2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster – Video
The eight-cylinder engine thrills with its immediate response, a linear, finely controllable power delivery and powerful acceleration in all rpm ranges. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 comes with well-proven twin turbocharging, with the two chargers not located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V of the cylinders. The advantages of the “hot inner V” are a compact engine design, spontaneous response from the turbochargers and lower exhaust emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters.
The developers have also adapted the seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement at the rear axle to the new power level of the Mercedes‑AMG GT C Roadster by modifying the hardware and software. The first gear of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission has a higher ratio, while seventh gear and the final drive have a lower ratio. This makes for even more agile acceleration and very fast responses to sudden accelerator movements.
The driver is able to set the AMG GT Roadster to his/her individual requirements using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT Controller. The three transmission modes “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus) and the individually programmable set-up “I” (Individual) allow a broad range of driving experiences from comfortable to very sporty.
Key parameters are modified – such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, ESP® and system.
“Comfort” is the well-balanced transmission mode with a comfort-oriented suspension and steering set-up, as well as a fuel-efficient powertrain configuration and early upshifts – including smooth gear changes and a discreet engine sound. ECO start/stop function and coasting function activated: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range from 60 to 160 km/h, the engine is disengaged from the drive system. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idling level, and motion resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
The DYNAMIC SELECT “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes are designed for high vehicle dynamics. This results from an agile accelerator pedal characteristic with direct set-up and emotively appealing shift operations with shortened shift times and double-clutching function on downshifts. The increased idle speed in “Sport Plus” mode additionally enables the vehicle to move off particularly quickly while ensuring faster acceleration from rest.
“RACE” mode is additionally available for the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. This mode optimally adjusts the shift strategy of the dual clutch transmission to the needs of the race track – including very fast shift speeds and a highly emotive engine sound.
By pressing the separate “M” button in the centre console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode to change gear using the steering-wheel shift paddles. The suspension set-ups can also be selected if desired.
Pure sound: the AMG Performance exhaust system
The AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with the AMG Performance exhaust system as standard to produce an even more emotive sound experience. Two variably adjustable flaps modulate the exhaust note of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster authentically and directly. The flaps open and close depending on the selected AMG DRIVE SELECT mode, although they can also be controlled individually using a separate button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. In the “Comfort” and “Sport” settings, the low-frequency sound typical of a V8 is designed for comfort. In “Sport Plus” and “RACE” modes, meanwhile, the sound composition is far more emotive. The variable AMG Performance exhaust system is also available as an option for the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster.
RACE START now even easier
The RACE START function in the AMG GT C Roadster has new, greatly simplified control logic: in Sport, Sport Plus or RACE mode, all the driver has to do is press the brake pedal forcefully with their left foot and simultaneously fully depress the accelerator pedal with their right foot.
The on-board electronics will then set the optimum engine speed. Depending on requirements or the road surface conditions, the engine speed can be increased or lowered in a certain range by activating the shift paddles. If the driver now takes their foot off the brake pedal, the AMG GT C Roadster will accelerate from rest with optimal traction. The AMG GT C Roadster then completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
The AMG GT Roadster takes 4.0 seconds to do this and does not feature the simplified RACE START control logic.