LONDON, May 15 — Mercedes AMG GT has added a 12th member to its portfolio, this time an "open air” Roadster S with better performance specs than the standard, but not quite surpassing the Mercedes AMG GT Roadster C.

As summer approaches, Mercedes-AMG is gifting its fans with a new open-top Roadster sports car. The AMG GT S Roadster brings the grand total of AMG GTs up to 12: four two-door Coupés, three Roadsters, two customer sports racing cars and three four-door Coupés.

This latest member sits between the standard AMG GT Roadster and the AMG GT C Roadster, as it bridges the gap with upgrades that make it "dynamic by numerous modifications to the engine, suspension, brakes, design and interior” according to the company announcement.

With an AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, delivering horsepower of 522, a peak torque of 670NM (at 1900-5000rpm), 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 308kph, the new car’s specs confirm its place in between the two other Roadsters.

As for the driving experience, it’s all about choice, whether it be for comfort or a thrilling sporty ride.

There’s a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and five driving modes: "C” (Comfort), "S” (Sport), "S+” (Sport Plus), "RACE” and the individually programmable setup "I” (Individual).

The exterior is made of a lightweight aluminum frame, the body sitting close to the ground, with a long hood, muscular tail and forward-sloping AMG grille, keeping the open-top agile on the road.

Combined with LED headlamps and ceramic composite braking system, the AMG GT Roadster S lights up the night road and brakes like a racing car, offering drivers not only a vehicle that’s sporty but also one that factors in safety.

The cabin comes with sports seating, upholstered in black DINAMICA microfiber with numerous other materials and colors as alternative options.

The AMG Silver Chrome and Piano Interior packages can accentuate the center console surround, air vent bezels and trim strips in the door armrests with either silver chrome or a piano lacquer look.

The AMG GT Roadster S can also come with the ‘Airscarf’, an air vent integrated into the seat’s head restraint area, blowing air to the back of the neck for a more enjoyable ride in cooler temperatures.

Other packages and options are also available.

The market launch for the new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster starts from July 2018, and orders can be placed immediately. — AFP