Though Mercedes-Benz, like many other automakers, is focusing on producing more SUVs and SUV-like vehicles it’s also not completely giving up on its performance-based models, especially if the new Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster is any indication.
The German automaker is producing just 750 of the little open-air rockets globally. The roadster puts out 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo V8. A sprint from standstill to 60 mph is reached in 3.5 seconds. The exhilarating power delivery continues right up to the top speed of 197 mph.
The new model offers supreme handling with adjustable coil-over suspension with active rear axle steering, active aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction form the foundations for highly dynamic handling characteristics.
Much like Mercedesother AMG GT roadster models, the GT R Roadster features a triple-layer fabric soft top with a lightweight structure consisting of aluminum, magnesium and steel.
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“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,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“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.”
The GT R Roadster is designed be equally comfortable on city streets and curving race tracks. That’s due, in part, to the active aerodynamics profile on the roadster. Concealed under the front of the engine, the carbon fiber element is speed sensitive. As the speed goes up, the further it extends, ultimately producing the Venturi effect, keeping the car basically stuck to the ground.
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 agile response with clear steering feedback, while remaining easily controllable. In addition, the drag coefficient is improved. The downforce on the rear axle remains at an unchanged high level.
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When the electrically operated profile is extended, the radiator air outlet opens at the front and precisely guides air flow towards the double rear diffuser, which also benefits from an optimal flow of air. This improves the handling stability of the rear axle while reducing the temperature of the hotspots at the rear. At the same time, these aerodynamic measures ensure optimized stopping power by routing more cold air specifically to the wheel disks.
The roadster’s wider stance also lends more stability to the vehicle in performance situations. However, it also helps provide a more comfortable cockpit area for the driver. Settled in, the driver sits at about the belt-level of the new roadster giving a classic racer feel.
Though it may feel like a classic racer, with AMG racing technology under the hood, drivers can bet the performance icon’s classic race-friendly simplicity of the dash gauges. The instrument cluster offers a screen design with the three AMG-specific display styles “Classic”, “Sporty” or “Supersport”. In the “Supersport” mode, there is also extensive additional information, such as a prompt to shift up in manual transmission mode.
The newly designed visualizations in the multimedia display enable further vehicle functions to be experienced more directly, for example, through an animated presentation of the driving assistance, vehicle and communication systems.
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Conversely, for those times driving to and from the track, the new roadster features a slew of new technologies that make the car safer to drive and offer better protection for its occupants. No release date for the new roadster has been announced, nor a price offered, which suggest if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.
Mercedes-AMG is really giving Thrills With New GT R Roadster.