Mercedes AMG GTS Roadster India launch could happen in early 2019 or earlier than that as the company intends to sell every model in the country
In time for spring, Mercedes-AMG is extending its sports car portfolio with the new AMG GT S Roadster as an attractive open-air model. With this latest addition the AMG GT family now has a dozen members: four two-door Coupés, three Roadsters, two customer sports racing cars and three four-door Coupés. The basis for the high Driving Performance of the new AMG GT S Roadster is the combination of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, a V8 biturbo engine, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, a rear axle locking differential and a sport suspension with aluminium double wishbone axles.
Compared to the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT S Roadster is rendered even more dynamic by numerous modifications to the engine, suspension, brakes, design and interior. This positions it between the AMG GT Roadster and the even more powerful AMG GT C Roadster, now providing a choice of three open-top two-seaters. The AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping adjustment as standard.
This fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the damping at each wheel to the current requirements. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The damping is adjusted individually for each wheel, and depends on the driving style, the road surface and the selected suspension setting. The ideal operating point can be selected at all times on the basis of extensive information relating to acceleration or vehicle speed, for example.
As standard, the AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and fast control raises the critical limit of vehicle dynamics to a new level. It not only further improves the traction of the drive wheels, but also increases the critical cornering speed. The result is that the driver is able to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more power thanks to the improved traction. The vehicle remains more stable when braking from high speed, while the limited-slip differential also improves traction from rest.
The AMG high-performance composite brake system is adapted to the enhanced performance of the AMG GT S Roadster. The front axle features composite brake discs measuring 390 x 36 mm with 6-piston fixed callipers, with composite brake discs measuring 360 x 26 mm and single-piston fixed callipers at the rear. The brake callipers are painted in red with “AMG” lettering.
For the body of the GT S, Mercedes-AMG has opted for an intelligent and particularly lightweight mix of materials with a high proportion of aluminium. The spaceframe and exterior parts are of aluminium, and the boot lid too is particularly light in weight thanks to an innovative composite material. The load-bearing structure is of SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound). These high-tech plastics excel with their lightweight design, high strength and outstanding surface quality.
The innovative materials were developed by the Mercedes-Benz TEC factory in Sindelfingen, and brought to production maturity together with the AMG specialists in Affalterbach. The extremely lightweight front deck made of magnesium reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, improving the agility of the Roadster.
From the expressive AMG radiator grille to the long bonnet and the muscular tail end, the two-seater guarantees a pure sports car experience even when stationary. The long bonnet with its pronounced powerdomes, the greenhouse which has been moved far back, the large wheels and broad tail end also contribute to the distinctive looks. As standard the AMG GT S Roadster is shod with mixed tyres on 19-inch rims at the front and 20-inch rims at the rear.
