New Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster may become the sweet spot of the lineup

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It bridges the gap between the standard model and the GT C Roadster

Mercedes-AMG is expanding its portfolio of hardcore roadsters with the new AMG GT S Roadster, the third variant of the drop-top AMG GT. Slotting between the standard AMG GT Roadster and the AMG GT C Roadster, the new "S" model is more dynamic than the base version than thanks to a more powerful engine, uprated suspension and brakes, as well as more aggressive looks.

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As in the AMG GT S Coupé, the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivers 522 metric horsepower (515 bhp) and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque (available from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm). That's enough to allow the AMG GT S Roadster to cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph) — pretty close to the AMG GT C Roadster's 3.7 seconds and 316 km/h.

Power goes to the rear wheels via the AMG Speedshift DCT 7G seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, mounted in a transaxle arrangement for nearly-ideal weight distribution of 47 (front) and 53 (rear) percent.

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The AMG GT S Roadster features the AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping adjustment as standard, as well as the AMG Dynamic Select controller with five driving modes: "C" (Comfort), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus), "RACE", and "I" (Individual).

Standard equipment also includes the electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the rear axle, and AMG high-performance composite braking system (ceramic composite brakes are optional). Styling-wise, the AMG GT S Roadster features the same aero kit as its coupé sibling and offers the option of mixed tires sized 265/35 R19 at the front and 295/30 at the rear.

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The cabin looks similar too, adopting standard features such as the sport seats upholstered in black Artico artificial leather/Dinamica microfiber, and the AMG Silver Chrome Interior package. The list of optional extras is too long to replicate here, but customers can order things like the AMG Piano Lacquer Interior package, AMG Performance seats with AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the AMG Dynamic Plus package, AMG rear axle steering, and much more.

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Mercedes-AMG is already taking orders for the new GT S Roadster, with the market launch scheduled for July 2018.

READ MORE: Let us all hope Mercedes-AMG will offer the GT R as a Roadster too