The Mercedes-AMG GT R was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2016 and it looks like the company is going to finally offer a roadster variant.
Recently snapped near the Nürburgring, the high-performance drop top follows in the footsteps of the coupe as it adopts a more aggressive front fascia with a Panamericana grille. The styling similarities don’t stop there as both models have a “double rear diffuser,” an adjustable rear wing and a high-performance braking system that features yellow brake calipers
Like the coupe, the roadster should have active aerodynamics including a unique carbon component that moves downward by about 1.5 inches (40 mm) when the car hits speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) while in Race mode. This might not sound too interesting, but Mercedes has previously said the system “changes the airflow considerably” and helps to reduce front-axle lift by approximately 88 lbs (40 kg) at 155 mph (250 km/h).
Active aerodynamics are just one of the performance features on the GT R as the model also boasts a sportier suspension, a rear steering system and a limited-slip differential. The car also has lighter components and gripper tires.
Power will be provided by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. Backed up by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the rear-wheel drive roadster should be able to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in around 3.6 seconds. However, we can expect a slightly slower top speed than the coupe’s limit of 197 mph (318 km/h).
While it seems odd that Mercedes would wait this long to introduce the GT R Roadster – especially since a facelifted GT is already in the works – it should appeal to buyers looking for a convertible with more power than the GT C Roadster.