Caterham Launches it's all new car, £69, and made fully from plastic, we bring you the Seven Lego car.

Caterham has today unveiled a brand new model which features a rather different build process to its usual run of 500 cars a year – the brand’s very first immortalisation in LEGO® form.

Technicians from the legendary British sportscar manufacturer have downed their tools and picked up the plastic, teaming up with the equally iconic toy maker to create the first ever LEGO Caterham, due to hit the shelves this October.

 

The plastic bricks, resplendent in Caterham’s typically garish yellow, create the beautifully engineered LEGO Caterham 620R, capable of reaching a heart-racing* top speed of 6mph**.

Originally submitted by fanatic Carl Greatrix to the LEGO Ideas platform, in which fans can submit their ideas for new LEGO sets, the Seven gained the requisite 10,000 votes and the LEGO Ideas Review team selected the 620R to go into production.

Consisting of over 770 pieces, including a replica 620R engine and gear stick, the LEGO Caterham stands 10cm tall and 28cm long. Other unique features which may cause fans to blow a gasket include:

• Removable nose cone
• Removable engine cover
• Steering wheel
• Opening boot
• Functioning axle stands which allow the wheels to be removed

Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “Caterham has always prided itself on producing bespoke, hand-built cars for its customers. Our army of fans who build their own Caterham Sevens are equally discerning when it comes to the detail and craftsmanship which is central to Caterham, and we worked closely with the LEGO team to ensure the LEGO model replicated that.

“The LEGO 620R has various unique features – the intricately-designed engine was certainly a surprise when we lifted the bonnet for the first time. It’s really satisfying to know that fans can recreate and build their own 620R with LEGO bricks.”

*Heart-racing for toy drivers

**not scientifically proven

After 7 years Skoda increases production of the Yeti to meet unprecedented demand, not bad for a 7 year old car.

• ŠKODA increases capacity for Yeti production due to high demand
• Since the start of production in 2009, over 580,000 Yetis sold worldwide
• UK accounts for over 10 percent of global sales
• 2015 was a best-ever year for Yeti with over 13,000 registered in the UK

The recent world premiere of the new Kodiaq SUV may signal the start of ŠKODA’s broader SUV campaign, but the ŠKODA Yeti – the brand’s first SUV – is enjoying a rise in popularity. Now in its seventh production year, debuting in 2009, the ŠKODA Yeti has been one of the most successful compact SUVs ever.

In total, ŠKODA has delivered more than 580,000 Yetis to customers worldwide, and due to continued high demand is expanding capacity for production. In the UK, ŠKODA has seen the Yeti’s popularity continue to rise, with nearly 60,000 registrations since its 2010 market introduction. In 2015 it had its best-ever year, with 13,306 examples being snapped up by UK customers.

“We are delighted to be able to deliver as many ŠKODA Yetis to our customers in Europe as they wish,” says Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “By using the production capacities of another European plant within our international production network, we can respond satisfactorily to the high demand.”

The compact SUV is currently produced at four plants: In addition to Kvasiny in ŠKODA’s home country the Czech Republic, the model is manufactured at Solomonovo (Ukraine), Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia), Öskemen / Ust Kamenogorsk (Kazakhstan) and Anting (China). In order to meet the high demand for the Yeti models in Europe, ŠKODA is utilizing the additional production capacities at the Nizhniy Novgorod plant. The ŠKODA Yeti has been produced here since 2012 alongside the ŠKODA Octavia. Production in Nizhny Novgorod is carried out in partnership with the Volkswagen Group Russia and the Russian automobile manufacturer GAZ Group.

ŠKODA entered the compact-SUV segment with the Yeti in 2009. In Europe, the award-winning ŠKODA Yeti is one of the best-selling SUVs in its class and underlines the all-wheel-drive competence of the brand.

More than 580,000 ŠKODA Yetis have been sold to customers around the world to date. In 2015 alone, ŠKODA delivered around 99,500 Yeti models. Between January and August 2016, approximately 61,700 customers worldwide opted for a Yeti, with over 14 percent of those allocated to UK customers. 

