Mercedes‑Benz AMG GT Convertible makes pre‑Paris debut

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is the surprise. It’s virtually a soft-top version of the GT R coupe – the ultimate Merc sports car that had its debut at the Festival of Speed in June this year. It can’t quite match it for power – the new GT C gets 557hp, 28hp shy of the R – but it does get the R’s trick self-steer rear axle and electronic diff, plus the R’s wider body to accommodate wider track and fatter (305 section) tyres on 20-inch rims.

The GT C also comes with AMG Ride Control with adaptive adjustable suspension, tweaked gearbox ratios, bigger brakes and a Race transmission mode, all features denied the standard roadster model. On the inside the C is set apart by its nappa leather interior.

Nought to 62mph? Mercedes says 3.7 seconds, enough to keep 911 Turbos and supercharged Jag F-types honest. But then the standard GT Roadster, mustering 80hp less, is no slouch with a 0-62 time of 4.0secs and a top speed of 188mph.

Under the long bonnet of both cars is the 4.0-litre biturbo V8, well known both for its torque – 500 lb ft from just 1,900rpm in the C version – and its fruity sound effects, said to be taken to whizz-bang new levels for the C model’s Race mode. 

Aside from performance and the C’s wider rear end, both the new Merc-AMG sports cars are essentially the same car – the GT with its roof replaced by an electric folding fabric top. Very smart it looks too we reckon. The three-layer hood takes 11 seconds to go up or down and can be operated at speeds up to 30mph – par for the convertible course  in other words.

Monocoque structures need reinforcement when you lop off their tops and Mercedes’ aluminium GT body is no different. There are beefed-up body sides, additional struts to brace the dashboard and windscreen, an extra brace to reinforce the rear axle and a cross member behind the seats to support the rollover protection system.  Magnesium (bonnet) and composites (boot) have been added to the aluminium to add strength and save weight.

It was only a matter of time before Mercedes chopped off the GT’s roof – convertibles in this class are too popular to ignore. With all the GT’s familiar attributes, and those classic long-bonnet/short-tail proportions seemingly tailor-made for that inviting open cabin, the GT Roadster is a welcome newcomer. And in C form it does promise to be a very hardcore driving experience.

Never fear sybarites, though. The really good news is that, for the very first time, the AMG performance seats are now available with Airscarf neck-level heating – for those chilly early morning blasts when not even 557hp is enough to get you warm!