Convertible fans rejoice, a new drop-top is almost here. A silhouette of the upcoming GT C was uploaded to YouTube on Monday, and it evokes fond memories of its predecessor. The SLS AMG Roadster was released in late 2011, and our esteemed Publisher ordered one in “Alubeam Silver” with a red top. Featured on the cover of our January 2012 issue, it was part of our collection for two years.
Under the long hood was a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 making 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It was a blast to drive thanks to conventional hydraulic power steering and the Bang & Olufsen audio. But the distance between the front wheels and the cockpit made the car nose heavy in the corners and prone to hydroplaning in wet weather.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT C will be more than a topless GT S. Modern convertibles have to meet strict rollover and side impact regulations, which require extensive reinforcements to the chassis. Braking and stability controls must also be re-calibrated. The new GT R has nine distinct braking and stability modes, and we hope some of this technology will make its way to the roadster. The compact design of their latest 4.0-liter V8 places the turbos in the engine valley along the firewall. Horsepower will probably be 510 from the GT S with torque of 479 to match the 2012 model. It will offer much better balance since the small engine and turbos take up less space than the 6.3. We’re glad the styling is reminiscent of the previous car and we can’t wait to get behind the wheel. Stay with us for more updates and the latest from Mercedes-AMG. In the meantime check out these great deals on the AMG GT coupes:
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