Dacia will unveil the slightly enhanced Sandero, sandero Stepway and Logan MCV at this years Paris Motor Show.

• Dacia will introduce three new models at the Paris Motor Show: Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV
• Models have been redesigned to meet Dacia customers’ expectations
• Distinctive new front end and lighting signature shown for the first time
• The new models will be revealed in full at the Paris Motor Show Dacia press conference on Thursday, 29 September at 10:45 CET

The Paris Motor Show provides an opportunity for Dacia to celebrate another year of new sales records and share changes made to the range line up, including: the New Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV, which are more attractive than ever, but still the most affordable new cars in Europe.

Dacia unveils its new models

To the exterior, the front end has been reconfigured on all three models, giving a recognisable Dacia family look. The updated bumper, grille, and air vents confirm the robust nature of the range. 

The new lights, which now use LEDs, are more elegant and modern looking. They form four rectangles, creating the new Dacia lighting signature. The rear lights have also been redesigned in the same spirit. The interior has also received updates to the features, materials, ergonomics, storage areas, and more.

The new models redesigned from the inside out, including powertrains will be unveiled at the Dacia press conference at Paris Motor Show on Thursday, 29 September at 10:45 CET in Hall 1 at the Dacia stand.

This conference will be led by Jean-Christophe Kugler, Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Europe Region.

Nissan Launches new trim level on it's range of crossovers, the N-Vision either replaces or is an addition to the models.

• New N-Vision Special Versions promote Nissan’s smart, safety-shield technologies on Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail
• Positioned between N-Connecta and Tekna grade on Juke and Qashqai to offer even more comfort, style and convenience at accessible price points. Replaces n-tec grade on X-Trail
• Limited production run on Juke and a new grade for Qashqai & X-Trail
• Juke N-Vision on sale now with Qashqai and X-Trail from 1^st October

Nissan is pleased to announce an exciting new addition to the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail line-ups with the introduction of the Nissan Vision range to its class-leading crossover range.

The N-Vision Special Versions are designed to promote Nissan’s smart, safety-shield technologies. 

These features will come as standard in the Nissan Vision line which is positioned between the N-Connecta and range-topping Tekna grades. The key features promoted across all three models are:

• Around View Monitor
• NissanConnect
• Full Colour Rear View Cameras
• Lane Departure Warning

At the heart of the range is Nissan’s pioneering Around View Monitor (AVM) system. AVM is part of Nissan’s desire to remove the stress and difficulty from modern-day driving by giving drivers the confidence to manage manoeuvres more easily. It is also an integral part of Nissan’s journey towards ProPilot, the brand’s autonomous driving technology which will debut in Europe on the Qashqai crossover in 2017.

ProPilot is part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, a strategy announced earlier this year as a guide to the brand’s product evolution. It will anchor critical company decisions around how cars are powered, driven and integrated into society, all while remaining focused on creating more enjoyable driving experiences.

The new Nissan Vision line adds even more customer choice and value to Nissan’s popular crossover line-up.

The limited-production Juke N-Vision is based on the generously specified N-Connecta grade with the addition of:

• Safety pack (Safety Shield Technologies including Around View Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection)
• Exterior+ pack (front and rear bumper finishers, wing mirror covers, headlamp inserts and 18” alloys with coloured inserts)
• Floor mats with white stitching
• Metallic/pearlescent paint (no free paint option)

Further comfort and convenience is afforded by the new NissanConnect 5.8” touch-screen navigation and entertainment system; DAB & Internet Radio with 6 speakers; colour reversing camera; electric folding and heated door mirrors; Intelligent Key with Start push button and automatic lights and wipers.

The Juke N-Vision is available in two distinctive colour combinations. A Pearl black metallic exterior with London white interior personalisation and London white Exterior+ pack; or a Storm white pearlescent exterior with London white interior personalisation and Tokyo black Exterior+ pack.

Two engines are offered with the DiG-T 115 petrol version priced at £18,860 OTR (+£195 for Storm white pearlescent paint) or the dCi 110 diesel model at £20,485 OTR (+£195 for Storm white pearlescent paint).

