2019 Mercedes-AMG GT-R Roadster Has the Makings of a Future Collectible

Almost three years since Mercedes-AMG unveiled the GT R, its droptop sibling has finally joined the party. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster is here, and, from the looks of it, all the waiting we’ve had to endure has paid off in kind. The GT R Roadster looks the part of a raunchy roadster with the added aesthetic benefit of a rear wing supplementing its sporty looks. It’s fierce, aggressive, and potent, all rolled into one. The latter is just as important in the AMG GT R experience, especially when you consider that this model weighs 110 pounds more than its coupé counterpart by virtue of its triple-layer fabric soft top and the corresponding aluminum and magnesium structure that supports it. Pricing details have yet to be revealed, but we do know that there won’t be a lot of these models on the road when it hits the market. Mercedes-AMG only plans to build 750 units, making the AMG GT R Roadster a bit of a special edition model in its own right.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT-R Roadster Has the Makings of a Future Collectible

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Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT-R Roadster Has the Makings of a Future Collectible
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A lot has changed in this world since Mercedes unveiled the AMG GT R. I’m not going to dive into all of them, but I am thankful that even if the world looks totally different from what it was back in 2016, there are some things that never change. Mercedes-AMG’s ability to uncork impressive performance cars is a good example of that. Three years ago, Mercedes’ performance arm showcased the AMG GT R in front of a world that was salivating to see a proper replacement to the SLS AMG. While it wasn’t exactly the first AMG GT model to hit the scene, it was the lineup’s flagship model, the chosen one that could legitimately go toe-to-toe with the almighty Porsche 911.

So far, the AMG GT R has been as good as advertised. In some ways, the model’s success is one of the reasons why Mercedes delayed the arrival of its roadster counterpart. Why steal the coupe’s thunder when it was still cracking like a firecracker? Eventually, the roadster would arrive, which brings us to the present. The AMG GT R Roadster is here, and, boy, oh, boy, it is a doozy.

Let’s get the numbers out of the way. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster is powered by a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine that produces 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It’s the exact output that its coupé sibling has, and while it is a bit slower to 60 mph than the coupé — 3.7 seconds to 3.5 seconds — the difference is probably negligible when you can do it with the top down as everyone around turns with green with envy.

You can point to the numbers and say that the coupé beats the roadster by a nip, but the counter-argument to that is the coupé should beat the roadster because the latter, by virtue of carrying an intricate retractable roof system, is heavier than its hardtop counterpart by 110 pounds. That may sound inconsequential when you’re talking about cars that weigh thousands of pounds, but in the game of performance where every ounce of extra weight matters, the AMG GT R Roadster’s ability to replicate the performance numbers of the AMG GT R is an achievement in it of itself.

Obviously, there’s more to it than just the car’s weight. Not only does it shape the air flow underneath the car, but it also creates a Venturi-like effect that increases downforce in the front of the car. Throw in other aero goodies like the widened track and the electronically controlled locking differential and you have a car that’s capable of being blisteringly quick.

This is the story of the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster. I’d also point out that it looks remarkably sexy with that rear wing, but you probably know that already. Most of also know that when it comes to stylish interiors, Mercedes is one of the best in the business. Spoiler alert, folks. The AMG GT R Roadster scores aces in those departments, too. I mean, take a look at it from every conceivable angle. It’s poster-worthy in all of them.

About the only downside to the model has nothing to do with anything it brings to the table, but, rather, Mercedes’ plans for it. As it is, Mercedes-AMG is only building 750 units of the AMG GT R Roadster. It’s an alarmingly low volume for a performance car that we waited three years to see. It’s almost a special edition model, which is disappointing, to say the least.

No pricing details have been revealed, but you can expect that it’s going to cost a tad higher than its coupé sibling, which starts at a little less than $160,000.

Given the limited volume of the model, don’t be surprised if it turns into a collectible, too. There’s something about low-volume Mercedes-AMG sports cars that can tug at the heartstrings — and wallets — of Mercedes collectors all over the world.