Affalterbach. This combination is just irresistible and is limited to 750 units: Mercedes-AMG is combining its top model brimming with motorsport technology with the freedom of the open-air driving experience – crowning the model portfolio of open-top sports cars. The new AMG GT R Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 22.8 mpg (12.4 l/100 km); combined CO2 emissions: 284 g/km[1]) is just as much at home on winding racetracks as it is on prestigious boulevards or beautiful coastal roads. With its powerful drive and expressive design it addresses a new, lifestyle-oriented target group which lives life to the full. The 430 kW/585 hp V8 biturbo, the adjustable coil-over suspension with active rear axle steering, the active aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction form the foundations for highly dynamic handling characteristics. And 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.
“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. 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”, says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo in the AMG GT R Roadster delivers an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and maximum torque of 700 Nm. This is available over a wide engine speed range from 2100 to 5500 rpm. The eight-cylinder power unit delivers muscular performance in all engine speed ranges, combined with high efficiency. A sprint from standstill to 62 mph is absolved in 3.6 seconds. The dynamic power delivery continues right up to the top speed of 197 mph.
Wants to stay ahead even at a standstill: the exterior design
The low-slung front section and the forward-inclined AMG-specific radiator grille create a distinctive “shark nose” impression and make the car appear to sit lower on the road. At the same time, this shape lowers the vehicle’s back-pressure point, enhancing the flow of cooling air and the car’s aerodynamic performance.
The standard-fit LED High Performance headlamps strengthen the AMG GT family tie with their light signature. A tri-functional, arched light guide takes on the functions of daytime running light, navigation light and turn signals. The multi-chamber reflector system with three single reflectors each for dipped beam and main beam not only ensures optimal illumination of the roadway, but also gives the AMG GT Roadster a sporty, dynamic look which gains even more optical depth as the result of the black background.
The V-shaped arrow-like appearance of the front end also enhances the dynamic looks, thus embodying the uninhibited forwards thrust of the AMG GT R Roadster even before it moves. The front apron in jet wing design and the front splitter emphasise the car’s width. The large outer air inlets in the front apron guarantee the increased supply of cooling air to the engine. For this reason, they sport two aerodynamically shaped horizontal fins in place of meshes and as a result route the airflow to the radiators without loss.
Additional Air Curtains on the outside of the front apron calm the airflow, improving the Cd value of the open-top two-seater. Thanks to their narrow, vertical openings, the Air Curtains also guide the air specifically towards the wheel arches, optimising the flow properties. To ensure ideal airflow through the double wheel arch radiators, the roadster additionally features unique wheel arch liners with special cooling-air slits.
Not at all aloof: active aerodynamics profile for more precise handling and better road adhesion
An active aerodynamics profile is concealed almost invisibly in the underbody in front of the engine. Weighing around two kilograms, this light carbon-fibre element is speed-sensitive and automatically extends around 40 millimetres downwards depending on the drive programme. This process involves considerable change in the airflow and results in what is known as the Venturi effect, which additionally “sucks” the car onto the road and reduces the front-axle lift by around 40 kilograms at 155 mph. The aerodynamics profile automatically retracts again depending on the drive programme and speed.
The driver can feel the advantages in the steering: the roadster can be steered even more precisely when cornering at high speed and exhibits even better directional stability. Especially during fast cornering and under high lateral acceleration, the vehicle delivers far more agile response with clear steering-wheel feedback while remaining easily controllable at all times. In addition, the drag coefficient is improved. The downforce on the rear axle remains at an unchanged high level.
When the electrically operated profile is extended, the radiator air outlet opens at the front end and precisely guides the air flow towards the double rear diffuser, which leads to an optimal flow of air. This improves the handling stability of the rear axle while reducing the temperature level of the hotspots at the rear. At the same time, the aerodynamics measures ensure optimised stopping power by routing more cold air specifically to the wheel disks.