The Qashqai N-Vision is priced from £23,790. The model builds on the N-Connecta specification with the following enhancements:

• Panoramic Glass Roof with one-touch shade
• Satin Silver Roof Rails
• Sports Alcantara and Graphite Part Leather Trim
• Heated Front Seats
• Electric Driver Seat Adjustment
• Dark Headlining

The N-Vision, along with the Black Edition, features the Panoramic Glass Roof as standard, normally a £450 option. The full range of body colours is available with one standard (£0), seven Metallic (£575) and one Pearlescent (£745) paint option. (Prices effective 1st October).

The Qashqai N-Vision is powered by a choice of four refined powerplants – two petrol and two diesel – with CO₂ emissions from just 99g/km on the dCi 110 with 17” alloys. The engine/transmission options are:

• DiG-T 115 (Manual or Xtronic 2WD)
• DiG-T 163 (Manual 2WD);
• dCi 110 (Manual 2WD)
• dCi 130 (Manual or Xtronic 2WD and Manual 4WD)

The X-Trail N-Vision replaces the n-tec grade, which sits between Acenta and Tekna. Standard features include the Smart Vision Pack with Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Signal Recognition; NissanConnect 7" touch-screen navigation and entertainment system; Around View Monitor; stylish 19” alloy wheels, and one-touch automatic opening power tailgate.

The X-Trail N-Vision is available with the DIG-T 163 2WD petrol and six-speed manual transmission or the dCi 130 diesel with 2WD mated to a six-speed or Xtronic gearbox or a 4WD with six-speed manual. Prices remain the same as the outgoing n-tec grade, starting from £26,735.

Peugeot, Judy Murray & the Lawn Tennis Association collaborate further to bring Tennis to more Scottish regions.

• PEUGEOT provides new 508 to grow Judy Murray’s Tennis on the Road programme
• Tennis on the Road, supported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) established to increase involvement in tennis across the UK
• New PEUGEOT will travel with Judy across Scotland to help promote the sport

PEUGEOT UK has served up an ace for Judy Murray’s Tennis on the Road scheme as it delivered a new 508 car to help the initiative reach the far corners of Scotland in the coming months.

The 508 will be a dependable steed for Judy as she travels across the country, bringing tennis to communities with little or no access to the sport.

Tennis on the Road, supported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) shows parents, teachers, coaches, students, volunteers and sports development teams how to deliver fun and engaging starter sessions to children and young teenagers.

 

Through partnership with PEUGEOT, Tennis on the Road now has increased activation opportunities thanks to even better transportation increasing the amount of equipment that can be carried.

The new car is destined to visit another seven outreach locations across Scotland before the end of 2016, adding to a growing list of 40 schools which have benefitted from the scheme.

Judy Murray commented: “Tennis on the Road is about inspiring and supporting parents, teachers, volunteers and coaches to increase participation and grow tennis in their local areas using whatever space they have. You don’t need a tennis court to get kids started!

“Being able to attend the sessions at the various schools and tennis clubs is really important to me and having the PEUGEOT 508 will get me, and all my equipment, to as many of these as possible.”

Andrew Didlick Director of Communications, Events & Brand Partnerships said: “Tennis is an important part of the PEUGEOT brand; our brand ambassadors are Novak Djokovic and Jamie Murray, and we also support the LTA and ATP by providing Official Cars.

“Now, the addition of a PEUGEOT 508 to the Tennis on the Road team will help take the sport and the opportunities it brings to even more communities across Scotland, inspiring a new generation of potential ambassadors.”  

The stylish 508 features a spacious boot and is well-equipped with in-car technology, meaning that Judy will be able to to transport all necessary equipment and  remain connected with the Tennis on the Road team when travelling to remote parts of the country. The 508 joins a stablemate from PEUGEOT’s range of Commercial Vehicles as the brand also supplied a Boxer van to Tennis on the Road earlier this year.

To learn more about Tennis on the Road or if you are interested in getting the FREE roadshow to your local community, please go to www.tennisontheroad.com.

