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.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Holy crap
Not sure how much the wing still works in the wake left behind by rooflessness
Not really sure it matters tbh. Besides, there’s a wind deflector there which probably helps counter act the airflow when the roof is down
Now the NOISE can attack your ears free of any barriers!
2 weeks later: Now it’s time to find it’s interesting quirks and features.
I love roadsters, but I can never get over the soft tops!
I would like one, seems cool
I never liked the GT in general but I’ve slowly grown to like the GTR. I would have one of these over a Vantage any day.
reminds me of the CLK DTM cabrio when the roofs down cause of the crazy fixed wing.
and thats no bad thing
A track monster that doesn’t even have so much as a roll bar… sigh…
I lost a good friend to a convertible. 15mph and a roll over. Should have been cuts and scrapes but the missing roof meant nobody made it. Convertibles should go the way of the dodo, and they have no business on a track without a roll bar.
Sorry for your loss, What was he driving tho
Mercedes-Benz cabriolets are known for having pop-out roll bars that can support the car. These are much safer and I can see why you are concerned.
Why not?