Mercedes-Benz has long been a force in the convertible market. The model year 2018 will be no exception, with a total of four different roofless cars being released. Even ten convertibles are available for the 2017 model year! Of course, not all of these convertibles are completely unique. They are frequently adaptations of regular roofed Mercedes models, allowing the brand to release a convertible version with less effort. Such a vehicle is the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. It is based on the 2016 Mercedes AMG GT, with AMG being Mercedes’ newest asset and the special division for high-performance vehicles.
Aside from the Mercedes AMG GT Roadster, three other AMG GT variants will be available in 2018. The logic behind the AMG GT Roadster‘s release is that Porsche will release a roadster version of their 911 Turbo. Back in 2014, the AMG GT was created specifically to compete with that model.
Exterior design
The roof and roofline are the most noticeable differences between the regular GT and the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT Roadster. To begin with, the curvy roofline has been eliminated due to the retractable soft-top roof. That roofline, which is best described as a Porsche 911 knockoff, allowed for a straighter and longer decklid. The decklid is elongated to allow for the retention of the roof when it is lowered. As a result, the AMG GT Roadster appears to be a regular convertible rather than the distinctively curved GT.
The GT Roadster also has a beautiful soft-top roof that is electronically retractable. The roof can be completely raised or lowered in eleven seconds, with a top speed of 31 mph (50 kph). The roof is made of three layers of extremely durable fabric that is completely weatherproof. The soft-top roof is available in three colors: red, beige, and black.
Finally, the front of the car is the most distinct from the standard AMG GT. The Roadster has larger lower air vents as well as a different grille and grille pattern, which alters the shape of the front fascia.
The addition of new 19 and 20 inch AMG light alloy wheels in a new double spoke design is another optional feature for the GT Roadster.
Interior design
Many features from the regular GT are also carried over to the interior. The popular cockpit layout returns, with a wide center stack that flows out to the left and right dashboards. Four circular air vents on top of the center stack steal the show. Underneath, the infotainment system is controlled by two rows of buttons and eight rotary knobs.
All of the premium interior options found on the regular AMG GT will be available on the Roadster as well. That means a wide range of color options, cloth and leather types, and luxurious stitching. The Roadster also receives an additional leather color, a stunningly bright light beige.
A four-speaker audio system will be the standard sound system. There are also two premium Burmester sound systems to choose from. The first has eleven speakers and a subwoofer in the back, while the second has ten speakers and offers a surround sound experience.
Engine specs
The engine in the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT Roadster is the same as in the regular AMG GT. The twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine, on the other hand, has been tuned to compensate for the increased weight. As a result, the same engine produces 469 hp in the Roadster while producing 456 hp in the regular GT. According to Mercedes, this bit of tuning paid off because the AMG GT Roadster accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is the same as the regular AMG GT.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with three driving modes and a RACE START function for maximum fuel efficiency. This transmission system is also found in the revolutionary convertible Mercedes Benz SLC. The presence of aluminum shifting paddles on the steering wheel compensates for the lack of a manual stick shift. If the driver chooses, these can take over the automatic transmission’s gearshifting procedure.
Both the United States and Europe will have a single engine option. Fortunately, Mercedes will also release the AMG GT Roadster C, which has 550 horsepower.
Tech specs
Again, the majority of the technical specifications are carried over from the regular GT model. We don’t expect the Roadster to have any more features, but here’s what we know will be included.
To begin with, there are some premium safety features, beginning with Attention Assist. The feature, also known as drowsiness detection, employs a sensor in the steering wheel to detect when the driver does not make as many steering movements as usual. This behavior is almost always the result of a driver’s lack of concentration on the road. This can be extremely dangerous because drowsiness is difficult to detect in yourself.
Collision Prevention Assist with Autonomous Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Detection are also important safety features. A front camera allows the car to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, recognize traffic signs, and adjust the maximum speed accordingly.
Price and release date
The 2018 Mercedes AMG GT Roadster starts at $124,400 and the GT C Roadster starts at $157,000.
The base GT Roadster will cost €129,180 in Europe, while the high-performance GT C Roadster will cost €160,650.