Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its AMG GT Roadster as the highlight of a swathe of announcements at the Paris motor show, and confirmed that the Mercedes-AMG brand is going on a model offensive.
According to CEO of Mercedes-AMG Tobias Moers, the performance sub brand is set to add at least ten new models. “Starting this year, we will offer the widest model range in the entire performance segment – a choice of no less than 48 different AMG performance cars,” he says.
The AMG GT Roadster will go on sale in February 2017 in two versions, a stock model with 476hp from its 4.0-litre V8 engine, and a GT C variant with 557hp on offer alongside 680Nm of torque. This sees it go from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and onto 196mph.
The uprated model also gains AMG Ride Control sports suspension with a wider rear track and bigger arches in which to house wider, 20-inch alloy wheels, active rear-axle steering and an electronically controlled rear differential lock, as well as a switchable performance exhaust.
Equipment on the GT C includes nappa leather upholstery, an AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre and an additional ‘race’ programme in the drive model selector.
Both cars make use of a fabric hood for light weight – this opens and closes in 11 seconds at speeds up to 30mph.
Mercedes insiders have also confirmed that the 557hp engine, together with the exterior upgrades, will also be extended to the Coupe version of the GT, though in what form such a model will be offered is yet to be revealed.
The GT roadsters are expected on sale at the end of 2016 at prices yet to be announced.
Meanwhile the model ramp-up will see Mercedes-AMG seeking to significantly increase its output, despite the fact that the almost 70,000 cars sold in 2015 represented a more than doubling of sales in just two years.
Main drivers were GT models, performance versions of the C-Class, compact cars and notably the new 43 series models being introduced across several ranges – the latest, the E 43 4Matic Estate, debuts in Paris.
