AMG’S continuing evolution and rampant global expansion reaches another new level this month, with the introduction of the undeniably handsome and arrestingly excellent to drive AMG GT Roadster.
It’s available in two trim and power specifications – a standard GT costing £110,145 and boasting 469bhp and 630Nm, plus an even faster, more sophisticated GT C model with electronic four-wheel steering, 549bhp and 680Nm.
We’ll concentrate on the headline-grabbing GT C model here, which uses the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that propels pretty much everything within the AMG line-up – from the C 63 to the new E 63, and all versions of the AMG GT – albeit in different states of tune.
In the GT C’s case, the V8 dishes up enough energy to fire the 1,735kg Roadster from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and to a top speed of 196mph. And this is a rear-wheel drive car, remember, not four-wheel drive like the latest E63 S.
As well as electronic four-wheel steering, the GT C also gets a proper electronic diff at the back and AMG’s adaptive sports suspension. It’s also a touch wider than the regular GT model in order to accommodate 19-inch wheels at the front and 20s at the rear. The tracks are a fraction wider too, while the brake discs at the front are sightly bigger, with an optional carbon ceramic setup available for an extra £5,995.
The fundamental proportions of the new AMG Roadster really do grab your attention. It’s a stunning looking machine, but never more so than with its triple-layered fabric hood down. It takes approximately 11 seconds to fold, and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 30mph.
Mercedes has done a fine job of eradicating wind buffeting inside the cabin. With the hood down and the deflector in place, you can carry out a perfectly civilised conversation with your passenger at anything below three-figure speeds. Roof up, the level of refinement on offer is almost as impressive. It’s not as quiet or comfortable as the coupé, however.
On the road the GT C is a bit of a rule-breaker. It’s phenomenally rapid and exciting due to its insatiable combination of pace, composure, grip and sound, but at the flick of a switch it can be calmed back down. In its civilised setting it turns into a surprisingly refined boulevard cruiser with a smooth ride, excellent refinement and extremely sophisticated manners.
All of this flexibility is down to its brilliant dynamic drive and Adaptive Ride programmes. In Race mode it sounds and feels like a proper track day weapon, with ultra-crisp steering responses (thank the new 4WS system for that, as well as the electronic dampers). Even the gearbox works brilliantly in this mode, auto-blipping on downshifts whenever hard braking is detected.
But dial it back to Comfort mode, and all of the (deliberately) sharp edges disappear, at which point the ride gets better, the steering is less manic, and even the exhaust note transforms from being loud and maybe a bit too lairy into a potent but distant V8 rumble.
The boot is bigger than you’d expect, too, given the electronics it has to accommodate, while the level of standard equipment on offer is also unusually good for a high-end Mercedes. The GT C benefits from a Burmester stereo, keyless go, Merc’s Parktronic system and a reversing camera.
But it’s all the clever tech that makes the GT C Roadster feel like several different cars all under one super-slick, electric roof.
- Model: Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
- Price: £139,445
- Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
- Power: 549bhp
- Torque: 680Nm
- Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 3.7 seconds
- Top speed: 196mph
- Economy: 25.4mpg
- CO2: 259g/km
- On sale: Now
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