Mercedes-AMG Rips the Top Off The GT

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

We all knew it was coming – it was just a matter of when. Now is the time! Mercedes-AMG has ripped the top off its GT, creating two new models in the process: the GT Roadster and the GT C Roadster.

In creating these two new sports cars, Mercedes-AMG chose not to simply directly translate the current GT hardtop models into roadsters. Instead, it made the two roadsters somewhat unique, especially in the powertrain department.

The base GT Roadster makes use of the same 4.0-liter V-8 as its hardtop sibling, but its 469 horsepower errand 465 pound-feet of torque actually lands between the base GT and GT S. As for the GT C, its V-8 engine checks in at 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, which is between the GT S and the mighty GT R.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

Once you dig deeper into the specs, it’s easy to see why Mercedes-AMG upped the power a bit. Clearly, it didn’t want the extra heft of the convertible top to slow it down any, as the GT Roadster has the same 3.9-second 0-to-60 sprint time as the GT and the GT C Roadster has the same 3.7-second time as the GT S.

The GT C Roadster is unique in the fact that it takes on a lot of what the GT R has to offer, sans the 577-horsepower engine. The GT C is actually 2.25 inches wider than the GT Roadster, making it just as wide as the GT R. It also gains the GT R’s rear-axle steering and an electronically controlled locking rear diff. Surprisingly, these distinctions do not translate into the GT and GT S models.

Other enhancements specific to the GT C include a Race Mode for the transmission, the AMG Panamericana grille, AMG Ride Control, an AMG performance steering wheel, Nappa leather interior, a lithium-ion battery, and updated gearing in the transmission.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

As for the convertible top, Mercedes crafted it for weight optimization and quietness. It features three layers of fabric to keep things quiet and it boasts a magnesium, steel and aluminum frame to keep its weight low. The driver can operate this lightweight top at speeds of up to 31 mph and it takes about 11 seconds to open or close. Buyers can choose one of three colors for the top: black, red, or beige.

Mercedes-AMG expects to have these two roadsters in showrooms in the fall of 2017. Pricing will come at a later date.