The Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster has lost its top but gained a whole lot of street cred.
Losing its top has just made it all that more desirable, as does its limited run of just 750 units.
The bi-turbo V8 from the GT R is carried over, as does the adjustable coil-over suspension with active rear axle steering, the active aerodynamics and lightweight construction.
Hand-built by AMG, the 4-litre V8 delivers 585hp and 700Nm of torque, available from 2100 to 5500rpm.
With great power comes great acceleration. A sprint from standstill to 100km/h is over in 3.6 seconds, and the GT R Roadster continues right up to its top speed of 317km/h.
Like its other roadster models, the open AMG GT R Roadster also has the triple-layer fabric soft top with a lightweight structure consisting of aluminium, magnesium and steel.
Air Curtains on the outside of the front apron calm the airflow, improving the car’s drag coefficient.
Thanks to their narrow, vertical openings, the Air Curtains also guide the air towards the wheel arches, optimising the flow.
To ensure ideal airflow through the double wheel arch radiators, the GT R Roadster additionally features unique wheel arch liners with special cooling-air slits.
Concealed in the underbody in front of the engine is a 2kg, speed-sensitive carbon fibre flap. It automatically extends around 40 millimetres downwards depending on the drive programme, substantially changing the airflow and reduces front-axle lift by around 40kg at 250km/h via the Venturi effect.
According to Mercedes, the GT R Roadster can be “steered even more precisely” when cornering at high speed and exhibits even better directional stability with this flap in place.
To keep the inevitable weight gain down, Mercedes-AMG uses an intelligent material mix to keep the AMG GT R Roadster light and strong at the same time.
Various aluminium alloys are used for the chassis and body, and magnesium for the front deck. Aluminium used in the front reduces the inertia ahead of the front axle and improves vehicle agility.
The GT R Roadster is a “brand-defining sports car”, said chairman of Mercedes-AMG’s board Tobias Moers.
It “embodies Mercedes-AMG in form, function and vehicle dynamics and enriches our GT family with a highly exclusive variant limited to 750 units”, Mr Moers said.
