Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S Roadster enters middle of the range

The Mercedes AMG GT line-up has been growing ever since the first model debuted and caused a stir in the sports car world. But as the years go by, the range is getting diluted, not least of which is by the E-Class-based “four-door coupe.” Customers who wanted a convertible GT still got the real SLS-based chassis, but were confined to the fast AMG GT Roadster or the slightly faster AMG GT C. Now though, they get another one to pick from. Mercedes-Benz slots a new 2019 AMG GT-S Roadster between the standard GT and the GT C.

The AMG GT-S Roadster uses the same 4.0-litre biturbo V8 unit from the GT range, but the output is 515 hp which sits in between the 469 hp that the normal GT makes and the 550 hp from the GT C. The torque output is also quite strong, with 670 Nm on tap. All this is handled by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The AMG GT S Roadster powers itself from 0 to 100 kph in less than 3.8 seconds which is 0.1 seconds slower than the more powerful GT C. The top speed gets a 6 kph decrease from that of the GT C, at 309 kph.

There are other pieces of equipment which help the GT S Roadster handle this power. An electronically controlled locking rear differential and the adaptive dampers help the car lay down the power effectively. The power delivery can be controlled by switching between the five drive modes available which alter steering response, accelerator response, and transmission traits. To rein in the pace, there are ceramic brake rotors which also help in shedding a few kilos.

The AMG Dynamic Plus Package adds active engine and transmission mounts, a wider power band in certain drive modes, and a few visual changes inside.