The Mercedes-AMG GT was introduced in 2014 as a successor to the SLS AMG. The second sports car developed entirely in-house by AMG, the GT is the first vehicle to wear the "Mercedes-AMG" nomenclature and the first to use the brand-new, twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 engine. Although it replaces the SLS AMG, the AMG GT is actually smaller and aimed at a different market, with the Porsche 911 being its most important competitor.
Now that the coupe has already hit the streets and Mercedes has launched the hotter GT R version, a roadster version is expected to arrive sometime in 2017. Although at some point it was rumored that Mercedes will skip on building an AMG GT Roadster in order to protect its slow-selling SL-Class Roadster, the new spy shots we just received from our paparazzi confirm that a GT Roadster is well underway.
This isn’t surprising though, mostly because Mercedes-AMG developed the GT with the Porsche 911 Turbo in mind. With Stuttgart also offering a drop-top version of its range-topping model, Mercedes is compelled to do the same in order to remain competitive. When the Roadster arrives, count on the same greasy bits to be under the bodywork, including the twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8. Like the coupe version, the roadster would likely share the two distinct outputs, allowing for model separation and an extra level of prestige for top-tier buyers. But more on that in my speculative review below.
Updated 06/29/2016: The upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster was caught testing for the first time.
Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster.
Spy Shots
June 29, 2016 - First testing session
Exterior
Design-wise, and aside from losing its fixed roof, the Mercedes-AMG GT will gain a slightly longer deck lid. This minor tweak will allow for a smoother transition from one body style to the other without ruining the car’s sleek appearance. Naturally, a panel will be used to fill the gap behind the seats, while a wind deflector will show up between the headrests. The spy shots give us a good look at the car with canvas top in place and it seems that the soft-top will mimic the shape of the SLS AMG’s roof.
Interior
Note: Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe pictured here.
Inside, expect to find the same impressive cockpit design that revolves around an aviation-inspired theme. Look for the same wing-like dashboard with spotlight-style A/C vents in the center stack, and concave-shaped door panels. A motorsport-inspired center console will feature the AMG Drive Unit controls arranged like eight cylinders in a V layout — just like the 4.0-liter engine under the hood. The cabin will also be packed with high-quality materials, including leather, Alcantara, contrast stitching, and exemplary fit and finish. The infotainment system will also mimic the coupe’s and include the latest apps and features. Naturally, all of the above will be complimented by the infinite headroom that comes with a removable roof.
Drivetrain
Note: Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe pictured here.
Under the Mercedes-AMG GT’s long hood lies a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8. In its base form, it produces 456 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the AMG GT S version, and that jumps to 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Expect the Roadster to hit dealerships in an identical configuration.
Under the Mercedes-AMG GT’s long hood lies a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8.
The V-8 uses some pretty innovative technologies in order to produce its power, including the use of a "hot V" design. In this case, the fresh air is drawn in from the outside of the cylinder heads and exits towards the inside of the engine’s V, or center section. That’s where the two turbochargers live. With the distance between exhaust valve and turbo spool kept to an absolute minimum, it reduces turbo lag to almost nothing.
What’s more, the engine uses a dry-sump oil system for high-G cornering, along with what Mercedes calls a ‘NANOSLIDE’ coating on the cylinder walls. The four overhead camshafts are fully variable to make the most out of their timing and Piezo direct-injection fuel injectors precisely place the proper portion of petrol above the pistons.
As far as performance goes, expect the Roadster to be a tad slower than the coupe, mainly due to its less aerodynamic shape and the extra weight in the reinforced chassis and body. While the AMG GT hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and tops out at 189 mph, the Roadster should reach the same benchmark in four seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 184 mph. Moving over to the S model, the coupe’s 3.7-second sprint and 193-mph top speed should drop to 3.8 ticks and around 190 mph, respectively.
Prices
Pricing for the AMG GT Roadster is obviously still a mystery, but with the base GT coupe priced from $ 112,125, the drop top could cost about $ 120,000 before options. The range-topping GT S Roadster version, on the other hand, is likely to retail from around $ 137,000.
Competitors
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Updated for the 2017 model year with new exterior styling, a revised interior, and a more powerful engine, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is arguably one of the most exciting convertibles you can buy nowadays. Powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six rated at 540 horsepower, the 911 Turbo boasts supercar-like performance figures, needing only three seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, before hitting a top speed of 198 mph. Upgrade to the Turbo S and its 580-horsepower outpu,t and the benchmark drops to 2.9 ticks while top speed increases to a whopping 205 mph. On the other hand, the mind-boggling performance that comes with the 911 Turbo reflects on the its sticker, which is significantly higher than the AMG GT’s. The base model retails from $ 171,500, while the Turbo S fetches $ 200,400 before options.
Find out more about the Porsche 911 Turbo here.
Audi R8 Spyder
Unlike the 911 Turbo, the R8 is brand new for the 2016 model year, having received a complete overhaul in its second generation. Significantly lighter than its predecessor due to extensive use of carbon-fiber, aluminum, and CFRP, the German sports car is faster and more nimble. The updated 5.2-liter V-10 engine delivers 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. But, although the R8 is significantly more powerful than the AMG GT, its 0-to-60 mph is only two tenths quicker than the Merc’s. Its top speed, on the other hand, is superior at 197 mph. As far as pricing goes, the R8 Spyder is expected to come in at $ 175,000, making it one of the most expensive performance roadsters on the market.
Learn more about the Audi R8 Spyder here.
Conclusion
The AMG GT Roadster arrives to complete Mercedes’ new assault on the Porsche 911. With the coupe model already in dealerships and the brand-new GT R unleashed against the track-ready 911 GT3, the Roadster comes to confirm that Mercedes means business with the AMG GT. And, even though it might not be as quick as the amazing 911 Turbo, the GT’s front-engined configuration enables it to provide the classic grand tourer experience — something the 911 can’t deliver. Also, the AMG GT has a more unique design that’s not shared with the bulk of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, compared to modern-day Porsches.
- Hot looks
- Powerful V-8 engine
- Turbo engine means better fuel economy
- Infinite headroom
- Affordable compared to competition
- Not as quick as its main competitors
http://autodriveclub.com/mercedes-amg-gt-roadster-2/
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