New Renault and Dacia dealership opens in Grimsby and doubles the businesses presence with the brand.

• Right Car opens its second Renault and Dacia dealership
• New Grimsby dealership builds on the success of the group’s recently-opened site in Hull
• Opening re-establishes the representation of Renault and Dacia in Grimsby
• Cutting edge 2.5-acre facility incorporates a nine-car showroom and 15-bay workshop
• Opening supports the goals of Groupe Renault UK’s GO5+ strategy

Driven by the impressive results it has achieved with its first Renault and Dacia dealership, Right Car has increased its investment in the award-winning Groupe Renault UK franchise with the opening of a brand new dealership in Grimsby.

The new West Coates Lane dealership builds on the success of Right Car’s first Renault and Dacia dealership in Hull that launched earlier this year, the opening re-establishing the representation of the fast-growing brands in the South Bank region and continuing Right Car’s focus on expanding its new car sales operation.

One of the area’s most prosperous and well-known automotive groups, Right Car has invested over £350,000 in transforming what was one of its pre-owned car outlets into the cutting edge new dealership. Occupying a 2.5-acre plot, the new facility features a spacious nine-car showroom that has been extensively refurbished to include the innovative Renault Store showroom design with its iPad-equipped ‘brand bar’ and engaging displays, EV charging points, a 15-bay workshop and sufficient space to display over 300 pre-owned vehicles.

The opening has created a further 10 jobs, taking the Right Car Renault and Dacia team to over 40. Notably, the new positions include the appointment of a Fleet Manager, as Right Car believes that such models as the All-New Mégane, New Clio and All-New Kadjar crossover, together with the award-winning LCV range that consists of the Kangoo, Trafic and Master, represent a highly attractive proposition to local business users that have previously not considered the Renault and Dacia ranges.

Right Car’s latest dealership comes at a time when Groupe Renault and its dealer network are enjoying unprecedented growth in the UK. Renault enjoyed an excellent year in the UK in 2015 and the dealer network has been bolstered with both the addition of new partners and existing ones taking the opportunity to enhance their profitability and strength with the opening of further dealerships. The attractiveness of the Groupe Renault franchise has been officially recognised too, with Automotive Management magazine awarding it the accolade of Franchise of the Year 2016.

The expansion of the Renault dealer network is a key factor in Groupe Renault UK achieving the goals of its GO5+ strategy, including sustainable growth and a top 10 ranking in the Auto Express Driver Power Satisfaction Survey. These goals have recently enjoyed a significant boost with Renault’s half-year sales in the UK far outperforming the market, while the brand has also taken the number one spot for the first time in the Auto Express Driver Power Satisfaction Survey 2016 for Dealer Aftersales Service Satisfaction. Adding to the great result for Groupe Renault, Dacia took second place.

Shaun Kamis, Managing Director, Right Car, said: “From a ‘cold start’ we have never experienced anything like the level of success as we have with our Renault and Dacia dealership in Hull, so when we had the opportunity to re-establish the brand in Grimsby and also knowing the support that we have received from the manufacturer, it was a natural progression for Right Car.

“For us, Renault and Dacia are a perfect fit. We strive to put ourselves ‘out there’ and we like the way that Renault is very proactive in promoting the brand and raising awareness. With recent new models and more to come, plus excellent offers across the range, Renault is providing a very sound basis on which to open a new dealership and there’s plenty happening that gives people a reason to come and visit us.”

Kamis continued: “Based on what we have already experienced and what we are seeing, the Groupe Renault franchise is one that we can definitely grow with. As more franchise opportunities arise, we will definitely look to expand our representation of the brands.”

Mark Potter, Director, Northern Region, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We’re delighted that Right Car has chosen to once again invest in the Groupe Renault franchise and that its Hull dealership has demonstrated beyond any doubt the potential of our franchise. In a very short period of time, Right Car has proved to be an excellent partner and with its presence and reputation in the region already firmly established, we know that they are the perfect group to bring the Renault and Dacia brands back to Grimsby.

