Mercedes-AMG announces the newest arrival to their AMG GT family: the AMG GT S Roadster. The AMG GT family now comprises of a dozen members: four are two-door Coupés – GT, GT S, and GT R; three are Roadsters – GT, GT C, and the new GT S Roadster; two are race-tuned super-sport cars – GT3 and GT4; and three are four-door Coupés – GT 53, 63, and 63 S.
AMG GT S Roadster slots in between the AMG GT Roadster and the more powerful AMG GT C Roadster. Compared to the GT Roadster, the new GT S Roadster boasts better performance thanks to the modifications done to the engine, suspension, brakes, design and interiors.
The S Roadster’s improved performance begins with its 522 bhp producing 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo. It delivers a 0- 100 km/h acceleration in 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 308 km/h. The twin turbochargers are positioned F1 style, in between the “V” of the engine, which results in compact engine design and spontaneous response of the turbochargers.
The engine is positioned just behind the front wheel and the “Speedshift DCT 7G” sport transmission in a transaxle arrangement is located at the rear. This arrangement results in an almost 50-50 weight distribution which delivers a balance handling under the most demanding circumstances.
As a performance upgrade option, AMG offers the “Dynamic Plus” package with the S Sportster. It ensures higher driving dynamics and sportier handling characteristics. Also available in conjunction with this package is AMG’s rear-axle-steering which significantly improves the S Roadster’s agility and stability.
AMG’s “Ride Control” suspension comes as standard on the S Roadster. This system dramatically improves safety and ride comfort as it features a fully automatic, electronically controlled adaptive damping system capable of damping each wheel to the current requirements.
Another important driver aid is AMG’s “Dynamic Select” controller which offers five driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, “Race” and the “Individual” mode for customised setup. These options make possible a broad range of driving experiences, from comfortable to very sporty. Additionally, the driver also has the option of changing the gears using the steering-wheel shift paddles.
The S Roadster uses a high-performance composite brake system which allows for exceptionally short stopping distances, a precise pressure point and outstanding resistance to fading even under extreme operating conditions. As an option, the high-performance ceramic composite braking system is also available.
The body of the S Roadster is made from a lightweight mix of materials to improve the agility of the Roadster. A high proportion of the “spaceframe” and exterior parts are made from aluminium, while others are made from innovative composite materials possessing high strength and exceptional surface quality.
All of these materials come together to form the distinctive AMG GT Coupe silhouette: the expressive forward-sloping radiator grille, the long bonnet, and the muscular tail end give the S roadster a road-hugger appearance while enhancing the car’s aerodynamic performance. The silhouette is topped off with a three-layered fabric soft top which helps lower the car’s centre of gravity. Roll-over protection is provided by an integrated aluminium cross- member, while the inserted acoustic mat improves noise comfort.
The synergy between form and function continues into the interior space as well. The high belt-lines, concave door panelling, a visually dynamic centre console, and the low seating position, all aid in integrating the driver into the cockpit of the S Roadster.
The standard sports seats are upholstered in black “Artico – man-made leather,” and “Dinamica” microfibre. Numerous other materials and colours are available as options, such as nappa leather in black, maroon and black, red-pepper and black, as well as silver-pearl and black.
Another seating option is AMG’s “Performance seats” which provide more lateral support thanks to their heavily contoured backrest and seat cushion side bolsters. They come with a number of other exclusive options, such as the nappa leather in saddle-brown, black, or macchiato-beige and black. Clients can also opt for the seat climate control system.
The standard interior package on the S Roadster features Silver Chrome highlights on the centre console surround, air vent bezels, and trim strips on the door armrests. For individualising the interior, AMG also offers the following interior packages: piano Lacquer, matt silver glass-fibre, carbon-fibre and matt carbon-fibre.
The S Roadster comes fitted, as standard, with 10-spoke light- alloy wheels painted in vanadium silver. Alternately, clients can opt for a host of other design and colour variants; such as the new 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, or in matt black with a high-sheen finish.
