Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster unveiled 04 | 03 | 2019

    MERCEDES-AMG IS TO build a limited run roadster version of its GT R sports car. Powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine, which develops 568bhp sent to the rear wheels by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, only 750 units will be built. (Related: Mercedes reveals AMG GT prices)

    Delivering the same performance upgrades as the coupe, as well as a new set of lightweight alloys and an electronically folding fabric roof, the roadster will cover 0-62mph in 3.6-seconds. Top speed is set to be 197mph, and officially it’ll return 22.8mpg: that means — probably — 15-16mpg in real word driving.

    Like the other roadster models the open AMG GT R also has the triple-layer fabric soft top with a lightweight structure consisting of aluminium, magnesium and steel. (Related: New E350 for E-Class Coupe and Cabrio)

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    Externally, the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster gets a pair of wider carbon fibre wings, adjustable rear spoiler, a large rear diffuser, lower side skirts, deeper front splitter with active cooling louvres, and a set of staggered alloys, with 19in wheels on the front axle and 20in at the rear.

    Technically, the new roadster gets lowered suspension with adaptive dampers, an electronically controlled locking differential, active engine mounts, active rear-wheel steering and a carbon fibre tunnel brace to increase structural rigidity.

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    Inside the leather-smothered cabin there’s a pair of heavily-bolstered sports seats with Nappa leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, carbon fibre trim, plus an AMG steering wheel, fitted with black shift paddles.

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    There’s a healthy list of options available, including AMG’s carbon fibre package. This swaps the standard GT R Roadster’s mirror caps, front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser for lightweight carbon alternatives. A ceramic braking system, different upholstery and Mercedes’s neck-level AirScarf heating system are also boxes waiting to be ticked on the options list.

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    While Mercedes UK has yet to confirm whether the AMG GT R Roadster will come to the UK, if it does, prices are likely to start from around £150,000. That matches the £10,000 premium carried by the other convertible versions in the AMG GT range.

    “The new AMG GT R Roadster is far more than the combination of the thrilling vehicle dynamics of the GT R with the special flair of our GT Roadsters,” Tobias Moers, chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said.

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    “It is the essence of two worlds, blending to deliver our brand pledge, Driving Performance, in a very special way. With our GT R Roadster we have without doubt once again developed a brand-defining sports car. It too embodies Mercedes-AMG in form, function and vehicle dynamics and enriches our GT family with a highly exclusive variant limited to 750 units.”

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    Related: New 302bhp Mercedes-AMG A35

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    Jim McGill

     

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