Mercedes-AMG is blowing even more fresh air into the AMG GT family.
Shortly after the world premiere of the AMG GT R, the sports car and
performance brand from Affalterbach is presenting two exciting roadster
variants of the two-seater sports car. Alongside the AMG GT Roadster,
the AMG GT C Roadster enhances the portfolio with a completely new model
variant. With an output of 410 kW (557 hp) and peak torque of 680 Nm,
the AMG GT C is the most powerful new Roadster variant and uses some of
the technical refinements of the AMG GT R. These include active rear
axle steering and the electronically controlled rear axle locking
differential. In combination with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension,
the AMG GT C Roadster guarantees dynamic performance at the very
highest level. The top Roadster also takes its lead from the top AMG GT R
sports car where muscular proportions are concerned: the wider rear
wings create space for a wider track and wider wheels at the rear axle,
allowing even higher cornering speeds and excellent traction. The
variable performance exhaust system also ensures an authentic V8 sound
from the AMG Roadster.
The new Roadsters make hallmark AMG driving
performance an even more intensive experience. "With our two Roadster
models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting
variants. With the AMG GT C Roadster, we are also introducing a new
model variant to which we have transferred main performance-related
components from our top sports car, the AMG GT R. The result: a highly
dynamic driving experience in a very exclusive ambience, coupled with
that pure roadster feeling," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG
GmbH.
With the two Roadster variants the Mercedes-AMG GT family has now
increased to five members. The two new sports cars with fabric soft tops
likewise have the technical genes for which AMG is famous. These
include e.g. the lightweight and torsionally rigid aluminium bodyshell
plus powerful and efficient V8 biturbo engines. The entry level into the
Roadster world is the AMG GT with an output of 350 kW (476 hp). The AMG
GT C Roadster adds a completely new output level. With 410 kW (557 hp)
it is the more powerful of the two new open-top sports cars.
The
AMG GT C Roadster not only delivers more output and torque, it also
impresses with numerous technical highlights from the Mercedes-AMG GT R
for even more dynamic performance. Like the AMG GT R, the AMG GT C
Roadster is recognisable by its wide, muscular rear end and large
wheels. Other technical measures include the wider rear track and active
rear axle steering.
The AMG GT C Roadster is also equipped with a
lithium-ion battery, and has more exclusive appointments. Standard
features include a nappa leather interior, the AMG performance steering
wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre and the additional
transmission mode RACE.
Fully automatic: the weight-optimised fabric soft top
Both
Roadsters are quickly transformed from coupés to open-top sports cars.
The fabric roof opens and closes in around eleven seconds, and can do
this at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The three soft top colours black, red
and beige can be chosen to suit the eleven exterior and ten interior
colours. The three-layered fabric soft top is supported by a
magnesium/steel/aluminium structure of low weight, which helps to keep
the centre of gravity low. Additional rollover protection is provided by
an integrated aluminium cross-member with rollover bars.
New output level: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine
With
the AMG GT C Roadster, Mercedes-AMG is introducing a further output
level of the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, thereby underlining the exclusive
character of the new model. At 410 kW (557 hp), the peak output is 35 kW
(47 hp) above that of the AMG GT S and 20 kW (28 hp) below the
Mercedes-AMG GT R. The maximum torque of 680 newton metres is available
from 1900 to 5750 rpm. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is absolved in 3.7
seconds, and this fulminating acceleration only ends at the top speed
of 316 km/h.
The AMG GT Roadster has an output of 350 kW (476 hp)
and 630 Nm of torque. This variant accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.0
seconds and to a top speed of 302 km/h.
The eight-cylinder engine
thrills with its immediate response, a linear, finely controllable power
delivery and powerful acceleration in all rpm ranges. The AMG 4.0-litre
V8 comes with well-proven twin turbocharging, with the two chargers not
located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V
of the cylinders. The advantages of the "hot inner V": a compact engine
design, spontaneous response from the turbochargers and low exhaust
emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic
converters.
