Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster: limited edition of 750 units

Only 750 units of the new Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster will be built, one of the most effective convertibles in the world to drive on a track.

Alright, you’ll tell me that driving at the limit on a circuit with the roof down is a bit of a stretch. And I agree with you. But it doesn’t matter what you and I think. The 750 units that will be built of the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster will surely sell out faster than a bag of sweets at a school gate. As you can imagine, it is based on the recently updated Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé and Roadster.

This is the most extreme and radical version of the AMG GT Roadster, presented at the Geneva Motor Show, and with it the AMG GT family now counts no fewer than 16 members to satisfy lovers of high performance. Of all of them, we recently tested the Mercedes AMG GT 63 S 4Matic. And we’re still savouring it…

Twin-turbo V8 engine with 585 CV

This two-seater with a fabric roof could not have fitted under its bonnet any engine other than the AMG 4-litre twin-turbo V8, with 585 CV of power and a maximum torque of 700 Nm. Its performance gives an idea of the car we’re talking about: 3.6 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h “without messing up your hair”, and a top speed of 317 km/h.

Compared with other AMG models, different turbochargers are used here, along with an optimised intercooler. Lubrication is by dry sump, and the AMG Performance sports exhaust uses a combination of steel and titanium. The Speedshift DCT AMG dual-clutch gearbox has also been modified, and in addition to shorter ratios for better acceleration, it includes a new launch control mode called RACE START.

To make the most of the engine’s potential on track, the AMG GT R Roadster includes, among other things, adaptive damping suspension, active rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics. The AMG Dynamics system includes four programmes: Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master.

The tyres are the best of Michelin, Pilot Sport Cup 2 track tyres that are homologated for road use. The dimensions are 275/35-19 at the front axle and 325/30-20 at the rear, which also has an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The powerful standard brake system can optionally be replaced with one featuring carbon-ceramic discs, which are about 15 kg lighter than steel ones.

To save weight, the fabric roof, made in three layers, uses a very light structure made of aluminium, magnesium and steel. Among the body reinforcement measures and those aimed at reducing the overall weight, the cross-member of the transmission tunnel, the diagonal bars linking the front structure and the reinforcing beams between the engine and the gearbox stand out, all made of carbon fibre.

Active aerodynamics

Among the aerodynamic elements that help this Roadster slice through the air efficiently is an active spoiler located underneath the car. It is made of carbon fibre and can lower by up to about 40 mm to alter the airflow. According to Mercedes, using the so-called Venturi effect, by creating “suction” with the air passing under the vehicle, this measure can reduce front-axle lift by up to 40 kg when travelling at 250 km/h, thus improving steering precision.

Another notable aerodynamic feature is the AIRPANEL. It consists of vertical slats in the lower part of the front splitter, which open and close via an electric motor to control and direct the air according to the engine’s cooling requirements at any given moment.

While outwardly the AMG GT R Roadster features numerous styling details that distinguish this version, with carbon fibre as the star, the interior is much the same. The standard seats are the AMG Performance, and optionally – it could well be standard on such an exclusive car – the AIRSCARF head restraint is offered, with an integrated hot-air diffuser.

For the digital instrumentation, a 12.3-inch cluster is used, complemented by the 10.25-inch multimedia screen in the centre console. The new TFT-technology buttons introduced in the recent update of the model also arrive, as does the new AMG Performance steering wheel, with AMG buttons that include small LCD displays showing the selected setting.