Top down, pulse up: This is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class family has grown a lot over the past year, but as we head for the Geneva Motor Show next month, the German automaker shows no signs of slowing.

Ahead of the initial press day on March 1, the brand has popped the top off the 2017 C-Class Cabriolet range, which includes the C300 RWD, C300 4MATIC, and Mercedes-AMG C43. Each variant will touch down in the U.S. this year, with the C300 models arriving in late summer and the AMG following in the fall.

The first cabriolet to be based on a C-Class, the topless C300 is nearly identical to its closed-roof cousin in a mechanical sense, but its folding soft top, Airscarf neck-level heating system, and unique open-air personality set it apart. Only one engine is available until you step up to the AMG variant — a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque — but its nine-speed automatic will zip you up to 60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds. The C300 is also available with Airmatic air suspension.

Per usual, a red-hot AMG model adorns the top of the C-Class Cabriolet family. The droptop C43 wears a variety of sporty styling elements that tease its upgraded performance, the most notable of which are the AMG-specific wheels, chrome trim, and unique badging.

Like the C43 Coupe, the convertible equips a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that churns out 362 hp and peak torque of 384 pound-feet, which will push the vehicle to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. That’s just 0.1 seconds slower than the hardtop, by the way. The vehicle’s driving dynamics are tailorable as well, as the AMG Dynamic Select menu can tune suspension stiffness, engine response, steering weight, and transmission shift points to the driver’s liking. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

“The AMG product portfolio will continue to grow rapidly this year, making the world of Driving Performance more diverse than ever,” said Tobias Moers, chief executive of Mercedes-AMG. “Our new product line continues to expand at a fast pace and, with the C43 Cabriolet, we are offering a younger target group yet another alternative to discover the fascinating world of AMG.”

Pricing details are TBD for the C-Class Cabriolet, so for more information, stay tuned to DT Cars as we prep for Geneva.

from Planet GS via John Jason Fallows on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1oTyTb5
Andrew Hard