Also adapted: the dual-clutch transmission
The
developers have also adapted the seven-speed dual clutch transmission
in a transaxle arrangement at the rear axle to the new power level of
the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster by modifying the hardware and
software.The first gear of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport
transmission has a higher ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive
have a lower ratio. This makes for even more agile acceleration and very
fast responses to sudden accelerator movements.
The driver is
able to set the AMG GT Roadster to his/her individual requirements using
the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT controller. The three transmission modes "C"
(Comfort), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus) and the individually
programmable setup "I" (Individual) allow a broad range of driving
experiences from comfortable to very sporty.
The transmission mode
"RACE" is additionally available for the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster.
This mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch
transmission to the needs of the racetrack - very fast shift speeds and
highly emotive engine sound are included. By pressing the separate "M"
button in the centre console, the driver can activate the manual
transmission mode in any drive mode.
Pure sound: the AMG performance exhaust system
The
AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with the AMG performance exhaust system
as standard to obtain an even more emotive sound experience. Two
variably adjustable flaps modulate the exhaust note of the Mercedes-AMG
GT C Roadsters authentically and directly. The flaps open and close
depending on the selected AMG DRIVE SELECT mode, although they can also
be controlled individually using a separate button in the AMG DRIVE
UNIT. In the "Comfort" and "Sport" settings, the low-frequency sound
typical of a V8 is designed for comfort. In "Sport Plus " and "RACE"
modes the sound composition is far more emotive. The variable AMG
performance exhaust system is also available as an option for the
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster.
Also for the Roadster models: active air management system from the AMG GT R
The
two AMG Roadster variants have adopted a special technical highlight
from the AMG GT R: the active air management system. Vertical louvres
located in the lower area directly behind the front fascia can be opened
and closed by an electric motor in around one second. This ensures that
the cooling performance is according to need. Always achieving the
optimum position requires highly intelligent and fast control.
During
normal driving with no increased cooling requirement, the louvres are
closed to reduce aerodynamic drag and specifically conduct the air to
the underbody. Only when certain components reach predefined
temperatures and the air requirement is particularly high do the louvres
open to allow the maximum cooling airflow to the heat exchangers.
Highly expressive: the athletic exterior design
From
the expressive AMG Panamericana grille to the long, muscular bonnet and
the wide rear end, the two-seater guarantees a pure sports car
experience even when stationary. The striking AMG Panamericana grille
underlines the motor racing heritage: 15 chrome-plated, vertical bars
echo the look of the current Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer sports racing
car. The new front apron emphasises the car's width and gives it a
four-square appearance on the road. The large outer air inlets ensure
the supply of cooling air to the engine. The pronounced shoulder is
suggestive of a tensed muscle, and enhances the impression of sheer
power and dynamism in combination with the new 19-inch and 20-inch AMG
light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design.
Muscular with an emphasis on width: the rear end
The
rear end also features numerous, conspicuous innovations. The new
aluminium side walls of the AMG GT C Roadster widen the open-top
two-seater by 57 millimetres compared to the AMG GT Roadster. This is
exactly the width of the AMG GT R. Compared to the AMG GT Roadster, the
muscular form also creates space for the larger wheels and a wider
track. Both measures make for traction while allowing higher cornering
speeds. The likewise wider contours of the AMG GT C Roadster's rear
apron improve the airflow at the rear with their large outer air vents.
Both Roadster variants feature a rear spoiler integrated into the boot
lid. This is electrically extended and retracted at defined speds,
depending on the selected transmission mode.
Greater rigidity and low weight: Intelligent material mix
Mercedes-AMG
also uses an intelligent material mix for the body structure of the AMG
GT and GT C Roadster. Various aluminium alloys are used for the chassis
and body, and magnesium for the front deck. This extremely light
element at the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, thus
improving agility.
The already rigid bodyshell structure has been
specifically reinforced further to take account of the car's design as a
roadster: side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers
make the structure more rigid, for example. The dashboard support is
braced against the windscreen surround by additional struts, and a strut
tower brace between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle.
A cross-member behind the seats supports the fixed roll-over protection
system.
