Mercedes-AMG have added another roadster model to their highly rated AMG GT line-up.
The new drop top sports car, called the GT S Roadster, will slot in between the entry-level AMG GT Roadster, and the GT R-inspired GT C Roadster.
Power comes from the same M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that propels the rest of the AMG GT range – and most of the current AMG line-up as well – and in this instance produces 384kw and 470nm. This fits in nicely between the GT Roadster with 350kw and the GTC Roadster with 410kw.
In the GT Coupe range, the GT produces 340kw, and the GT S 375kw, so it is very likely that Mercedes will be upping the power on the GT S Coupe to 384kw as well. The bump in power, puts the new GT S Roadster within striking distance of the more powerful GT C Roadster, with 0-100kph taking 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 309kph – versus 3.7 seconds and 316kph in the GT C Roadster.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transmission. Other additional features include an electronically controlled locking rear differential that aids in putting power down, while three-mode adaptive dampers are standard equipment.
The standard braking system is an AMG high-performance composite braking system, with discs measuring 390 mm at the front and 360mm at the rear. However, this can be upgraded to the optional Ceramic composite brakes, with discs measuring 402mm up front and 360mm at the rear.
As with the AMG GT Coupe, the Roadster features a lightweight aluminium-intensive body, while the three-layered soft-top roof is supported by a lightweight structure of magnesium, steel and aluminium.
Mercedes-AMG Chairman Tobias Moers was quoted as saying, “With the AMG GT S Roadster, our AMG GT family has gained another exceptionally sporty member that combines high driving dynamics with an emotional open-air experience. The new model represents the perfect alternative for the performance-oriented AMG GT Roadster customer."
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster starts from around R2,850,000 in South Africa, positioning it as a premium drop-top sports car that sits between the entry-level GT Roadster and the more powerful GT C Roadster in Mercedes-AMG's lineup.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster?
The GT S Roadster rockets from 0-100kph in just 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 309kph, thanks to its 384kW bi-turbo V8 engine that delivers serious performance with the roof down.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster worth buying?
If you've got nearly R3 million to spend on a weekend toy and want proper AMG performance with open-air thrills, the GT S Roadster delivers serious bang for your buck with 384kW of fury and that intoxicating V8 soundtrack echoing off the mountain passes.
Q: What's the difference between the GT S Roadster and GT C Roadster?
The GT S Roadster produces 384kW compared to the GT C's 410kW, making it just 0.1 seconds slower to 100kph at 3.8 seconds, but you'll save a decent chunk of change while still getting 90% of the thrills and that same spine-tingling exhaust note.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is absolutely worth considering if you're shopping for the best drop-top sports car under R3 million in South Africa. At around R2,850,000, you're getting a properly quick roadster that'll embarrass most supercars on the road with its 384kW output and 3.8-second sprint time. The clever positioning between the base GT and GT C models means you get serious performance without paying GT C money, plus that roof-down V8 symphony is worth the price of admission alone. If you want maximum thrills per rand and don't mind turning heads at every robot, this AMG roadster delivers the goods.