“With the reassurance of the Right Car name, anyone in the area who has an interest in Renault or Dacia is now safe in the knowledge that their requirements will be met to the highest standard by an experienced and knowledgeable team that place customer service above all else.”

Groupe Renault, which comprises Renault cars, vans and Dacia, has experienced unprecedented growth over the last three years, consistently outpacing the UK market. The growth has continued into 2016 with 71,492 Group vehicles being sold in the first six months of the year – up 14.4 per cent on the same period in 2015 – with a market share of 4.4 per cent compared to the total market growth rate of 3.1 per cent.

Mercedes-AMG is blowing even more fresh air into the AMG GT family. Shortly after the world premiere of the AMG GT R

Mercedes-AMG is blowing even more fresh air into the AMG GT family. Shortly after the world premiere of the AMG GT R, the sports car and performance brand from Affalterbach is presenting two exciting roadster variants of the two-seater sports car. 

Alongside the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT C Roadster enhances the portfolio with a completely new model variant. With an output of 410 kW (557 hp) and peak torque of 680 Nm, the AMG GT C is the most powerful new Roadster variant and uses some of the technical refinements of the AMG GT R. 

These include active rear axle steering and the electronically controlled rear axle locking differential. In combination with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension, the AMG GT C Roadster guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level. 

The top Roadster also takes its lead from the top AMG GT R sports car where muscular proportions are concerned: the wider rear wings create space for a wider track and wider wheels at the rear axle, allowing even higher cornering speeds and excellent traction. 

The variable performance exhaust system also ensures an authentic V8 sound from the AMG Roadster.

The new Roadsters make hallmark AMG driving performance an even more intensive experience. "With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants. 

With the AMG GT C Roadster, we are also introducing a new model variant to which we have transferred main performance-related components from our top sports car, the AMG GT R. The result: a highly dynamic driving experience in a very exclusive ambience, coupled with that pure roadster feeling," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

With the two Roadster variants the Mercedes-AMG GT family has now increased to five members. The two new sports cars with fabric soft tops likewise have the technical genes for which AMG is famous. These include e.g. the lightweight and torsionally rigid aluminium bodyshell plus powerful and efficient V8 biturbo engines. The entry level into the Roadster world is the AMG GT with an output of 350 kW (476 hp). The AMG GT C Roadster adds a completely new output level. With 410 kW (557 hp) it is the more powerful of the two new open-top sports cars. 

Technical data at a glance:

	Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster	Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
Engine	4.0-litre V-8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection	4.0-litre V-8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection
Displacement	3982 cc	3982 cc
Output	350 kW (476 hp) at 6000 rpm	410 kW (557 hp) at 5750-6750 rpm
Peak torque	630 Nm at 1700-5000 rpm	680 Nm at 1900-5750 rpm
Drive system	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed dual-clutch transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed dual-clutch transmission
Fuel consumption - combined	9,4 l/100 km	11,4 l/100 km
Combined CO2emissions	219 g/km	259 g/km
Efficiency class	G	G
Weight (DIN/EC)	1595 kg* / 1670 kg**	1660 kg* / 1735 kg**
Power-to-weight ratio	3.35 kg/hp	2.98 kg/hp
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4,0 s	3,7 s
Top speed	302 km/h	316 km/h
Rear-axle limited-slip differential	mechanical	electronically controlled
Suspension	AMG sport suspension	AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive adjustable damping
Wheels front / rear	9,0 J x 19 / 11 J x 19	9,0 J x 19 / 12,0 J x 20
Tyres front / rear	255/35 R 19 / 295/35 R 19	265/35 R19 / 305/30 R 20
Brake discs front/rear	360 mm/360 mm	390 mm/360 mm
Transmission modes	four: C, S, S+, I	five: C, S, S+, I, RACE

* Kerb weight according to DIN, not including driver ** Kerb weight according to EC, including driver (75 kg)

The AMG GT C Roadster not only delivers more output and torque, it also impresses with numerous technical highlights from the Mercedes-AMG GT R for even more dynamic performance. Like the AMG GT R, the AMG GT C Roadster is recognisable by its wide, muscular rear end and large wheels. Other technical measures include the wider rear track and active rear axle steering.

