New Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster splits GT and GT C

Mercedes has added an AMG GT S Roadster to its line-up to bridge the gap between the AMG GT and AMG GT C Roadsters. The new soft-top has been developed and set up accordingly for its position in the range, so here the venerable hot-V 4-litre V8 is good for 515bhp and 494lb ft of torque, meaning the 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 3.8 seconds and a 191mph top speed is achievable.

All the above figures place the GT S smack-bang between the GT and GT C Roadsters on paper. In terms of its make-up, though, the GT S is a closer relative to the more powerful and higher-specification GT C, from which it borrows the adaptive suspension, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, variable performance exhaust, composite brake arrangement and driver mode suite – all features omitted from the entry-level GT Roadster.

The distinction performance-wise between the GT S and GT C, output and performance figures aside, comes from the chassis: the GT S rides on narrower rear tyres, is softer sprung and forgoes the rear-axle steering. However, the rear-steer system can be added through the options list, provided you specify the Dynamic Plus Package. This brings a sportier edge to the GT S by means of a stiffer suspension set-up, dynamic mounts for the engine and transmission, and recalibrated maps for the steering rack and engine.

> Mercedes-AMG GT R reivew

Dealers have opened the order books and first deliveries are due in July 2018, although no price has yet been announced. Bearing in mind that the GT and GT C are priced from £111,400 and £140,730 respectively, it's safe to assume the new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster will be fixed between the two.