The Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster Is A Nonsensical Track Monster We Want Badly

As we discussed at length after driving the new McLaren 600LT Spider not so long ago, track-focused convertible supercars are probably silliest of all cars. The idea of taking something that’s designed to go as fast as possible around a circuit and making it heavier and less rigid is patently absurd, and yet, we still love these brilliantly daft machines.

Just take a look at this Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster. We know it won’t be as stiff as the coupe, and at 1710kg it’s 80kg heavier. But you want one still, don’t you?

You certainly won’t be wanting for speed. You get the same 577bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the coupe, and the 0-62mph is unchanged at 3.6 seconds. The top speed has dropped, but only by 1mph to 196mph. We’re fairly sure owners will be able to cope with this.

The three-layer fabric roof has a structure made of aluminium, magnesium, and steel. Mercedes hasn’t given any figures for the operation of the roof, but it’ll presumably match other drop-tops in the AMG GT range, meaning it’ll take 11 seconds to raise or lower at speeds of up to 30mph.

When stowed, a pair of rather lovely rollover hoops are revealed. Should you be keen on the idea of dropping the roof in colder weather, you can option Mercedes’ Air Scarf neck warmer.

There’s a total of 14 different exterior colours available, including the new ‘graphite grey magno’ finish, which is exclusive to the Roadster. Like the coupe, it’s possible to spruce the Roadster up further by optioning one of two different carbonfibre packs.

Want one? You’re looking at £158,000 before you’ve chosen any carbon bits and/or a fancy colour. It’ll be a much rarer beast than the GT R coupe, with a production limit of 750.