoiler, active rear steering and locking differential.

The Roadster pair is joined in Australia by the range-topping AMG GT R Coupé, the 430kW/700Nm monster which set the daunting Mount Panorama racetrack alight in February 2017 with a new production car record of 2 minutes 16.5 seconds during a demonstration session at the LiquiMoly Bathurst 12-Hour Race.

For 2018, Mercedes has also lifted power and torque outputs for both the AMG GT Coupe variants. Due to arrive in October the AMG GT Coupé gains 10kW (to 350kW) and 30Nm to (630Nm) while the AMG GT S Coupé received an extra 9kW (to 384kW) and 20Nm (to 670Nm) respectively. Like all models in the range, they will also now be fitted with the distinctive Panamericana grille along with styling ehancements to the front apron and intakes.

With the addition of the Roadster models and the GT R performance flagship, the local AMG GT range now expands to 6 variants.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Australian pricing (excluding on-roads)

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé                                              $258,711
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster                                          $283,711
Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupé                                          $298,711
Mercedes-AMG GT C Edition 50 Coupé                         $335,211
Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster                                      $338,711
Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupé                                          $348,711