The boot lid is particularly light, thanks to an
innovative composite material. The load-bearing structure is of SMC
(Sheet Moulding Compound) with carbon fibres. These high-tech plastics
excel with their light weight, great strength and first-class surface
condition. These innovative materials were developed by the
Mercedes-Benz TEC factory in Sindelfingen, and brought to production
maturity together with the AMG specialists in Affalterbach. This
material combination is used for the first time in the new AMG
Roadsters.
The AMG lightweight construction experts have also uses
an intelligent material mix for the so-called wheel-catching struts
made of a composite material. 50 percent lighter than the equivalent in
steel, these composite components help to guide the front wheels onto
the side members as part of the intended crash kinematics in an
accident, and to hold them there.
Derived from motorsport: the AMG sports suspension
The
AMG sports suspension likewise confirms the motor racing heritage of
the new AMG Roadsters. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on
the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged
aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The wheels are also guided by
double wishbones. The resulting precision in camber and track allows
high cornering speeds and gives the driver optimum, highly precise road
feedback right up to the very high cornering limits.
In the
Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster the sports suspension is combined with the
AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. The
system is electronically controlled and automatically adapts the damping
on each wheel to the current handling situation, the speed and the road
conditions.
Even more agility: active rear axle steering from the AMG GT R
As
standard the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster responds even more
sensitively thanks to the active rear axle steering that had its debut
in the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The system offers an ideal combination of
agility and stability ‑ handling characteristics that are normally in
direct conflict.
Up to a speed of 100 km/h, the rear wheels are
turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels, the Mercedes-AMG
GT C Roadster turns into corners with significantly higher agility as a
result, delivering even more driving pleasure and requiring less
steering input. In day-to-day driving the driver also benefits from a
reduced turning circle, for example when turning off or parking.
Once
the speed of the AMG GT C Roadster exceeds 100 km/h, the system turns
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, This
noticeably improves handling stability. At the same time, the lateral
force on the rear wheels builds up considerably faster when changing
direction, which makes the response to steering inputs quicker. The
driver also notices the high grip and stability of the Mercedes-AMG GT C
Roadster during rapid changes of direction, without the usual tendency
for the rear to break out.
On board as standard: the rear-axle locking differential
As
standard the AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with an electronically
controlled locking differential at the rear axle (Mercedes-AMG GT
Roadster: mechanical locking differential), which is integrated into the
compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and rapid control elevates
the physical handling limits to a new level. It not only further
improves the grip of the driven wheels, but also increases the cornering
speeds at the limit.
High quality and exclusivity: the interior
The
interior design echoes the design lines of the exterior. The dashboard
places an extreme emphasis on width, creating an impression of a
powerful wing.The high beltlines, concave door panels, dynamically
rising centre console and low seat position perfectly integrate the
driver into the cockpit. The new, light-coloured interior in macchiato
beige Exclusive nappa STYLE leather is available for the first time,
lending the open-top sports car even more individuality and exclusivity.
More lateral support and comfort: AMG performance seats
The
optionally available AMG performance seats provide even more lateral
support with more heavily contoured backrest and seat cushion side
bolsters. For the first time the AMG performance seat is also optionally
available with the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which makes
open-air driving enjoyable even in low outside temperatures. The air
vent is seamlessly integrated into the seat's head restraint area. To
meet the individual preferences of customers, the temperature of the
warm airflow can be set in three stages.
Customers wishing to
enjoy comfortable temperatures even on very hot summer days will also
opt for the seat climate control, which is also available exclusively
for the AMG performance seat for the first time. The intensity of the
climatisation can also be set in three stages.
Impressive sound in the interior: Externed Coupled Subwoofer
The
Burmester surround sound system and the Burmester high-end surround
sound system ensure a very special musical experience in the AMG GT
Roadster. Both systems benefit from an innovation developed
jointly by
AMG and Burmester: the Externed Coupled Subwoofer (ECS). This
new bass sound reproduction system with an extremely low bass range turns the open two-seater into a mobile concert stage.
Instead of a subwoofer box of limited dimensions, ECS uses the entire interior as a bass box. This is made possible by a special aperture in the right rear wheel arch. The subwoofer is connected to the bodyshell via
this aperture, transmitting the impressive sound.
No comments :
Post a Comment