The AMG GT C Roadster is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery, and has more exclusive appointments. Standard features include a nappa leather interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre and the additional transmission mode RACE.

Fully automatic: the weight-optimised fabric soft top

Both Roadsters are quickly transformed from coupés to open-top sports cars. The fabric roof opens and closes in around eleven seconds, and can do this at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The three soft top colours black, red and beige can be chosen to suit the eleven exterior and ten interior colours. The three-layered fabric soft top is supported by a magnesium/steel/aluminium structure of low weight, which helps to keep the centre of gravity low. Additional rollover protection is provided by an integrated aluminium cross-member with rollover bars.

New output level: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine

With the AMGGT C Roadster, Mercedes-AMG is introducing a further output level of the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, thereby underlining the exclusive character of the new model. At 410 kW (557 hp), the peak output is 35 kW (47 hp) above that of the AMG GT S and 20 kW (28 hp) below the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The maximum torque of 680 newton metres is available from 1900 to 5750 rpm. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is absolved in 3.7 seconds, and this fulminating acceleration only ends at the top speed of 316 km/h.

The AMG GT Roadster has an output of 350 kW (476 hp) and 630 Nm of torque. This variant accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and to a top speed of 302 km/h.

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": a compact engine design, spontaneous response from the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters.

Also adapted: the dual-clutch transmission

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 setup "I" (Individual) allow a broad range of driving experiences from comfortable to very sporty.

The transmission mode "RACE" 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 racetrack – very fast shift speeds and highly emotive engine sound are included. By pressing the separate "M" button in the centre console, the driver can activate the manual transmission mode in any drive mode.

Pure sound: the AMG performance exhaust system

The AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with the AMG performance exhaust system as standard to obtain an even more emotive sound experience. Two variably adjustable flaps modulate the exhaust note of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadsters 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 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.

Also for the Roadster models: active air management system from the AMG GT R

The two AMG Roadster variants have adopted a special technical highlight from the AMG GT R: the active air management system. Vertical louvres located in the lower area directly behind the front fascia can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second. This ensures that the cooling performance is according to need. Always achieving the optimum position requires highly intelligent and fast control.

During normal driving with no increased cooling requirement, the louvres are closed to reduce aerodynamic drag and specifically conduct the air to the underbody. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and the air requirement is particularly high do the louvres open to allow the maximum cooling airflow to the heat exchangers.

Highly expressive: the athletic exterior design

From the expressive AMG Panamericana grille to the long, muscular bonnet and the wide rear end, the two-seater guarantees a pure sports car experience even when stationary. The striking AMG Panamericana grille underlines the motor racing heritage: 15 chrome-plated, vertical bars echo the look of the current Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer sports racing car. The new front apron emphasises the car's width and gives it a four-square appearance on the road. The large outer air inlets ensure the supply of cooling air to the engine. The pronounced shoulder is suggestive of a tensed muscle, and enhances the impression of sheer power and dynamism in combination with the new 19-inch and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design.

Muscular with an emphasis on width: the rear end

The rear end also features numerous, conspicuous innovations. The new aluminium side walls of the AMG GT C Roadster widen the open-top two-seater by 57 millimetres compared to the AMG GT Roadster. This is exactly the width of the AMG GT R. Compared to the AMG GT Roadster, the muscular form also creates space for the larger wheels and a wider track. Both measures make for traction while allowing higher cornering speeds. The likewise wider contours of the AMG GT C Roadster's rear apron improve the airflow at the rear with their large outer air vents. Both Roadster variants feature a rear spoiler integrated into the boot lid. This is electrically extended and retracted at defined speds, depending on the selected transmission mode.

Greater rigidity and low weight: Intelligent material mix

Mercedes-AMG also uses an intelligent material mix for the body structure of the AMG GT and GT C Roadster. Various aluminium alloys are used for the chassis and body, and magnesium for the front deck. This extremely light element at the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle, thus improving agility.

