• Published On: 3 April 2017
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It's the convertible variant of the Mercedes-AMG flagship model, and yes, it's fun!

The Roadster is essentially the drop-top version of Mercedes-AMG’s GT. The car was earlier only available in coupé form. The new fabric roof can be raised or lowered in as quick as 11sec and up to speeds of 50kph. This car is part of the new revised GT range. The updated GT family is identifiable by its distinct new ‘Panamericana’ grille whose vertical bars resemble Mercedes’ Carrera Panamericana race cars of the 1950s.

Behind the grille sit new louvres that open and close to cool the engine based on its requirements. When there is no need for additional cooling, the louvres remain shut to reduce drag. The 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that sits under the hood has been worked on and now makes more power. On the standard GT, it now makes 469hp and 630Nm (up 13hp and 30Nm), while on the GT S it has been uprated to 515hp and 671Nm (up 12hp and 30Nm).

The expanded GT range includes the GT, GT S and range-topping 577hp GT R Coupes, and there’s the new GT Roadster and the all-new GT C Roadster. The GT C Roadster is the car you see here, but it’s not the one coming to India. What we will get is the 469hp GT Roadster as well as the updated GT S Coupe around Diwali this year.

The most important addition is the new roof. The three-layer fabric roof absorbs noise quite well. It’s never entirely silent in the cabin but you won’t have to raise your voice to talk to your co-passenger, at least in the city. Lower the roof, press down on the throttle with gusto and it’s the engine that you’ll hear loud and clear. The note from the V8 is throaty with pops and crackles. The GT C is super quick – it launches you onto the wrong side of the speed limit without even a whimper. There’s no lag from the twin turbos and power delivery is consistently strong all through the rev range.

Sure, this is the more powerful GT C but the India-bound GT won’t be much slower. Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100kph time of 3.7sec for the GT C Roadster and 4.0sec for the GT Roadster. Bear in mind the GT Roadsters weigh above 1.6 tonnes. From its coupe form to Roadster, the GT has gained 50kg thanks to the fabric roof and additional bracing to compensate for the loss of rigidity on account of the roof. The car’s aluminium body is stiffened with thicker sill elements, an additional dashboard support and a new aluminium cross-member integrated into the rear bulkhead that supports fixed roll-over bars.

The ride did feel a bit firm on this car, though the GT C’s adjustable dampers, which are standard, did help take a bit of the edge away. The GT C comes with rear-wheel steering - at speeds up to 100kph, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels for added agility. And when the car is moving faster than 100kph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the ones in front for better stability. This system does its work exceptionally. On twisty canyon roads, the GT C felt smaller and tighter than the GT S Coupe. The sheer width of the GT is unsettling but the rear-wheel steer helps place the car through corners with ease. There’s also tremendous grip out of the corners with the electronically controlled engine feeding just the right amount of power to the wheels. The GT C’s steering is quick and responsive too.

The AMG GT Roadsters are fast, seductive and really engaging to drive. It is an incredibly desirable package, even in the small club of all-out roadsters. But it’s expensive. The AMG GT Roadster goes on sale in India this November and will cost in the region of ₹2.5 crore (estimated, ex-showroom). Will indulgent car owners be willing to spend their money on this car? Only time will tell.