2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster revealed

AMG has pulled the covers, and the roof, off its latest model, the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster, which it says is the 16th member of the AMG GT family.

Limited to 750 units worldwide, the GT R Roadster shares much of its specifications and styling with the coupe, including its rear wing.

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With the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 producing 430kW and 700Nm as its roofed sibling, the AMG GT R Roadster should be held back dynamically by the extra weight required for strengthening the roofless car.

But AMG says the extra 80kg brings no extra tenths, clocking a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds, identical to the AMG GT R Coupe. Top speed for the Roadster is claimed at 317km/h.

Aerodynamic elements such as ‘air curtains’ on the Roadster’s front apron are claimed to calm the airflow over and around the car, limiting the effect its open top has on drag.

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Even with the roof closed, the structure supporting the soft-top was designed to be lightweight to keep the centre of gravity low, so it’s made from a mix of magnesium, steel, and aluminium.

Similarly, rollover protection in the form of an aluminium crossmember is visible on the ‘body in white’ during the GT R Roadster’s production process.

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AMG chair Tobias Moers says the AMG GT R is intended to be more than just ‘Roadster style meets GT R performance.’

“With our GT R Roadster we have without doubt once again developed a brand-defining sports car,” Moers says.

“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.”