The already rigid bodyshell structure has been specifically reinforced further to take account of the car's design as a roadster: side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers make the structure more rigid, for example. The dashboard support is braced against the windscreen surround by additional struts, and a strut tower brace between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle. A cross-member behind the seats supports the fixed roll-over protection system.

The boot lid is particularly light, thanks to an innovative composite material. The load-bearing structure is of SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) with carbon fibres. These high-tech plastics excel with their light weight, great strength and first-class surface condition. These innovative materials were developed by the Mercedes-Benz TEC factory in Sindelfingen, and brought to production maturity together with the AMG specialists in Affalterbach. This material combination is used for the first time in the new AMG Roadsters.

The AMG lightweight construction experts have also uses an intelligent material mix for the so-called wheel-catching struts made of a composite material. 50 percent lighter than the equivalent in steel, these composite components help to guide the front wheels onto the side members as part of the intended crash kinematics in an accident, and to hold them there.

 Derived from motorsport: the AMG sports suspension

The AMG sports suspension likewise confirms the motor racing heritage of the new AMG Roadsters. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The wheels are also guided by double wishbones. The resulting precision in camber and track allows high cornering speeds and gives the driver optimum, highly precise road feedback right up to the very high cornering limits.

In the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster the sports suspension is combined with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. The system is electronically controlled and automatically adapts the damping on each wheel to the current handling situation, the speed and the road conditions.

Even more agility: active rear axle steering from the AMG GT R

As standard the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster responds even more sensitively thanks to the active rear axle steering that had its debut in the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The system offers an ideal combination of agility and stability ‑ handling characteristics that are normally in direct conflict.

Up to a speed of 100 km/h, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster turns into corners with significantly higher agility as a result, delivering even more driving pleasure and requiring less steering input. In day-to-day driving the driver also benefits from a reduced turning circle, for example when turning off or parking.

Once the speed of the AMG GT C Roadster exceeds 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, This noticeably improves handling stability. At the same time, the lateral force on the rear wheels builds up considerably faster when changing direction, which makes the response to steering inputs quicker. The driver also notices the high grip and stability of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster during rapid changes of direction, without the usual tendency for the rear to break out.

On board as standard: the rear-axle locking differential

As standard the AMG GT C Roadster is equipped with an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle (Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster: mechanical locking differential), which is integrated into the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and rapid control elevates the physical handling limits to a new level. It not only further improves the grip of the driven wheels, but also increases the cornering speeds at the limit.

High quality and exclusivity: the interior

The interior design echoes the design lines of the exterior. The dashboard places an extreme emphasis on width, creating an impression of a powerful wing.The high beltlines, concave door panels, dynamically rising centre console and low seat position perfectly integrate the driver into the cockpit. The new, light-coloured interior in macchiato beige Exclusive nappa STYLE leather is available for the first time, lending the open-top sports car even more individuality and exclusivity.

More lateral support and comfort: AMG performance seats

The optionally available AMG performance seats provide even more lateral support with more heavily contoured backrest and seat cushion side bolsters. For the first time the AMG performance seat is also optionally available with the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which makes open-air driving enjoyable even in low outside temperatures. The air vent is seamlessly integrated into the seat's head restraint area. To meet the individual preferences of customers, the temperature of the warm airflow can be set in three stages.

Customers wishing to enjoy comfortable temperatures even on very hot summer days will also opt for the seat climate control, which is also available exclusively for the AMG performance seat for the first time. The intensity of the climatisation can also be set in three stages.

Impressive sound in the interior: Externed Coupled Subwoofer

The Burmester surround sound system and the Burmester high-end surround sound system ensure a very special musical experience in the AMG GT Roadster. Both systems benefit from an innovation developed jointly by AMG and Burmester: the Externed Coupled Subwoofer (ECS). This new bass sound reproduction system with an extremely low bass range turns the open two-seater into a mobile concert stage.

Instead of a subwoofer box of limited dimensions, ECS uses the entire interior as a bass box. This is made possible by a special aperture in the right rear wheel arch. The subwoofer is connected to the bodyshell via this aperture, transmitting the impressive sound.