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. Following the release of the hotter GT R version in 2016, Mercedes-Benz unleashed the Roadster version ahead of the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Although at some point it was rumored that Mercedes would skip on building an AMG GT Roadster in order to protect its slow-selling SL-Class Roadster, the drop-top was confirmed earlier in 2016 by a batch of spy shots and a leaked strategy document that said it would arrive in dealerships in 2017.

The fact that Mercedes also developed a roadster version of the sports car makes a lot of sense since 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 was compelled to do the same in order to remain competitive. As expected, the Roadster uses the same greasy bits to move about, including the twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8.

Updated 09/15/2016: Mercedes dropped the official details on the new AMG GT Roadster.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 469
• Torque: 465
• Transmission: Seven-Speed Dual Clutch Auto
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

Design-wise, and aside from losing its fixed roof, the Roadster shares most of its styling features with the coupe, with the most important change being noticeable around back. Due to the new roof configuration, which is no longer of the fastback type, the Roadster gained a longer deck lid. This tweak allows for a smoother transition from one body style to the other without ruining the car’s sleek appearance. Unlike other cabriolets, the AMG GT's soft-top doesn't mimic the shape of the coupe roof, being shorter and very similar to that of the SLS AMG.

But despite losing the AMG GT's fastback shape, the Roadster boasts quite a balanced design, even when its soft-top is hidden behind the seats. Speaking of which, the fabric roof opens and closes in around eleven seconds, and can do this at speeds of up to 31 mph. The three-layered soft-top is built around a lightweight structure made from magnesium, steel, and aluminum, which helps keep the curb weight and center of gravity low. Customers can pick between three soft-top colors: black, red, and beige. The Roadster also received new 19-inch and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design.

Interior

As expected, the interior of the Roadster features the same impressive cockpit design that revolves around an aviation-inspired theme. It has 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 features 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 is also be packed with high-quality materials, including leather, Alcantara, contrast stitching, and exemplary fit and finish. The infotainment system also mimics the coupe’s and includes the latest apps and features. Naturally, all of the above are complimented by the infinite headroom that comes with a removable roof. As a special feature, the Roadster is the first AMG GT that can be ordered with a light beige interior.

Drivetrain

Under the Mercedes-AMG GT’s long hood lies a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 mated to an AMG seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Even though it is shared with the coupe, the powerplant produces more horsepower and torque in the Roadster. Specifically, the drop-top comes with 469 horsepower and 465 pound-feet, which accounts for a 13-horsepower and 22-pound-feet increase over the coupe. Why the small increase, you ask? Well, the Roadster is a tad heavier than the coupe due to thicker side skirts, additional struts for the dashboard support, and a strut tower brace for the rear axle, and the extra oomph is supposed to make up for that.

And it does, since Mercedes-Benz claims that the AMG GT Roadster needs 3.9 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, a figure that's identical to the base AMG GT coupe. Top speed is rated at 188 mph.

Moving over to the still-fresh V-8, it uses some pretty innovative technologies in order to produce its power, including the use of a "hot V" design. 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 expected, the Roadster will also be offered with a more powerful drivetrain. It's called the GT C Roadster, but despite initial rumors, it a lot more powerful than the AMG GT S, slotting between the latter and the hardcore GT R with 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of twist. This version needs 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph charges up to 196 mph.

Drivetrain Specifications

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 $121,000 before options, which would make it significantly more affordable than its main competitor, the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

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.

Update History

Updated 09/12/2016: Mercedes just dropped a teaser video that announces a roadster version for the AMG GT is coming. Hit "play" to watch it and stay tuned for the official details.

Update 07-29-2016: The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster was caught testing yet again, and this time we can get a look at it from all angles. Check out the new images below.

Updated 06/29/2016: The upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster was caught testing for the first time.

Spy Shots

July 28, 2016 - Second Testing Session

June 29, 2016 - First Testing Session